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Dalits Gender and Sexuality

The cost of being a Dalit: Rapes, murders, and public humiliation plague communities across the states

Across several states, a troubling pattern of violence and discrimination against Dalits persists—ranging from severe crimes like the sexual assault of minors in Uttar Pradesh to acts of public humiliation, such as attacks on wedding processions and the denial of cremation rights. With victims often facing police inaction and systemic barriers, a crucial question arises: how can the constitutional promise of equality be realised for India’s most vulnerable communities, and what will ensure accountability for these persistent atrocities?

The numbers are staggering: 40 reported incidents of attacks on Dalits and Adivasis across the country since April 1 alone. This report documents 19 in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, 4 in Rajasthan, 5 in Madhya Pradesh, 3 in Gujarat, and 1 in Maharashtra. NDA III allies Bihar and Andhra Pradesh report 1 and 3 incidents respectively, while Congress-ruled Himachal Pradesh and Telangana record 1 each and Karnataka reported 2.

In Uttar Pradesh, a disturbing trend of sexual violence against Dalit women and minor girls has emerged, with numerous cases of rape, gang rape, and brutal assault being reported. These crimes are often marked by extreme cruelty and are frequently followed by police inaction or alleged bias, leaving victims and their families feeling helpless and unsafe.

Simultaneously, states like Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh are witnessing rampant public discrimination. Dalits in these regions face social boycotts and are often denied basic rights, such as access to public water sources or the right to perform last rites at communal cremation grounds.

Incidents of Dalit grooms being attacked for riding a horse during their wedding processions have become distressingly common, highlighting the deep-seated feudal and casteist mind-sets that persist. This pervasive atmosphere of fear and oppression underscores a systemic failure to protect the country’s most vulnerable citizens, with violence and humiliation being used as tools to enforce archaic social hierarchies. The recurring nature of these crimes across these states points to a crisis that transcends isolated events, indicating a significant challenge to the rule of law and the constitutional promise of equality and security.

Uttar Pradesh

Rampur: Deaf and mute Dalit girl raped, private parts brutally injured, April 15

On April 15, 2025, a horrifying act of brutality unfolded in Uttar Pradesh’s Rampur district, where an 11-year-old Dalit girl was assaulted so violently by 24-year-old Dan Singh that she remained unconscious for three days. She is currently receiving intensive medical care at Lala Lajpat Rai Medical College in Meerut.

The ordeal began on the evening of April 15, when the young girl, from the jurisdiction of Saifni police station, vanished after going to a field with her sister. A frantic all-night search by her family ended in tragedy on the morning of April 16, when she was discovered senseless in a field. Her body was covered in bite marks, and she was suffering from severe bleeding from her private parts. Rushed to a local government hospital, her condition necessitated a referral for more specialised treatment.

Police utilised CCTV evidence to apprehend Dan Singh, a resident of the same village, who sustained a leg injury during a police encounter. A medical professional on the case remarked, “The girl’s clothes were stained with blood. We completed the medico-legal examination and referred her to a higher centre. She was terrified and unable to explain anything. It is one of the most horrific sexual crimes I have seen.”

Child’s screams drowned out by threshing machine noise

Speaking to Dainik Bhaskar, the victim’s uncle shared his belief that the search until midnight was fruitless because the perpetrator had likely assaulted her elsewhere for the entire night before leaving her in the field.

He explained that wheat threshing operations were active in adjacent fields that night, and he speculates that the loud noise from the machinery would have muffled any screams for help. The uncle believes the attacker deliberately exploited this circumstance, rendering his crime utterly unforgivable.

Three police officers deployed for security

Since her admission on April 16, the victim has been under constant watch in the labour room of LLRM Medical College in Meerut. A security detail of three Rampur police officers is present around the clock, with visitation restricted to immediate family members. Her mother and uncle are serving as her main caregivers. The girl’s mother is reported to be in a state of inconsolable grief, finding it unbearable to witness the brutal marks of the assault on her daughter.

LOP Rahul Gandhi and Nagina MP Azad slammed the UP Government

The incident drew sharp criticism from the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, who questioned, “How long will daughters continue to be victims of brutality?” He took to X to condemn the Uttar Pradesh government, writing, “The brutality and cruelty against an 11-year-old Dalit girl in Rampur, Uttar Pradesh, is extremely shameful and shocking. Such continuous crimes in UP clearly prove that Dalits, and especially daughters, are completely unsafe under the BJP government.”

He further stated, “It is a result of BJP’s anti-Dalit and anti-women mind-set that criminals are fearless of law and order, and victims are helpless. After all, how long will the daughters of Uttar Pradesh continue to be victims of such brutality? There is a direct demand from the administration: take strict action against the perpetrator and ensure justice for the victim and her family as soon as possible.”

