Uproar in Sidhi, MP, on Ambedkar Jayanti! Allegations of Assault and Casteist Abuse Against Dalit Woman; Serious Questions Raised Over Police Conduct—What is the Case?

In the Amaliya police station area, Pankali Saket has leveled serious allegations against a police constable and others; demands for action under the SC/ST Act intensify, while questions are raised regarding the administration’s silence.

Bhopal: On April 14, 2026—the occasion of Ambedkar Jayanti—a grave and disturbing incident came to light in the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh, raising serious questions regarding the functioning and sensitivity of the police administration. Pankali Saket, a Dalit woman and resident of the Amaliya police station area, has alleged that when she arrived outside the police station around 2:30 PM in connection with the programs and rallies organized for Ambedkar Jayanti, a police constable named Abhishek—along with three other individuals who were allegedly in plain clothes—surrounded her and began beating her mercilessly with sticks and batons.

According to the victim, the attack was sudden and unprovoked, leaving her seriously injured. The woman states that she sustained deep injuries to her head, hands, legs, and back—marks of which remain clearly visible. This incident has not only sparked outrage at the local level but has also raised the question of whether the police are failing to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens, particularly women belonging to the Dalit community.

Allegations of Casteist Abuse as Well

In her complaint, Pankali Saket has further alleged that during the assault, she was subjected to casteist slurs—conduct that is not only socially humiliating but also constitutes a serious legal offense. If these allegations are found to be true, the case could be registered directly under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Inadequate Treatment Received Even at the Hospital

Following the incident, the victim went to the hospital to seek medical attention; however, she has alleged that she was unable to receive proper medical care even there. Plagued by pain and injuries, the woman was compelled to purchase medication from a medical store before returning home. She stated that since the incident, she has been suffering from persistent headaches, dizziness, and vomiting—symptoms that have rendered her condition even more alarming.

This alleged negligence on the part of healthcare services has also raised serious questions regarding the administrative machinery. If a critically injured woman cannot even receive basic first aid at a hospital, it exposes the utter insensitivity of the entire system.

**Complaint Filed with the Superintendent of Police**

Pankali Saket has submitted a written complaint regarding this entire matter to the Superintendent of Police. In her complaint letter, she not only recounted her personal ordeal but also alleged that the incident was orchestrated with the specific intent of disrupting the Ambedkar Jayanti rally.

The victim further claimed that she was not the only one subjected to physical assault that day; other individuals were also beaten and are now wandering in search of medical treatment. The complaint names another individual, Saurabh Shukla, as an accused, while the identity of a second accused remains unknown. The woman has attached photographs of her injuries to her application to underscore the gravity of the case.

**The Issue Heats Up on Social Media**

Since surfacing on social media, this incident has rapidly become a subject of intense public debate. Sunil Asteya, a leader of the Azad Samaj Party, has raised scathing questions directed at the state government and the police administration regarding this event. Tagging Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, he questioned whether this is the manner in which the dignity of women is being safeguarded through schemes such as “Ladli Behna.”

Those championing this cause claim to have conversed with the victim via video call, during which she provided a detailed account of the entire incident and appealed for justice. They have also issued a warning: if prompt action is not taken, they will travel to Sidhi to stage a protest and demand strict punitive action against the perpetrators.

Speaking to *The Mooknayak*, Azad Samaj Party leader Sunil Asteya described the incident in Sidhi as both extremely grave and deeply shameful. He alleged that if the police themselves resort to physically assaulting citizens and hurling casteist slurs, how can the common people ever hope to receive justice?

He stated that the injustice inflicted upon the Dalit woman is not merely a wrong committed against an individual, but an assault on the dignity of the entire society. He demanded that strict action be taken immediately against the accused police personnel under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and that justice be delivered to the victim.

Sunil Asteya also issued a warning that if prompt action is not taken, the party will personally visit Sidhi to stage a protest and raise this issue on a larger platform.

**Questions Raised Over Administration’s Silence; Demand for Impartial Inquiry**

So far, no official statement regarding this entire incident has been issued by the police administration—a silence that, in itself, raises numerous questions. In a matter of such sensitivity, the administration’s silence is further fueling public mistrust. Local residents and social organizations have demanded an impartial and time-bound inquiry into this incident. They argue that if strict action is not taken against the accused police personnel, it will erode public confidence in the rule of law.

**Incident on a Day Symbolizing Social Justice Sparks Concern**

Ambedkar Jayanti is regarded in India as a day symbolizing equality, justice, and respect for constitutional rights. The occurrence of such an incident on such a significant day is not only unfortunate but also serves to expose the deep-seated inequalities and challenges that persist within society.

Ankit Pachauri

Courtesy: Hindi News