Local authorities were alerted to the incident after videos of the assault and public humiliation surfaced on social media, drawing widespread outrage
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a disturbing incident on Friday, Shubran, a Dalit man, was subjected to public humiliation and physical abuse by members of Hindutva groups in the Fatehpur District of Uttar Pradesh. The incident, reportedly triggered by claims that Shubran had converted to Christianity, has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for justice.
According to eyewitnesses, Shubran was forcibly taken from his home and assaulted by a group of individuals. His head was shaved, and he was beaten with shoes before being paraded around the village degradingly.
Shubran was also forced to bow down at a temple, where he was made to recite the Hindu hymn ‘Hanuman Chalisa’, and then paraded through the entire village.
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The assaulters allegedly accused him of attempting to influence others to convert to Christianity, a charge that Shubran reportedly denies.
Local authorities were alerted to the incident after videos of the assault and public humiliation surfaced on social media, drawing widespread outrage. Police have since registered a case and initiated an investigation. However, no arrests have been made as of yet.
Human rights activists and Dalit organisations have condemned the attack, calling it a blatant violation of individual freedoms and human dignity. “This is a clear case of targeted violence against a Dalit individual under the guise of protecting religious identity. Such acts cannot be tolerated in a democratic society,” said a representative of a local Dalit rights group.
The incident highlights the rising tensions surrounding religious conversions in India, particularly in regions where caste-based discrimination remains deeply entrenched. It also underscores the increasing vulnerability of marginalized communities in the face of growing majoritarian aggression.
State officials have assured that strict action will be taken against those responsible for the assault. “We are committed to ensuring justice for the victim and maintaining communal harmony in the region,” said a senior police officer.
Meanwhile, Shubran and his family are reportedly living in fear, worried about further retaliation. Advocacy groups are demanding not only swift legal action but also protection for the victim and his family.
As the investigation unfolds, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the challenges faced by marginalised communities in asserting their rights and freedoms in contemporary India.