In a similar vein, Nagina MP Chandrashekhar Azad posted on X: “In Rampur district, a missing 10-year-old mentally challenged Dalit girl was found naked and unconscious in a field the next morning. There are bite marks on every part of her body. Her private parts are bleeding profusely.”

Calling the incident “a disgrace to humanity and proof of lawlessness in the state,” he prayed for the child’s recovery. He demanded, “I demand from the UP government that the culprits be arrested promptly. The case should be tried under strict sections of POCSO and the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. The trial should be held in a fast-track court. The victim child should receive the best treatment. The family should be provided permanent government protection.”

Dalit minor suffers double gang rape, police apathy, and arson in Unnao

Another shocking case has emerged from Uttar Pradesh where a Dalit minor girl was allegedly gang-raped twice by the same individuals within 44 days, followed by a retaliatory arson attack on her home. The first horrific incident occurred on December 31, 2021, when five men allegedly assaulted her. Despite the gravity of the crime, the Uttar Pradesh Police reportedly delayed registering a First Information Report (FIR) for over a year, only doing so in May 2023 after the victim’s family approached the POCSO court in Unnao.

Lingering injustice and further attacks

Compounding the initial injustice, the victim delivered a child in September 2022, conceived from the first alleged gang rape. The case gained renewed attention in April 2023 when one of the accused, out on bail, allegedly set fire to the minor’s house in Laad Kheda village. This act of retaliation resulted in severe burn injuries to her infant son and three-year-old sister, highlighting the perilous situation faced by the family.

Critics point to the police’s alleged failure to act on crucial evidence, including medical reports confirming pregnancy that pre-dated the second rape, and their inability to ensure the family’s safety even after the initial incidents. The victim’s lawyer highlighted the systemic failures, including issues with bail for the accused and insufficient protection for the vulnerable family.

Dalit girl gang-raped on way to school in UP’s Sultanpur, May 16

On May 16, another disturbing incident was reported from Sultanpur, where a 14-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped by three youths, one a minor, as she headed to school on May 16, 2025. Police stated the crime occurred Friday morning when the Class X student was offered a ride by the 15-year-old accused. Instead of taking her to school, he and two accomplices, Pradeep (18) and Saurabh (18), took her to a room where she was bound, gagged, and raped, The Hindu reported.

After she regained consciousness an hour later, she called for help and informed her aunt. A case was registered under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the POCSO Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police subsequently arrested two accused and detained the minor.

TMC criticised UP CM Adityanath, alleges systemic failure

The Trinamool Congress (TMC) has fiercely condemned Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, calling his administration an “UNMITIGATED DISASTER” for the state. This censure followed the gang rape of a 15-year-old Dalit girl in Sultanpur. The TMC declared that “Crimes against women have taken on EPIDEMIC PROPORTIONS” and accused the Uttar Pradesh Police of inaction that essentially provides criminals with a “free pass.”

The party also drew attention to the apparent silence from the ‘Beti Bachao’ campaign, the National Commission for Women (NCW India), and what it termed the ‘Godi Media’, suggesting a widespread systemic breakdown in protecting women from marginalised communities.

Moradabad, UP: 12-year-old Dalit girl gang raped, filmed by 5 schoolboys, May 8

The spate of sexual violence continued in Moradabad, where five schoolboys allegedly gang-raped a 12-year-old Dalit girl in a school principal’s office after giving her a drugged beverage. The assault, which happened on May 8, 2025 was recorded on video, and the perpetrators threatened the victim to ensure her silence before sharing the clip online. Following an FIR from the survivor’s mother, all five accused were arrested.

The accused, who are also Dalits and aged between 12 and 15, were neighbours of the girl. The mother learned of the assault after a neighbour showed her the video.

She told police her daughter had seemed depressed. When confronted with the video, the girl recounted how the boys lured her to a school, drugged her, and then assaulted her, as reported by TOI

SSP Satpal Antil told TOI that a case had been filed and the minor accused would be presented before the Juvenile Justice Board (JJB).

Similarly, Moradabad Police issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the case. They confirmed that an FIR has been officially registered at the Civil Lines Police Station and five minor accused individuals have been taken into police custody and presented before court (JJB).

Bulandshahr, UP: 14-year-old Dalit girl raped for 7 months, April 28

A case of prolonged sexual abuse and official negligence emerged from Bulandshahr, where a station house officer was moved to police lines and a sub-inspector was suspended. This action came after they had turned away the parents of a 14-year-old Dalit girl who had been raped for months by a 50-year-old villager and was subsequently discovered to be pregnant.

