Casteism; Dalit Youth Subjected to Casteist Abuse, Defamed on Social Media; Demands FIR Under SC/ST Act

Himachal News: Surajmani, a Scheduled Caste resident of Balichowki in Mandi district, has sent a complaint to the Superintendent of Police. He is receiving casteist abuses and death threats due to a private video that went viral on social media. He has demanded that an FIR be registered under sections of the BNS, IT Act, and SC/ST Act. This case comes against the backdrop of increasing caste-based atrocities in Himachal Pradesh.

The Viral Video Incident

Surajmani stated that a video of a private conversation of his was uploaded on Facebook without his permission a few days ago. The video did not contain any objectionable comments about deities. Yet, some people are repeatedly sharing it. This has led to Surajmani receiving abuses with casteist slurs and threats. These threats are spreading through Facebook posts, photos, and videos.

Surajmani is suffering from mental stress. It has become difficult for him to leave his house. People are spreading rumors. He has been defamed throughout Himachal Pradesh. In his letter to the Superintendent of Police, he demanded an investigation. He said that the accused can be identified through social media.

Complaint of Unauthorized Call Recording

Facebook user “Bunty Saraji Baldev Thakur” called Surajmani. He recorded the call without informing him. Later, he made it viral on social media. Surajmani termed this a violation of privacy. He cited the Supreme Court’s 2017 Puttaswamy judgment. This judgment considers unauthorized recording a crime.

Surajmani said that this is a violation of his constitutional right under Article 21. His right to life and personal liberty has been snatched away. He demanded action against the accused under sections of the IT Act.

Harassment Through False Complaints

“Bunty Saraji Baldev Thakur” and “Tulesh Thakur” have filed false complaints against Surajmani. These complaints were filed at the Superintendent of Police office and Janjehli police station. Surajmani says that these are motivated by caste hatred. This is negatively impacting their livelihood and social standing.

They cited Section 3(1)(v) of the SC/ST Act, which provides for punishment for giving false information. Surajmani appealed to the police to take action on these complaints.

Applicable Legal Sections

The complaint mentions Section 351 of the BNS, which covers criminal intimidation. Section 356 deals with defamation. Section 66 of the IT Act addresses unauthorized computer activity, and Section 67 applies to the transmission of offensive material.

Section 3(1)(r) of the SC/ST Act punishes public insult, and Section 3(1)(u) penalizes promoting hatred. Section 72A of the IT Act provides for two years imprisonment for disclosing confidential information, and Section 43A ensures compensation for data misuse.

BNS Section 223 is the basis for action against giving false information. Surajmani demanded an FIR under all these sections.

Demand for Action Against the Accused

Surajmani appealed for the arrest and interrogation of the accused. They requested directions to social media platforms to remove the content and also requested police protection. They offered to provide screenshots and video links.

Rising Caste-Based Cases in Himachal

Cases under the SC/ST Act are increasing in Himachal Pradesh. In 2024, 213 cases were registered in the state. Mandi district alone accounted for 42 cases, while Shimla had 27 and Kangra 22.

Recently, a case of caste discrimination in Rohru made headlines. The death of a 12-year-old Dalit boy sparked a debate on untouchability. The rape and murder of a Dalit woman in Kangra led to protests. The CPI(M) demanded justice for Dalits.

The High Court has taken a strict stance in several cases. In October 2025, a woman was denied anticipatory bail for allegedly beating an SC child for touching her. A discharge order was revoked in July 2025. The court stated that caste is determined by birth and does not change.

These incidents show that caste-based atrocities are still a challenge in Himachal Pradesh. Surajmani’s case appears to be part of this trend.

Poonam Sharma

Courtesy: Hindi News