On September 14, an incident of caste-based violence has emerged from Masota village in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, where a Dalit family was allegedly held hostage and physically assaulted by a group of dominant Thakur men. The incident occurred following a road altercation involving a Dalit youth and escalated into broader community tensions.
According to local police, the issue began on September 13, when the bike of a Dalit boy collided with a car carrying Rajput men. The boy was allegedly slapped by the car’s occupants. When he and his mother later went to the accused to raise the issue, they were reportedly beaten, reported The Observer Post.
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Later that evening, the situation worsened. A group of men allegedly entered the Dalit family’s home, held them hostage, and beat them. Women in the family were also among those assaulted.
The next day, on Sunday evening, violence spread in the village. Clashes broke out between members of the Dalit and Rajput communities, leading to stone-pelting and disruption of peace. Police forces were deployed immediately to contain the situation.
“Stone-pelting was reported around 8 PM. Our teams reached the spot and brought the situation under control,” said Acting Assistant Police Commissioner of Mussoorie, Amit Saxena. He added that CCTV footage from the area is being reviewed to identify those involved, as reported
According to report, at least six individuals have been detained so far. A First Information Report (FIR) has been registered under multiple sections, including provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Senior officials confirmed that leaders from the Bhim Army also visited the village, which added to the tensions.
The Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) has been deployed, and multiple police teams are stationed in the area. Despite the presence of law enforcement, locals report ongoing fear.
“We are afraid. Even with police around, the atmosphere remains tense,” a villager told reporters on condition of anonymity, reported The Observer Post.
Authorities say they are monitoring the situation closely and will take strict action against those found guilty. The case has once again brought focus to the deep-rooted caste divisions and the urgent need for effective enforcement of protective laws.
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