The situation surfaced on April 28 when the girl’s pregnancy was confirmed at a hospital. She then disclosed that a local man had been raping her for seven months, threatening her family to maintain her silence, the TOI reported.

Her family alleged that when they approached the local police station, they were dismissed and pressured into signing an affidavit. After the family escalated the matter to Bulandshahr SSP Dinesh Kumar Singh, an investigation was initiated, leading to the officers’ suspension and the registration of an FIR.

UP, Mainpuri: Dalit woman raped at gunpoint in front of 4-year-old son, April 17, 2025

Further highlighting the vulnerability of Dalit women, a 40-year-old from Mainpuri district was allegedly raped at gunpoint before her four-year-old son on April 17, as per a report by the Times of India.

The crime took place after the woman sought a Rs. 20,000 loan from a man of another caste.

An FIR has been lodged, and the investigation is in progress. SHO Anuj Kumar informed TOI that a case for rape under the BNS and the SC/ST Act has been registered. The victim’s complaint details how the accused offered her a loan, convinced her to ride on his motorcycle with her son, and then took them to a secluded area where he assaulted her, threatening to shoot her child if she resisted.

Kaushambhi, UP: 16-year-dalit minor girl gang raped, April 24

From Kaushambi district came another report of the alleged gang rape of a Dalit minor. Police confirmed on Tuesday that a case has been filed against three young men based on a complaint from the victim’s father.

According to Additional Superintendent of Police Rajesh Singh, a missing person report for the 16-year-old was initially filed on April 24. However, on April 27, her father submitted an application alleging that his daughter had been gang-raped and threatened by Shailendra Saroj (alias Zahid), his friend Sheru (alias Nazar Ahmed), and an accomplice, NDTV reported.

Mr. Singh confirmed that a case has been registered under the BNS, POCSO Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and two police teams have been assigned to apprehend the suspects.

Rampur, UP: 12-year-old Dalit girl kidnapped from home, raped by neighbour, April 15 onwards

Echoing the horror from Rampur, a similar crime was reported from Agra’s Kheragarh area. A 12-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly abducted from her home as she slept and subsequently raped by a neighbour in the early hours of the next day i.e. April 21, 2025. Police stated the suspect, a local sweets vendor, entered the girl’s home, carried her to a secluded area, and assaulted her.

The girl courageously returned home to inform her father, a daily wage worker, who promptly reported the crime. An FIR was filed under Section 64(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) for rape, alongside provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the POCSO Act, as reported by the Observer Post.

CCTV footage was instrumental in identifying the accused.

A police officer told the media, “Bloodstains were found at the crime scene. The accused, who lives nearby, fled with help from his community members. Further probe is underway.”

Etah, UP: 10-year-old boy brutally murdered, eyes gouged out, head crushed, May 14, 2025

Violence against Dalits has not been limited to sexual assault, as a gruesome murder of a 10-year-old boy in Etah sent shockwaves through the district. As per a report in Dainik Bhaskar, Anuj was with two friends when a man emerged from a cornfield and brutally attacked him with a knife on May 14, 2025 (Wednesday). His friends, who witnessed the horror, recounted how the attacker repeatedly stabbed Anuj before gouging out his eyes, mutilating his genitals, and crushing his head with a stone.

Anuj died from his injuries before reaching the hospital. His father alleged police inaction and pressure to conduct the funeral quickly. The family suspects the caretaker of a nearby orchard, who they claim has a history of violence. The post-mortem examination confirmed 13 severe injuries. Local authorities have assured a swift investigation, as reported by Dainik Bhaskar.

BJP leader accused of abusing, threatening Dalit research scholar; case filed, May 21

In a case of alleged political intimidation, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader has been accused of verbally abusing and threatening to kill a Scheduled Caste research scholar from Lucknow University. Police reported on Tuesday that an FIR has been filed. The complaint was lodged by Deepak Kanojia, who alleged that BJP leader Alok Singh called him on May 21, 2025 used caste-based slurs, and made death threats, as reported by Mooknayak

According to the complaint, Singh dared Kanojia to record the call, stating his lack of fear of the state’s law enforcement. Kanojia also claimed a history of political dispute and harassment by Singh, which he believes contributed to his father’s death from a heart attack.

Superintendent of Police Omveer Singh confirmed that a case has been registered against Alok Singh under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Dalit groom beaten, forced off horse in Agra; wedding guests injured, groom walks to venue, April 16, 2025

Caste-based violence during wedding celebrations continued with an incident in Agra on April 16, where a Dalit groom’s procession was attacked by a group of dominant caste men wielding sticks, rods, and swords. The conflict on Wednesday night was reportedly ignited by the playing of DJ music.

