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Escalating anti-Dalit violence in India: A disturbing surge of brutality and discrimination since July 2024

CJP Team    
From brutal assaults to systemic abuse- a two-month chronicle of Dalit atrocities across India reveals a crisis of justice and equality.

India has long struggled with deep-rooted caste-based discrimination that permeates into various aspects of society. Despite constitutional safeguards and legal protections, Dalits in India continue to face systemic violence, discrimination, and social exclusion. Recent incidents across the country highlight a grim reality where Dalit lives are often undervalued, leading to a surge in brutal attacks, social boycotts, and caste-based atrocities.

This report chronicles a disturbing series of anti-Dalit incidents that have occurred since July, shedding light on the pervasive nature of caste-based violence in contemporary India. These incidents, spanning from the southern state of Karnataka to the northern territories of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, as well as eastern states like Bihar, reveal a grim pattern of violence and systemic oppression against individuals from the Dalit community. Victims range from children to the elderly, showing that no age group is spared from the cruelty rooted in caste prejudice. The atrocities include not only physical violence but also psychological torture, sexual assault, and social exclusion, underscoring the pervasive and multi-faceted nature of caste-based discrimination in contemporary India.

From Karnataka, in the southern part of the country, three incidents of murder and assault have highlighted the continuing dangers faced by Dalits even in everyday situations. The cases of a young Dalit woman poisoned to death following an inter-caste marriage and an elderly Dalit man beaten for seeking shelter during a rainstorm starkly illustrate the lethal consequences of caste hatred.

In the north, Uttar Pradesh has once again proven to be a hotbed of caste-based violence. The incidents there range from the rape of a minor Dalit girl, whose pleas for justice were ignored by the police, to the horrific act of forcing a Dalit boy to drink urine as a form of punishment. These crimes highlight a culture of impunity where caste-based violence is often dismissed or inadequately addressed by the authorities.

In Uttarakhand, Dalit families have been subjected to a social boycott, effectively cutting them off from essential resources, simply for failing to participate in a religious event due to illness. This act of collective punishment, sanctioned by the local panchayat, demonstrates the extent to which caste hierarchies are enforced in rural India, where non-compliance with oppressive traditions can lead to severe and life-threatening consequences.

In Bihar, the rape of a Dalit girl and the subsequent threats made by police to her family reveal a disturbing collusion between perpetrators and law enforcement. Similarly, in Madhya Pradesh, the torture of a Dalit man by police officers, who allegedly used casteist slurs and inflicted severe physical harm, points to the institutionalization of caste discrimination within the very systems meant to protect citizens.

These incidents, scattered across the diverse geographic and cultural landscape of India, reveal a grim reality: caste-based violence and discrimination continue to be a pervasive issue in the country. It is essential to be highlighted here that out of all the states from where these incidents have been report, only the state of Karnataka is being governed by the Congress party, rest of the states are ruled by Bharatiya Janata Party and their allies. Despite legal protections and decades of social reform movements, Dalits remain vulnerable to extreme forms of violence, and the perpetrators often act with impunity. This series of attacks, occurring within a period of two months, serves as a stark reminder that the fight against caste oppression is far from over and requires urgent, comprehensive action at both societal and governmental levels.

Caste-based murders and brutal assaults:

