In yet another violent incident at Saharanpur in Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit man was killed and seven others, including a Muslim, were injured in caste associated brutality. The men were allegedly attacked by a group of upper caste members on their way home from riot-hit Shabbirpur after meeting BSP chief Mayawati.
More than 2,000 members from a community allegedly gheraoed a village in Saharanpur earlier this month, and set fire to more than two dozen houses belonging to Dalits. Their houses were torched in retaliation to a clash which broke out during a commemorative rally.
Reports state that the victims of the fresh incident were severely injured and were rushed to different hospitals. One of the wounded men, identified as Aayush, was declared brought dead. Aayush was a resident of the nearby Suakhedi village.
Dalits and Muslims from nearby villages had reportedly gone to meet Mayawati after hearing that she was visiting the region. When the group was returning from the meeting, it was attacked by assailants carrying sharp-edged weapons near Chandpur village, according to DNA.
As the villagers got to know about the incident, Dalits in the area allegedly took to rioting and stone pelting at some places, forcing markets in the region to shut down.
District magistrate NP Singh and senior superintendent of police Subhash Chandra Dubey reached the village with additional forces. "Our priority is to maintain peace and ensure that injured get proper treatment," Dubey said.
Thousands of activists had swarmed Jantar Mantar in Delhi on Sunday to protest against atrocities on Dalits in Saharanpur. The march, which was brought together by an organisation known as the Bhim Army, saw participation of All India Students' Association, and various other groups.
The protest was held to demand an investigation into the May 5 violence in Saharanpur, and compensation for Dalits whose houses were burnt. The demonstrators also asked for legal action against the perpetrators.