The assailants allegedly pulled the groom from his horse, beat him, and stole his gold chain. Several wedding guests who tried to intervene were also injured. The attackers, identified by the bride’s family as members of the Thakur community, allegedly continued their assault even after police arrived. A case has been filed against 20 individuals.

The incident was condemned by Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister and BSP Chief Mayawati, who posted on X: “The recent incident of violence against a Dalit wedding procession by casteist and feudal elements in Agra…is extremely worrying.” Bhim Army activists are now demanding the immediate arrest of those responsible.

Minor Dalit girl brutally thrashed on moving bus for opposing molestation in Lakhimpur Kheri

A public display of brutality occurred in Lakhimpur Kheri when a 16-year-old Dalit girl was mercilessly beaten on a moving bus after she resisted harassment from a group of men. The bus driver and conductor were also assaulted when they attempted to help her. A video of the assault, showing the girl being slapped and her hair being pulled, quickly went viral. The incident took place in the Padhua police station area, where, shockingly, about 50 other passengers reportedly witnessed the attack but did not intervene.

The Uttar Pradesh Congress shared the video and criticised the government on May 2, 2025.

In response, the Lakhimpur Kheri Police issued a statement confirming that a case has been registered and the named accused have been arrested.

Dalit women were brutally beaten by male police officers, 5 cops removed from their posts, May 11

An instance of alleged police brutality against Dalit women was reported from Meerut on May 11, where five policemen were taken off duty after videos surfaced showing them assaulting the women during a land dispute. The incident on Sunday afternoon in the Incholi area sparked public outrage and protests from political organisations.

The video footage shows a police team entering a residence and striking the women with sticks. One of the victims, Kavita Devi, stated, “police stormed into our home and beat us brutally with sticks.”

As per a report in the TOI, the incident led to demonstrations by groups like the Bhim Army Sena. Meerut SSP Dr. Vipin Tada confirmed that five policemen, including the local SHO, were moved to police lines pending a departmental inquiry.

Dalit couple brutally attacked in Bhadohi: abused, dragged by hair, clothes torn; 6 booked, May 23, 2025

In Bhadohi, a dispute over cattle led to a violent assault on a Dalit couple on Friday (May 23) morning. The farmer and his wife were beaten and subjected to caste-based insults in Anaich village. Police have since booked six individuals in connection with the attack.

The conflict began when the complainant, Deepak Kumar Pasi, a landless Dalit farmer, complained that his landlord’s cattle had destroyed his crops. The landlord, Rajaram Yadav, allegedly became enraged, hurled casteist slurs, and, with his associates, assaulted Deepak with sticks and iron rods, Mooknayak reported.

The complaint further alleges that Deepak’s wife, Sumitra, was dragged by her hair and her clothes were torn. The couple sustained serious injuries requiring hospitalisation.

19-year-old Dalit student brutally murdered in Saharanpur; two accused arrested, May 25, 2025

A fatal shooting outside a college in Saharanpur claimed the life of a young Dalit student on May 25, 2025 (Sunday). Ashutosh Singh, a 19-year-old B. Pharma student, was attacked by a group of masked assailants with sticks and rods. When other students tried to help, one of the attackers shot Ashutosh in the face. He died while being transported to the hospital, as per a report in Mooknayak.

Following protests by the Bhim Army and other groups, police launched an investigation. Saharanpur SSP Rohit Singh Sajwan indicated the attack was motivated by personal enmity. After a police encounter, two suspects, Udit Road and Ayush Kumar, were arrested. An FIR has been registered for murder and under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Casteist slur found on wall at medical college, targets SC community, May 28, 2025

An act of caste-based harassment was reported from a medical college where the derogatory slur, “Chamar teri ma,” was found spray-painted on a wall. The graffiti, allegedly written by two students from the MBBS Batch of 2023, Shivam Chaudhary and Keshav Goel, specifically targets the Scheduled Caste (SC) community.

Such an act represents a severe violation of human dignity and contravenes the legal and constitutional protections afforded to SC/ST students.

Over the incident, Raebareli Police responded on X that, “The Station House Officer (SHO) of Bhadokhar has been directed to take necessary action.”

A Dalit minor girl studying in 8th class was kidnapped and gang-raped for 3 days, June 14, 2025

From Fatehpur, a deeply tragic case emerged involving an 8th-grade Dalit minor girl who was reportedly kidnapped and then subjected to a brutal three-day gang rape. Her ordeal concluded when she was left, severely injured, at a hospital, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries.

Her grieving family members maintain that her life might have been saved if the local police had acted with greater urgency and diligence.