  • July 23, 2024: In a shocking incident of caste-based violence, a 15-year-old Dalit boy from Shravasti district, Uttar Pradesh, was forcibly made to drink urine by three upper-caste youths. As per the report of the Times of India, the incident occurred on July 23, 2024, when the victim, who works as a technician setting up sound mixers and audio systems for events, was on his way home after work. The trio, identified as Kishan Tiwari, Dilip Mishra, and Satyam Tiwari, accosted the boy while in an inebriated state. According to the police, the incident was triggered by the boy’s family charging the accused extra for an audio system they had installed for a function. Enraged by this, Dilip Mishra urinated into a liquor bottle while Satyam and Kishan pinned the boy down, forcing the bottle into his mouth. The trio also thrashed the minor and filmed the entire incident, which later circulated on social media. The victim narrated the ordeal to his elder brother after reaching home, following which his family lodged a police complaint the next day. The police conducted a preliminary investigation and arrested the three accused based on eyewitness accounts and the viral video. SHO Mahimanath Upadhyay confirmed the arrests and stated that the incident stemmed from a prior dispute involving a DJ service run by the victim’s family.
  • August 18, 2024: In Sanganal village, Yalaburga taluk of Karnataka’s Koppal district, a 26-year-old Dalit man named Yamanurswamy Bandiha was brutally stabbed to death by a barber at a local salon. According to a report of the Observer Post, the incident unfolded when Yamanurswamy visited the salon for a haircut, and the salon owner, Mudakappa Hadapad, demanded payment before the service. Despite assurances from Yamanurswamy, Mudakappa made incendiary remarks based on his caste, escalating the argument. In a fit of rage, Mudakappa stabbed Yamanurswamy with a pair of scissors. The victim was rushed to a government hospital, but unfortunately, he succumbed to his injuries. The Yelburga police registered a case under Section 193 (murder) of the BNS and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, leading to the arrest of the accused. Local Dalits have demanded justice for the victim’s family, and the District Social Welfare Department has been informed to provide compensation.
  • September 3, 2024: In Vithalapura village of Gangavathi taluk, Karnataka, a 21-year-old Dalit woman named Mariamma from the Madiga community was allegedly poisoned to death following her inter-caste marriage. Mariamma had married Hanumayya, a youth from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, in April 2023 after a two-year relationship. However, her father has accused 13 members of Hanumayya’s family of harassing Mariamma, subjecting her to severe caste-based discrimination and dowry demands. As per the report of the Observer Post, the father of the victim alleged that she was physically assaulted before being poisoned by her in-laws. Initially, her husband’s family claimed she had ingested poison while working on the farm, but Mariamma’s father suspected foul play and filed a complaint with the Gangavathi police. The authorities have arrested two individuals for questioning, and a case has been registered. Mariamma’s body has been sent for a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
  • September 4, 2024: In a disturbing incident in Kokkada, Belthangady of Karnataka’s Dakshina Kannada district, a 67-year-old Dalit elder named Mancha Mogera was viciously assaulted by a shopkeeper named Ramanna Gowda. The attack occurred when Mogera sought shelter from heavy rain and asked to rest near Gowda’s shop. Instead of offering help, Gowda hurled casteist slurs at Mogera and attacked him with a wooden pole, striking him on the head and back. Mogera was immediately rushed to Kokkada Government Hospital for first aid and later transferred to Belthangady Government Hospital for further treatment. The Dharmasthala police have recorded Mogera’s statement and initiated an investigation into the incident.

Sexual Violence and Police Complicity:

  • August 30, 2024: In another chilling case from Bihar’s Gaya district, a Dalit girl was raped by two men, Ranjit and Sachin, at her home. Despite the gravity of the crime, when the victim’s family attempted to file an FIR, the police allegedly threatened them with imprisonment if they pursued the case. 

  • September 2, 2024: The scourge of sexual violence against Dalit women remains rampant, with authorities often complicit in delaying justice. In Uttar Pradesh’s Barabanki district, a 16-year-old Dalit girl was kidnapped and raped by a businessman’s son. The victim was reportedly made to wait at the police station for over 10 hours, where officers pressured her into a compromise rather than taking swift action against the perpetrator.

Social Boycotts and Discrimination:

  • July 17, 2024: On the night of July 17, a 24-year-old Dalit youth named Ajay Parmar was violently assaulted by a group of upper-caste men in Sayebapur village, Himatnagar taluka, Sabarkantha district, North Gujarat. The incident allegedly stemmed from Parmar’s Instagram profile picture, which featured him wearing a traditional headgear and sunglasses. According to the FIR filed on July 18, Parmar, who works as an auto rickshaw driver, was confronted by two men from the Darbar community, who identify themselves as Kshatriyas, near the Navanagar bus stand. The men reportedly objected to Parmar’s display picture and demanded that he remove it. As per the report of Deccan Herald, the confrontation quickly escalated into physical violence as the men beat him. Parmar managed to escape and left his auto rickshaw behind. He was later informed by a friend that a group of 20-25 men from the Darbar community were waiting to attack him. Fearing for his life, Parmar called his father and brother for help. The group subsequently confronted Parmar and his family, slapping and abusing them. Despite calling the police, help arrived only after an hour. Parmar, the only Dalit resident in a village predominantly inhabited by the Darbar community, detailed the harassment and violence he endured. The FIR names four accused: Kirpalsinh Rathod, Manusinh Rathod, his son Hitendrasinh Rathod, and Shukalsinh Rathod. Police Sub-Inspector Sanjay Goswami from the Himatnagar rural police station spoke to the Deccan Herald and confirmed that the accused have fled the village and that an investigation is underway.
  • July 18, 2024: In Subhai village of Chamoli district, Uttarakhand, Dalit families faced a severe social boycott after a member of their community, Pushkar Lal, could not attend a religious event due to illness. Traditionally, Dalit families in the village are responsible for playing the drum at various social, cultural, and religious festivals. Following Pushkar Lal’s absence, the local panchayat announced a boycott against all Scheduled Caste (SC) families. As per the Observer Pots, this boycott imposed harsh restrictions, barring them from using forest and water resources, buying essentials from shops, commuting in vehicles, and even visiting temples. A video surfaced showing a panchayat member threatening villagers with similar consequences if they did not comply with the boycott order. In response, the affected families lodged a complaint at the Joshimath Police Station, specifically naming Ramkrishna Khandwal and Yashvir Singh as responsible for orchestrating the boycott.
  • August 17, 2024: In KV Kuppam taluk, Tamil Nadu’s Vellore district, a Kaliamman temple near Gemmankuppam village was demolished by a group of caste Hindus, following a dispute over the exclusion of Dalits from the temple’s Aadi month festivities. As reported by the Observer Post, the dispute began when Dalits, who make up roughly 50% of the village population, were barred from participating in the festivities scheduled for August 2. Despite being under police protection, the temple was demolished using earthmovers, and the idol was removed on August 6. The Dalits alleged that the demolition was supported by the then jurisdictional DSP Ravichandran, although the DSP denied these allegations, stating that the case had been handed over to the revenue department. The caste Hindus, including members of the Vanniyar, Yadav, Chettiar, and Naidu communities, argued that the temple was built solely by a caste Hindu, D Loganathan, who claimed that Goddess Kaliamman instructed him in a dream to exclude Dalits from the festivities. The demolition has sparked controversy and legal action, with Gudiyatham revenue officials scheduling peace committee meetings to address the issue.

