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Dalit Tragedies: The Hidden Horrors of Caste Violence

This investigative report explores the ongoing reality of Dalit atrocities, uncovering stories of discrimination, assault, and murder. As these incidents continue, the government, tasked with upholding the law, is evidently unresponsive.

By Durgesh Kumar Jha
New Update
Dalit violence

Dalit atrocity | Representative image | Photo courtesy: Special arrangement

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Dalit Man Killed for Using Public Tap

On November 27 last year, a harrowing episode of caste-based violence unfolded in Uttar Pradesh's Badaun. Kamlesh, a member of the Dalit community, tragically lost his life following a seemingly mundane act—his children fetching water from a public tap. That day, his children were rebuked by villagers for using the tap, a privilege begrudgingly viewed as exclusive to the upper castes. 

Warned sternly against repeating such an act, the matter escalated tragically by evening. Kamlesh, returning from his fields, was mercilessly beaten by Suraj and an accomplice, armed with wooden logs and sticks, simply because his children had drawn water from that public tap. It was this innocuous act that infuriated some from the upper caste, culminating in the killing of Kamlesh.

Dalit man murdered | Kamlesh
Kamlesh | Photo courtesy: Kamlesh's family

The details of the tragic incident, as per the First Information Report (FIR) lodged by the Badaun police, paint a stark picture of brutality. According to the FIR, "Suraj commenced his assault on Kamlesh by hurling abuses and striking him with a stick. The blows inflicted severe head injuries on Kamlesh, all witnessed by his family and numerous villagers. Following the attack, Suraj fled the scene, leaving Kamlesh critically injured. Kamlesh was taken to a nearby hospital where, given the gravity of his injuries, he was referred to Badaun Medical College. Despite the medical efforts, Kamlesh succumbed to his injuries."

Dalit atrocity | Kamlesh deadbody
Family members mourning the loss in front of Kamlesh's mortal remains | Photo courtesy: Kamlesh's family 

What is even more appalling than the attack itself is the subsequent apathy displayed by onlookers. In a conversation with Kamlesh’s wife, Sarawati, she conveyed a deeply distressing account of apathy, stating, "This brutal assault on Kamlesh was witnessed by many. Yet, no one intervened. Kamlesh’s life might have been spared had anyone cared to act, but instead, they merely watched the show." 

Kamlesh's wife further alleges a disconcerting attempt by the police to manipulate the evidence in her husband's case. She claims, "The actual weapon, a heavy wooden log used in the attack, was ignored by the police, who instead picked up a small stick from nearby. I was bewildered, unsure of the investigative process. It's unclear what is being done, as no one from the police has maintained any communication with us or updated me on the case's progress."

Echoing this sentiment, Sonu, Kamlesh’s brother-in-law, expresses a deep sense of abandonment and fear. "We have received no relief or support from the police. This was clearly a caste-based atrocity, a fact well-known throughout our village, yet the police have not pursued the investigation as they should. We continue to live in fear within our own village, apprehensive of further harm from upper caste individuals, especially given that Kamlesh left behind small children," he states.

Disabled Dalit Man Brutally Assaulted for Sitting on a Cot

The tragedy of Kamlesh is not a singular incident but part of a broader pattern of caste-based violence persisting in 21st-century India. More disturbing than the heinousness of these crimes is the profound apathy exhibited by authorities tasked with protection and justice.

In another grievous incident within the same month, in Gujarat's Patan district, a physically challenged 20-year-old Dalit man named Ashwin Parmar fell victim to a brutal attack. Men from the Thakur community assaulted him simply for sitting on a cot owned by the upper caste Thakur community members.

Dalit man beaten
Ashwin Parmar |
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