Casteist mob attacks Dalit family at wedding hall in UP, May 30, 2025

Wedding celebrations for a Dalit family in Rasra, Uttar Pradesh, turned violent when a mob of men attacked them with sticks and rods on Friday night. The assailants allegedly shouted caste-based insults, expressing anger that a Dalit family was using a marriage hall.

According to the Observer Post, the brother of one of the injured men filed a police report, stating, “We were celebrating happily when suddenly a group of men stormed in and shouted, ‘How can Dalits hold a wedding in a hall?’ Then they started beating everyone.” The attack at the Swayamvar Marriage Hall left two people hospitalised. Rasra Police have registered a case, which includes charges under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Dalit groom attacked over car reversing in wedding & robbed in Aligarh, May 28, 2025

Another wedding-related assault occurred in Aligarh on May 28, when a Dalit groom was reportedly attacked and robbed. The incident took place in Atrauli as the groom’s procession arrived in Kazmabad village. The groom, Karan, explained that as his driver was backing up their car, a group of 20-25 men from the Lodhi Rajput community assaulted them.

They allegedly stole the groom’s gold chain, a cash garland, and Rs. 50,000 from his pocket while preventing the procession from continuing. According to BSP District President Suresh Gautam, women in the vehicle were also harassed, and the Station House Officer on scene allegedly failed to intervene. Police later ensured the wedding ceremony was completed and have registered a case based on the family’s formal complaint.

Bihar

Dalit woman dragged by hair during police raid, casteist slurs hurled, May 18

In Bhagalpur district, a police raid in the Nathnagar Pasi Tola area sparked massive local outrage after a Dalit woman was allegedly dragged by her hair by officers. The raid was conducted without the presence of any female police personnel. The incident occurred on May 18, when 52-year-old Jyothi Bharti was with her sick mother. Police officers allegedly entered the home and began shouting casteist slurs.

When Jyothi asked them to stop, the officers reportedly retorted, “How dare people from a lower caste question us?” They returned an hour later, dragged Jyothi to the police station by her hair, and tore her clothes, holding her there overnight. Her sister, Rajni, told the media that police have since filed an attempted murder case against Jyothi. “My sister is still in police custody.

Police have also arrested 15-20 other people from the Dalit community,” Rajni said, as reported by the Siasat.

Villagers alleged the officers were from the Bhumihar caste and had assaulted residents without provocation.

Rajasthan

Dalit youth in Rajasthan sexually assaulted, beaten, urinated on; accused used caste slurs, April 8

In Rajasthan’s Sikar district, a young Dalit man was reportedly subjected to a humiliating assault where he was beaten, sexually abused, and urinated upon by two men who also used caste-based slurs. The perpetrators threatened to release a video of the attack if he went to the police. The crime, which took place on April 8, was not reported until April 16. A case has since been registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

According to the Observer Post, the survivor stated in his complaint, “They were drunk. They hit me with a bottle, urinated on me, and used casteist abuses.”

The incident has ignited a political controversy, with former Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot noting that the victim’s trauma was so profound he could not file a complaint for eight days.

Dalit Youth Beaten for Drinking Water from Grocery Shop Pot in Rajasthan’s Nagaur, June 1, 2025

A Dalit youth named Omprakash Meghwal was allegedly physically assaulted and verbally abused with casteist slurs in Kantia village, Nagaur district. The confrontation happened after he drank water from a pot that was placed outside a grocery store on June 1, 2025 (Sunday evening). The shop owner, Kaluram Jat, and two others reportedly demanded his name and caste.

Upon learning he was from a Scheduled Caste, they allegedly beat him and threatened him. Even after Omprakash tried to pacify them by cleaning the pot, the abuse continued, forcing him to flee. Later that night, the accused allegedly drove around the area, intimidating residents.

According to the Observer Post, a police complaint was filed the next day, and the three suspects were eventually detained. Nagaur Superintendent of Police Narayan Togas confirmed that the accused have been booked under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Dalit woman sarpanch, husband attacked over MNREGA Work, June 8

A Dalit woman sarpanch and her husband were assaulted with an axe on June 8 in Kharesh village, Didwana district. The couple was overseeing a road construction project under the MNREGA scheme at the time of the attack.

The accused, Bhanwar Singh, allegedly attacked them because he believed the construction was encroaching on his property. Didwana SP Hanuman Prasad stated, “The issue was a land dispute.” Singh reportedly used casteist slurs and pursued the couple with an axe. A video captured several women attempting to disarm him. The SP confirmed the couple was not seriously injured and a case has been registered under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Bhanwar Singh remains at large.