Violence in Educational and Public Spaces:

  • July 21, 2024: Anish Kumar, a 24-year-old Dalit youth, was brutally attacked by an armed gang in Malagalu, Kanakapura, Karnataka, on July 21, 2024. The assailants severed Anish’s left hand in a shocking act of violence. The attack stemmed from an argument between Anish and members of a different community earlier that day. The trouble began when a group of youths, including Anish, were standing near Javanammanadoddi Cheenarakuppe Circle and chatting. A group of upper-caste individuals passing by questioned the youths about their presence there, leading to a heated argument. Though the argument initially deescalated, the accused returned two hours later armed with lethal weapons and attacked Anish and others who were present. In the ensuing violence, several people, including three women, sustained severe injuries and were rushed to a hospital. Anish’s left hand was severed during the attack. The police registered a case against the accused, identified as Harsha and six others, under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act. Additional police forces were deployed in the area to prevent further violence, and senior police officials visited the hospital to speak with the victims.

  • July 23, 2024: The violence extends to educational institutions, where Dalit students are subjected to humiliating and abusive treatment. In Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit minor was brutally beaten by a schoolteacher after refusing to pluck fruits for the teacher. 

  • July 24, 2024: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has been engulfed in controversy following the discovery of objectionable graffiti at Kaveri Hostel. The slogans, which included “Chamar Quit India,” “Dalit Quit India,” “Brahmin-Bania Zindabad,” and “Hindu-RSS Zindabad,” have incited widespread protests and condemnation among the student body. Dhananjay, President of the JNU Students Union (JNUSU), strongly condemned the incident, emphasizing the university’s commitment to equality and denouncing the divisive nature of the slogans. “We strongly oppose such divisive actions,” he asserted. In response to the outcry, university officials have ordered the immediate removal of the graffiti and are taking steps to prevent future incidents. The administration is considering additional security measures, including the installation of CCTV cameras in the hostel to enhance surveillance and security.

  • July 25, 2024: A Dalit woman in Sikauhula village of Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, was allegedly assaulted and subjected to caste-based slurs by a farmer and his son on July 25, 2024. AS per the Observer Post, the incident occurred when the 36-year-old woman, who works as an agricultural labourer, attempted to collect water from the family’s tube well in Sikauhula village. The accused, Rajendra Singh and his son Jitendra Pratap Singh, reportedly objected to the woman using their tubewell and proceeded to assault her while hurling casteist slurs. The woman managed to escape and reported the incident to the local police station. An FIR was subsequently registered under various sections of the BNS and the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Moni Nishad, the Station House Officer at Jaspura police station, confirmed that the accused had been identified but no arrests had been made at the time. The police are continuing their investigation into the incident.
  • July 29, 2024: A Dalit groom and several guests were attacked during a wedding in Madakarimupr village, Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, after upper-caste men objected to the groom mounting a horse, a traditional practice. The incident took place under the jurisdiction of Khatauli Police Station. According to reports, the altercation began when the groom’s party played “casteist” songs during the horse-mounting ceremony. However, the groom’s side claims that the upper-caste individuals were responsible for the provocation. The attack on the groom and his guests was violent, with several people being injured. The situation quickly escalated, and the police had to intervene to restore order. An FIR was lodged against 15-20 men under various sections of the IPC and SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. Local authorities have assured the Dalit community that strict action will be taken against those responsible. The incident has once again highlighted the deep-rooted caste-based discrimination and violence that persists in rural parts of India.

