Karnataka: Mob ties minor Dalit boys to pole and beats them, 12 arrested after viral video
Dalit minors in Harogeri village of Gadag district were brutally beaten up by upper caste men for sending obscene messages; one victim attempted suicide by consuming poison.
Published on: 07 Jun 2025, 10:46 am
Gadag (Karnataka). A shameful case of caste violence has come to light in Harogeri village of Gadag district of Karnataka. Here three Dalit minor boys were tied to the flag pole of the Gram Panchayat and brutally beaten by a mob of about 60 people. This incident took place on May 28, but it came to light only after the video went viral on social media, after which outrage spread across the state.
What is the matter?
According to the police, the attack took place when the boys were accused of sending obscene messages to an upper caste girl. Based on this allegation, the mob caught the three boys, tied them to a pole in public and beat them with ropes, sticks and slippers. The boys suffered serious injuries in the attack and suffered swelling all over their bodies.
Police action and arrests
Nargund police station inspector B. Manjunath said, “We have registered a case under SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and BNS (Indian Justice Code) on May 30. So far 12 people have been arrested, four of whom were arrested on Friday. Many accused are still absconding.” Police said that a separate case has also been registered in this case under the POCSO Act.
The ordeal of the victim families
The families of the victims said that when they went to rescue the children, they too were threatened and chased out of the village. The father of one of the victims said, “Untouchability is still prevalent in our village. This incident is another example of the discrimination we face every day.”
A minor, hurt by this inhumane attack, tried to commit suicide by consuming poison. He has been admitted to KIMS Hospital in Hubli, where his condition remains critical.
Attempt to suppress in the beginning, action taken after video went viral
According to local sources, initially an attempt was made to suppress the case. Some influential community leaders also pressured the victims to compromise. But when the video of the incident went viral on social media, the police took cognizance of the matter and started taking action.