Dalit nurse dies by suicide after assault and alleged police indifference in Rajasthan, May 2, 2025

A 26-year-old Dalit nurse took her own life on May 2, 2025 after she was brutally assaulted, molested, and subjected to caste-based humiliation by her upper-caste neighbours in Jodhpur district of Rajasthan. Her suicide note expressed her despair, stating she could no longer live with “casteism and people’s filthy gazes.” The incident, which began on April 30 over a minor water dispute, escalated into a targeted attack where she was reportedly clawed on her chest and face, an act of deliberate humiliation, the Observer Post reported

The family claims that despite the assault, they were made to wait for over nine hours at the local police station, where only minor charges were filed, allowing the accused to be released immediately. Overcome with hopelessness, the victim hanged herself on May 2. Her death prompted widespread protests in Jodhpur, eventually pressuring the police to register a case of abetment to suicide against four individuals.

Madhya Pradesh

Dalit groom’s procession stoned in Tikamgarh: woman attacks groom on horse, April 25, 2025

An act of caste-based aggression marred a wedding in Mokhara village, Tikamgarh district, where a Dalit groom’s pro        cession was pelted with stones. The event took place within the Baragaon police station area during the pre-wedding rituals for Jitendra Ahirwar. As Jitendra was riding a mare through the village for a traditional ceremony, a woman began throwing stones at him.

The incident was captured on video by onlookers. Following the disruption, Jitendra and his family lodged a formal complaint with the Baragaon police. Station House Officer Narendra Verma confirmed that a case has been registered against three individuals: Bhan Kunwar Parmar for throwing stones, and her relatives, Drig Pal and Surya Pal, for assaulting the groom’s family. The woman has been taken into custody, while a search is on for the other two accused.

Dalit man denied cremation in Sheopur; family protests with body on road, April 28, 2025

A disturbing incident of caste discrimination unfolded in Leelda village, Sheopur district, where a Dalit family was prevented from performing the last rites for a family member. The body of Jagdish Jatav, who had died in an accident, was brought to his village, but members of the Rawat community blocked his cremation.

The Jatav community’s usual cremation ground had been acquired for a railway line. When they attempted to use a government-allotted plot for the funeral, they were met with resistance.

Reported the Mooknayak, Rawat women declared, “We will not allow bodies to be cremated in our fields.” In response, the enraged Jatav community blocked a major road with the body, which led to stone-pelting. This act is a punishable offense under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The incident was sharply condemned by Congress leaders, who demanded strict action.

Tribal woman raped, tortured with iron rod, bleeds to death before help arrives, May 24, 2025

In a case of extreme brutality, a 45-year-old tribal woman died in Madhya Pradesh’s Khandwa district after being raped and tortured by two men. Police have arrested two suspects who were last seen with the victim. The savage nature of the assault, which occurred in a village about 170km from Indore, has drawn comparisons to the 2012 Nirbhaya gang rape.

The woman had returned from a wedding with one of the suspects. Investigators believe she went to the suspect’s house, where the assault took place. A family member of the suspect found the victim bleeding and in pain in the courtyard. Instead of being taken to a doctor, she was taken to her own home nearby, where she succumbed to her injuries, reported the Times of India.

Dalit man’s cremation halted in MP’s Sheopur, sparks caste clashes, April 28

A similar incident of a cremation being obstructed occurred on April 28 in Leelda village, where an upper-caste group allegedly blocked the cremation of a Dalit man on government land. This led to stone-pelting and a road blockade. The deceased’s family had attempted to use a plot they claim was designated for cremations after their original ground was acquired for a railway project. However, the land is reportedly encroached upon by some upper-caste residents.

An argument escalated into violence, and in protest, the Dalit community placed the body on the main road. Senior officials intervened to manage the tense situation, which underscores the persistent caste discrimination and land disputes in the area, reported the Observer Post.

Dalit youth murdered over ration dispute in MP; accused absconding, June 9, 2025

A dispute at a government ration shop in Bilhari village of Chhatarpur district turned fatal when a 19-year-old Dalit youth, Pankaj Prajapati, was shot and killed in broad daylight. His brother was also injured in the altercation, which reportedly stemmed from an argument over the distribution of ration supplies. One of the accused opened fire, and Pankaj died from his injuries while being transported for medical care.

Three individuals have been booked for the crime under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and the Arms Act. All accused are currently on the run. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the murder, linking it to systemic caste oppression and alleging official delays in the investigation.

Gujarat

Dalit activist alleges casteist abuse on Instagram after protest in Amreli, May 18, 2025

A Dalit social activist, Naresh Vala, has lodged a police complaint in Amreli, stating he was subjected to casteist abuse on Instagram post on April 25. The harassment allegedly began after he participated in a protest concerning the movement of heavy vehicles for a wind turbine project through village roads.

