Team Clarion
BENGALURU – A case has been registered against five persons for torturing and killing a Dalit youth on suspicion of stealing cigarettes worth Rs 1.40 lakh.
The prevailing caste system was apparent in the incident as a Dalit youth, Shashikant Mallikarjun Natikar (25), was reportedly tortured and killed by the owner of a private blood bank in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.
The victim, a resident of Pragati Colony, was employed at a blood bank near Basaveshwara Hospital, and was accused of stealing cigarette packets.
According to Shashikant’s father, Mallikarjun, the blood bank owner, Chandrashekhar Mallinath Patil, accused Shashikant of stealing cigarette packets and demanded him pay the amount. When the victim could not, Patil summoned associates to assault him.
Although an FIR has been filed against the main accused, Patil is currently absconding. The police have launched an investigation into the matter.
The caste system prevalent in the country is a comprehensive, systematised, and institutionalised form of oppression of members of the lower castes, particularly the Dalits.
