Brute violence was unleashed allegedly by sword wielding Thakurs on helpless sections of the Dalit populace in both Chandpur and Bahupura villages of Saharanpur district of western UP, leaving two dead, one man a 42 year old and another a 12-15 year old male youth. Reports collected by Sabrangindia revealed that the violence broke out soon after the visit and meeting of BSP supremo Mayawati communally visited Shabbirpur village in Saharanpur district late this afternoon. Mayawati had, after visiting the district lashed out at the administration for failing to protect Dalits nor maintaining social harmony.
Unconfirmed reports also said that bastis in which Muslims lived were also attacked leaving many from the minority injured. Uttar Pradesh under the newly elected BJP government headed by Yogi Adityanath has seen a spiral in violent conflicts especially with the entitled and powerful castes unleashing terror against the marginalised. The fact that Dalits and religious minorities in many parts have been demonstrating signs of social and politcal unity has threatened entrenched and exploitative interests further.
Photos of injured vistims at Sahranpur district hospital
The photos on the over two dozen severely injured show the scale and brutality of the violence that was unleashed.
Photos of injured vistims at Sahranpur district hospital
Saharanpur has been on the boil since May 5 a fortnight ago after sections of the Dalit leadership affiliated to the ruling BJP clashed with the administration and in the first instance, shops and establishments of local Muslims were attacked. When any communal reaction was contained, the conflict has erupted into an all out show of upper caste brute strength (Jats and Thakurs) against the Dalit population.
Reports suggested that certain miscreants from the more powerful castes had even prepared bottles with petrol to attack Mayawati's procession and were stopped in time by the police. Thereafter when the attacks on the villages took place however, the police and administration failed to act and save lives.
Later, some unidentified, sword wielding persons attacked a Bolero car of BSP supporters, who had come from Sarsawa. The sources said the attackers fired their guns and wielded batons, killing one Dalit person on the spot and injuring four others. The injured have been admitted to the district hospital. Saharanpur has been in the grip of caste violence since April. Tension prevailed till late in the evening and into midnight.
On May 5, a Dalit group had objected to a procession of Thakurs in Shabbirpur to mark the birth anniversary of Rajput king Maharana Pratap, triggering violence, in which one person was killed and over 15 were injured.Dalit victims of the clashes say upper caste Thakurs had earlier prevented them from installing a statue of BR Ambedkar on the premises of the Ravidas temple in the village.
Photos of injured vistims at Sahranpur district hospital