Vala’s complaint with the Amreli cybercrime police identifies the Instagram user as Raol Vanrajsinh Chavda, who is now facing charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the IT Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The issue started in December after Vala discussed villagers’ concerns on Facebook Live, after which he started receiving abusive and caste-based insults on his Instagram account.

Dalit man found dead, partially burnt and cross-dressed, in Patan; murder suspected, May 27, 2025

The body of a 60-year-old Dalit man, Harji Solanki, was found under highly suspicious circumstances near a pond in Jakhotara village. Police sources indicated the body was partially burned and was oddly attired in women’s clothing, including a ghaghra and anklets.

Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani confirmed the victim’s identity as a Dalit and voiced serious concern over the state of the body. The initial police assessment suggests murder. The Patan Local Crime Branch has started an investigation, and the body has been sent for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death and shed light on the bizarre circumstances.

Dalit man dies after brutal assault in Gujarat over alleged casteist “Beta” remark; nine arrested, May 16

A 20-year-old Dalit man, Nilesh Rathod, died from his injuries six days after being brutally assaulted. The attack allegedly occurred because he addressed a teenager from another caste as “beta” (a term for son) at a shop on May 16. The initial confrontation at a bhajiya stall in Jarakhia village escalated when Rathod’s uncle confronted the shop owner, leading to a mob attack on the family with sticks and sickles while shouting casteist slurs.

Nine of the eleven individuals allegedly involved have now been arrested and face charges including murder under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. In response, Congress MLA Jignesh Mevani protested with Rathod’s family, denouncing the “deeply rooted casteism” in Gujarat and demanding government compensation for the victim’s family.

Himachal Pradesh

Dalits are not allowed to enter the temples or touch the deity in Himachal Pradesh, May 13

Allegations of severe caste-based discrimination have surfaced from the Parashar Rishi Mandi in Himachal Pradesh, following the emergence of a recent video. The footage indicates that Dalits are systematically prevented from entering the temple and are forbidden from touching the deity, confining their worship to areas outside the main sanctum.

It is also alleged that their offerings are collected from a distance, reinforcing a rigid social hierarchy. This visual documentation of untouchability in a religious space has ignited outrage and highlighted the ongoing struggles of marginalised communities to exercise their right to worship with dignity in the region.

Karnataka

Dalit youth barred from temple entry in Karnataka; case registered amid tensions, May 10, 2025

A 26-year-old Dalit youth was allegedly denied entry into the Rama Anjaneya temple in Kavandala village on Saturday (May 10, 2025), an incident that has led to a police case and heightened caste tensions. The conflict began when Swaminath tried to enter the temple to pray.

He was reportedly blocked by two individuals from the Vokkaliga community, who allegedly informed him that his community “traditionally does not enter the temple and should not do so even now.”

A video of the ensuing argument, where Swaminath questioned the denial of his constitutional rights, went viral. After initially withdrawing his police complaint under village pressure following a peace meeting, he re-filed it on Monday. A case has now been registered against the two accused under the Scheduled Castes and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Dalit woman attacked and verbally abused over payment dispute, CCTV footage viral, June 10

A disagreement over a Rs. 500 note escalated into a casteist assault on a Dalit woman at a medical shop in Udupi district. The victim, Lakshmi, was allegedly attacked and verbally abused by a customer named Yasmeen.

According to the Mooknayak, the incident was captured on CCTV, showing Yasmeen becoming enraged when Lakshmi suggested a digital payment because she lacked change. The altercation turned physical, with Yasmeen allegedly using casteist slurs.

The viral footage has caused widespread anger. Lakshmi was hospitalised with injuries. Udupi District SP Hariram Shankar has assured that strict legal action will be taken. Dalit organisations are demanding stringent punishment under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Andhra Pradesh

Dalit engineering student kidnapped, tortured, and forced to drink urine in Tirupati, May 16, 2025

A shocking case of abduction and torture involving a Dalit engineering student in Tirupati has reverberated across Andhra Pradesh.

The victim, 22-year-old A. James, a final-year B.Tech student, was allegedly kidnapped along with his friend. In a subsequent video statement, James described his harrowing experience. “They brutally beat me for three to four days,” he recounted, alleging that he was targeted with casteist slurs and forced to drink urine. “They said – ‘How dare you, being from an SC caste, be so courageous?’ I was beaten badly. I want justice,” he stated, as per a report in the Mooknayak

According to police, the accused held James and his friend captive in a hotel room, assaulting them with belts and iron rods. The victims eventually escaped. Tiruchanur police have registered a case for kidnapping, grievous hurt, and caste-based assault under the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita. Former Chief Minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the incident, blaming the state’s deteriorating law and order.