  • August 8, 2024: In another disturbing incident, a six-year-old Dalit child, a class one student, was reportedly forced to clean the school toilet by his teachers and later found locked in the school classroom after hours in Uttar Pradesh. As per the report of the Observer’s Post, the child’s mother filed a police complaint, alleging that the teachers, Principal Sandhya Jain and class teacher Ravita Rani, harboured prejudice against Dalit children, leading to repeated mistreatment of her son. When her son did not return home, she found him locked in the classroom after hearing his cries. Villagers and family members called the principal, and the classroom was eventually unlocked by Rani’s husband. The mother’s allegations indicate a pattern of discrimination and neglect. In response, Basic Shiksha Adhikari (BSA) Sandeep Kumar announced that Principal Sandhya Jain had been suspended, and teacher Ravita Rani received an adverse entry in her service record. A two-member committee was appointed to investigate the incident, with a report expected within three days. The police are currently investigating the matter.

Brutal Attacks by Police:

  • July 20, 2024: Rishipal, a Dalit man from Bhawarki Jadid village in Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that he was brutally tortured by police officers at the Dakiya Chowki police station after a domestic dispute with his wife. According to Rishipal, the ordeal began when he had an argument with his wife on July 20, 2024. In response, she went to the local police station to file a complaint. Later that day, around 5 PM, two constables, Jaidev Singh and Amit Kumar, came to his house and took him to the police station. Rishipal claims that around 1 AM, the officers, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, began questioning him about his caste. They then proceeded to subject him to brutal beatings, using fists, kicks, and sticks. He was reportedly injured in his private parts and fainted during the assault. When he regained consciousness, the officers forced him to massage their hands and feet throughout the night.

The following morning, Rishipal was released and returned home, where he showed his injuries to his wife. The incident quickly gained attention after a video of his injuries went viral on social media, sparking outrage within the Dalit community. In response to the protests, a case was filed against the two constables, and they, along with the chowki in-charge, were suspended. Bhim Army District President Sunil Sagar and other activists condemned the incident, demanding strict action against the police officers involved. CO Sangam Kumar confirmed that a medical examination of Rishipal had been conducted, and SP Vidya Sagar Mishra assured that the suspended officers would face a thorough investigation. 

  • July 21, 2024: Rohit Valmiki, a Dalit sanitary worker in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, alleged that he was beaten by police personnel after overtaking their official vehicles. While on his way home on a motorcycle, Valmiki overtook vehicles belonging to the police and electricity departments. Following this, he claimed that some policemen accused him of reckless driving, verbally abused him, and took him to the police station where he was physically assaulted. Valmiki’s brother corroborated his account, stating that Rohit was indeed taken to the police station and thrashed by the officers. In response to the allegations, Superintendent of Police Agam Jain announced that the Sub Divisional Officer of Police (SDOP) is conducting an investigation. Jain assured that strict action would be taken after the investigation is completed.

  • July 25, 2024: In a shocking incident, a Dalit mother and her minor son were brutally beaten by police officials inside the Katni GRP police station in Madhya Pradesh on July 25, 2024. The details of the incident were shared on social media, where the mother alleged that the police had physically assaulted her and her son within the police station premises. The incident has sparked outrage and calls for justice from various activists and members of the Dalit community. The reasons behind the assault have not been made clear, but the brutality of the act has led to widespread condemnation. The police have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and demands for a thorough investigation are growing louder.

No equality and justice for Dalits?

The pervasive nature of these atrocities—ranging from brutal assaults and forced social boycotts to systemic abuse by law enforcement—reveals a grim reality where the promise of constitutional safeguards remains largely unfulfilled for marginalized communities. The horrific incidents reported across various states, including Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh, reflect a deeply rooted social malaise that continues to undermine the dignity and rights of Dalits.

Addressing this crisis requires more than mere acknowledgment; it demands a proactive and sustained commitment to reform. Immediate measures should include rigorous enforcement of existing laws, transparent investigations, and accountability for perpetrators, especially those in positions of power. Furthermore, there must be a societal shift towards recognizing and confronting caste-based discrimination in all its forms. Only through a united front, combining legal, social, and educational reforms, can India hope to dismantle the entrenched caste hierarchies that perpetuate such egregious violations of human rights and ensure that every citizen, regardless of caste, can live with dignity, equality and safety.

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