Dalit boy’s death in police custody and arson attack on Dalit homes: A dual crisis of justice in BJP-ruled states Recent incidents in the states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar underscore a troubling rise in violence against Dalits, revealing systemic failures and escalating caste-based oppression

19, Sep 2024 | CJP Team

In the past few days of September, two shocking incidents in BJP-ruled states have brought to the forefront the persistent and systemic violence faced by Dalit communities across India. A 16-year-old Dalit boy from Uttar Pradesh was brutally tortured by police in custody, allegedly beaten for days in connection with a theft case. His subsequent death after prolonged suffering has sparked outrage, with his family and community protesting against the unchecked police brutality they believe caused his demise. This tragedy, unfolding in the village of Sisawan Kala, has ignited protests demanding justice, but it also speaks to a broader pattern of how marginalised Dalits are often subjected to the very violence and oppression the state is meant to guard against.

In Bihar’s Nawada district, over 20 Dalit homes were torched in a violent attack that has left entire families homeless and traumatised. Miscreants reportedly stormed the Dalit settlement, beat residents, set their homes ablaze, and fired shots into the air to instil fear. This attack, allegedly over a land dispute, has prompted widespread political condemnation and reignited concerns over the state’s failure to protect vulnerable communities from caste-based violence. Opposition leaders have pointed to this incident as a glaring example of how lawlessness and caste-based oppression are allowed to flourish under the current regime.

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While these events are alarming in their own right, they are emblematic of a much larger, deeply rooted problem: the culture of anti-Dalit discrimination and violence that persists throughout the country. Dalits, who have long been at the receiving end of oppression, often find themselves with little recourse when targeted by upper-caste groups or even the state itself. The two incidents in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar illustrate how Dalits remain vulnerable to brutality, whether at the hands of law enforcement or by criminal groups that operate with impunity. The failure to adequately protect these communities not only erodes trust in the state but also allows a toxic environment to fester, where caste-based violence can thrive.

These incidents took place in BJP-ruled states, casting a critical light on the policies and governance that have allowed such violence to escalate. In both states, opposition leaders have pointed out how caste-based violence has surged, calling it a symptom of a deeper malaise within the system. In Uttar Pradesh, the boy’s death has raised fresh questions about police accountability and the use of excessive force against Dalits. His family’s desperate calls for justice, as they block highways with his body in protest, reflect the larger struggle of Dalits to be heard and treated with dignity in a country that continues to marginalise them. The police’s shifting narrative and claims of innocence only deepen the distrust, as Dalits are left wondering if their cries for justice will ever be answered.

Similarly, the arson attack in Bihar highlights the plight of Dalits who live under constant threat of violence, often over land disputes, which are frequently laced with caste-based animosity. The destruction of homes in Nawada, while tragic, is not an isolated case. It is part of a broader trend of caste violence that is often met with delayed government action and sporadic justice. Despite the police arresting several suspects, many Dalit families in the area remain fearful, living in temporary shelters with little assurance of long-term support or protection.

Political reactions to these events have been swift and sharp, with opposition leaders accusing the BJP of fostering an environment where caste-based violence is tolerated, if not encouraged. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, BSP chief Mayawati, and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav have all issued statements condemning the attacks and questioning the ruling government’s commitment to protecting Dalits. Gandhi went so far as to accuse the BJP and its allies of sheltering criminals who target marginalised communities, while Mayawati demanded full financial support for the victims’ rehabilitation.

These incidents highlight the glaring failures of the state to uphold justice and equality for Dalits, despite the constitutional protections afforded to them. In BJP-ruled states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where caste dynamics are deeply entrenched, Dalits often find themselves at the mercy of both local hierarchies and institutionalised neglect. The growing list of atrocities against Dalits—from police violence to attacks over land—points to a troubling trend of rising caste-based violence that cannot be dismissed as isolated incidents.

As India continues to grapple with the legacy of caste discrimination, these two incidents serve as stark reminders of the work that still needs to be done. The deaths, displacement, and trauma endured by Dalit communities demand more than just political outrage; they require systemic change. Without meaningful intervention and accountability, the culture of anti-Dalit violence will continue to thrive, leaving the country’s most marginalised to bear the brunt of a system that fails to protect them.

Incident 1: Custodial torture resulting into death

A 16-year-old Dalit boy has died after being allegedly tortured by the police in Uttar Pradesh. The boy was picked up by Kheri police on September 3 in connection with a theft case. He was severely beaten up by the police during questioning. The boy was admitted to a hospital in Lucknow where he died on Saturday, reports said.

“A detailed inquiry has been ordered into the death,” The Indian Express reported quoting SP Ganesh Prasad Saha in a statement. Circle Officer Ramesh Kumar Tiwari said Akash was suffering from septicemia and had been unwell for a long time, the report added.

However, the victim’s kin and the residents of Sisawan Kala village blocked a state highway outside the police station for several hours demanding to file an FIR against the cops responsible for the boy’s death.

His family alleges that he was beaten in custody for three days, and his health deteriorated while in police detention. Despite being transferred to a hospital in Lucknow, Akash died on September 13.

Following his death, Akash’s family protested by placing his body on the Lakhimpur-Gola highway, demanding action against the officers responsible.

