The chilling attack has once again exposed how caste violence remains deeply entrenched in our society even after decades of independence
NEW DELHI — In yet another incident, third caste-based attack reported from Gujarat in the past three weeks, a Dalit youth in Junagadh was brutally beaten, robbed, and threatened with death on August 16 by a group of upper caste youths.
The victim, who had gone to meet a friend in that area. was approached by a boy pleading for help as his brother was being mistreated. With the intention to help the boy he proceeded with him who led him to the Swami Vivekanand School ground, only then the victim realised that he was trapped and all was not well.
According to media report, three upper caste youths confronted him, asking about his background. When he replied that he was from Kadiawad, the attackers led by one Hitesh and two unidentified accomplices began to hurl casteist slurs at him, and thrashed him with belts and sticks.
The assailants reportedly snatched the victim’s mobile phone and threatened to kill him if he dared complain to the police. The victim is being treated at Junagadh Civil Hospital.
The chilling attack, captured in a viral video, has once again exposed how caste violence remains deeply entrenched in society despite decades of independence.
The victim is quoted as saying from the hospital bed, “They beat me up with a belt and a stick, robbed my phone, and threatened my life. Today it’s me, tomorrow it could be someone else. I only demand justice.”
An FIR has been registered at Junagadh A Division Police Station under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and police teams have been formed to trace the accused, according to police sources.
Civil society groups flagged the incident as part of a spate of caste-targeted violence in Gujarat this month. On August 14–15, a separate case from Junagadh district involved a Dalit man and his father-in-law allegedly assaulted after being taunted over his moustache and beard; five accused were named and a probe is ongoing.
Even after 78 years of independence, caste violence refuses to die down in our society.