3-year-old Dalit girl raped, murdered in Kadapa district; accused arrested, May 23, 2025

A horrifying crime has come to light from Kadapa district, where a 3-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly raped and then murdered by a 25-year-old Muslim man, Rahmatullah, on Friday, May 23, 2025. District police confirmed the incident on Saturday.

Additional Superintendent of Police Prakash Babu identified the accused as a resident of Kambaladinne village. The victim’s parents were visiting the village for a relative’s wedding. Police stated that the accused lured the child away with sweets while she was playing, then led her behind the wedding hall where he allegedly raped and strangled her. Rahmatullah is in police custody and has been charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the POCSO Act.

Dalit minor raped by 13 Youths in Satya Sai District, pregnancy reveals horrifying ordeal, June 5, 2025

In another case of extreme sexual violence, a Class 9 Dalit girl’s pregnancy in Edugurralapalli village revealed she had been repeatedly assaulted by her boyfriend and 12 other youths. The truth emerged when her parents took her for treatment for frequent illness and an RMP discovered she was six months pregnant.

The minor girl told Ramagiri police that her boyfriend, Abhishek, had initiated the assaults. He later shared details with a friend, who also raped her and recorded the act. The video was then used to blackmail her as 11 other youths sexually assaulted her.

Despite the video circulating, some community elders reportedly attempted to force a monetary settlement. Satya Sai SP P.V. Rathna intervened to ensure a case was registered. Cases have been filed under the POCSO and SC/ST Atrocities Acts against the 13 youths and two village elders accused of trying to cover up the crime.

Telangana

NCSC seeks report on IAS Officer’s ‘Dalit Students Must Clean Toilets’ remark, June 3

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has demanded a report from Telangana’s top officials after an audio clip surfaced, allegedly featuring IAS officer S. Alagu Varshini. In the clip, the officer, who is the Secretary of a society running residential schools for Scheduled Caste children, is purportedly heard instructing school principals to have students clean their own toilets, classrooms, and hostels daily. She reportedly justified the directive by stating that students from poor backgrounds must learn self-care.

The alleged remarks sparked outrage, with BRS leaders condemning them as discriminatory and indicative of the current government’s “anti-poor attitude.” While Varshini defended her comments as promoting self-reliance, the incident has fuelled a debate on student dignity and caste bias. The NCSC has requested an action-taken report within 15 days.

Maharashtra

Dalit man brutally attacked for aiding teenager in Maharashtra; family alleges police bias, June 4, 2025

A Dalit man, Vaibhav Khandagale (32), and his family were viciously assaulted by upper-caste individuals in Shirapur Gat village on June 4. The attack was reportedly an act of retaliation because Vaibhav had helped a sick Dalit teenager by taking him to the hospital. Later that evening, a group of 10-12 upper-caste men ambushed Vaibhav, verbally abusing him with casteist slurs like, “Are you too arrogant because of money? These Mahars (Dalits) have become very proud.”

They beat him with iron rods, stole his wallet, and took gold ornaments from his mother’s home. He was dragged and beaten on the street in front of over 200 villagers.

The Mooknayak spoke with Vaibhav’s brother, who claimed villagers blocked their path to the hospital and that police assistance was delayed. The family alleges police bias, stating they had to wait for hours at the police station before an FIR was registered under pressure, and that a counter-case was filed against them as a tactic to undermine their complaint under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They are demanding a prompt and impartial investigation.

Examining the persistence of caste-based crimes

The continuation of serious crimes against Dalits, despite constitutional safeguards and specific laws like the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, raises significant concerns. The frequency of these incidents, often with a perception of impunity for the accused, challenges the fundamental principles of equality and dignity for India’s vulnerable communities. This situation prompts an examination of underlying systemic issues that allow such violence and discrimination to persist beyond isolated events.

This pattern points to the need to address the root causes of continued caste-based violence, including enduring social hierarchies, allegations of police inaction or bias, and other potential pressures on the justice system. The recurring nature of these incidents—from violent crimes like rape and murder to social boycotts and the obstruction of basic rights—highlights a significant challenge to the rule of law. Rigorously addressing these deep-rooted issues and ensuring accountability are critical to breaking the cycle of violence and upholding the constitutional promise of equality.

Related

Statewide Attacks: Caste fury unleashes brute violence against Dalit students

Caste Cloud Over Ambedkar Jayanti: From campus censorship to temple exclusion

Tribal women paraded, assaulted; nationwide outrage follows

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