MP: Dalit man assaulted in public for sitting on chair in front of upper caste person; accused absconding

Madhya Pradesh: There seems a never-ending plight for the Dalit community members in sight, as atrocities continue to haunt people born in this community. Even after 75 years of Independence, the curse of social disparity still prevails.

In a shocking incident, a Dalit man was reportedly thrashed for merely sitting on a chair in front of an upper caste man, Hindustan Times reported. The shameful incident occurred in the Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh, highlighting yet another instance of caste discrimination still prevalent in India, irrespective of stringent laws.

The victim has been identified as Hallu Ahirwar (28). He was a resident of Chowka village. The victim was admitted to the district hospital and his condition is said to be stable.

“Raghu Singh Thakur including two others have been booked under section 324 (voluntarily causing hurt) and under relevant sections of SC/ST (prevention of atrocities) Act. They are currently absconding,” Bijawar sub-divisional officer of police (SDOP) said.

According to Chowka village sarpanch, the victim had come to panchayat bhawan to inquire about a government scheme. “He was sitting on a chair. Rohit Singh came to the office and scolded Hallu. He abused him over how a Dalit person could sit on a chair in front of him. The villagers had to then diffuse the situation,” village sarpanch stated. Later, Rohit went to Hallu’s home with two others and thrashed him brutally, before escaping from the spot.

“Here in the village, untouchability is still in practice. A day after he argued over equal rights, Hallu was beaten up brutally. It is very unfortunate,” panchayat secretary asserted.