Former Samajwadi Party MLA Ramsaran also joined the protest. The family accused the police of brutality and sought the arrest of the officers involved. The protest led to a massive traffic jam on both sides of the highway, but by late evening, authorities were still struggling to clear the blockade.

The police, however, maintain that Akash was only questioned and later released to his family. They claim his health worsened at home, and they are awaiting the post-mortem report to determine the cause of death. The situation highlights the deepening distrust between the villagers and law enforcement.

On September 15, another incident involving the police in Uttar Pradesh’s Lakhimpur district sparked widespread outrage after a video of a confrontation between villagers and the police went viral on social media. In the video, shared on platform X (formerly Twitter), a police officer can be seen verbally and physically assaulting a villager. The officer is heard using derogatory language, saying, “The bastard will raise his hand on the police… of this mother— of this sister—,” while physically attacking the man.

The video has drawn sharp criticism, with people expressing anger over the police’s abusive behaviour and use of excessive force. Many have taken to social media to condemn the officer’s actions, pointing out the growing trend of law enforcement officials mistreating civilians, particularly in rural areas. The incident has intensified discussions about the police’s unchecked power and the lack of accountability in such cases.

This viral video has further deepened the distrust between local communities and law enforcement, as many view it as yet another example of police brutality and the culture of impunity that surrounds such actions. The uproar over this latest confrontation reflects a growing frustration among the public, who are increasingly questioning the behaviour of the police and their treatment of ordinary people. The incident also underscores broader concerns about how marginalised communities are disproportionately affected by such acts of police aggression.

 

Incident 2: Arson and violence

Over 20 houses in a Dalit settlement in Bihar’s Nawada district were set on fire by miscreants on Wednesday night, allegedly over a land dispute. This violent attack has intensified concerns over rising caste-based violence in the state, sparking political outcry and widespread criticism of the ruling government. The police have arrested 15 people, including the prime suspect, in connection with the incident, while opposition parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress have called it further proof of the “jungle raj” prevailing in Bihar under the NDA government.

The attack occurred in Manjhi Tola, within the Mufassil police station area of Nawada district. Initial reports suggested that over 80 homes were set ablaze, but police later confirmed that 21 houses were destroyed. Villagers from the settlement allege that a group of armed miscreants stormed into the Dalit neighbourhood, beating several families, setting their homes on fire, and allegedly firing shots into the air to instil fear. 

One villager recounted how the attackers arrived suddenly, thrashing anyone who tried to resist. “They beat us mercilessly and then started torching the houses,” said one resident, as per a report of India Today, visibly shaken. Though there were no fatalities, the destruction of homes has left many families displaced and destitute. Police have denied the claims of aerial firing, with Superintendent of Police (SP) Abhinav Dhiman stating that no bullet shells were found during their investigation. He added that, fortunately, no one was physically harmed in the incident.

A large contingent of police officers has been deployed to the area to prevent any further escalation. Despite their presence, the community remains tense, fearful of another attack. Villagers continue to demand accountability and swift justice, as many of them have lost their homes and belongings, with little hope of recovery without government support.

It is essential to note that the Bihar police have registered a case in connection with the arson and are continuing their investigation. As of Thursday, 15 people have been arrested in connection with the attack, including the prime suspect. Nawada SP Abhinav Dhiman stated that initial investigations suggest a land dispute may have triggered the violence, though further investigation is required. “The district police have arrested 15 people for allegedly torching the houses. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to investigate further, and searches are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects,” said Nawada District Magistrate Ashutosh Kumar Verma.

Senior police and administrative officials have been stationed in the area to maintain peace and prevent any further violence. Fire engines were brought to the scene promptly after reports of the fire broke out, helping to extinguish the blaze. Officials have confirmed that no lives were lost in the fire, and rumours of cattle being charred in the incident were also dispelled by the district administration.

Political Reactions and Government Response: The incident has sparked political outrage, with leaders across the spectrum condemning the attack and criticising the state government for its failure to protect marginalised communities. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar convened an emergency meeting with senior officials following the attack. He instructed the Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) to personally visit the site and oversee the investigation. In addition, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) has been formed to expedite the probe. Nitish Kumar promised strict legal action against the perpetrators, assuring that “no one will be spared.” 

The district administration, led by District Magistrate (DM) Ashutosh Kumar Verma, has begun providing immediate relief to the displaced families. “We are distributing food packets, drinking water, and other essentials to the affected families. Temporary tents have been set up to provide them shelter,” said DM Verma, as per ETV Bharat. The district administration is also conducting a damage assessment to ascertain the extent of property loss and determine compensation for the victims.

Furthermore, Verma confirmed that the attack likely stemmed from an ongoing land dispute in the area. However, police and local officials continue to investigate other possible motives behind the violence. While relief efforts are underway, the government has faced criticism for its slow response and lack of long-term rehabilitation plans for the victims.

Outrage from Opposition Leaders: The attack has drawn sharp criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the BJP-JD(U) government of fostering a climate of lawlessness that allows caste-based violence to thrive. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, taking to social media, condemned the incident, calling it a horrifying example of the state’s failure to protect Dalits. In a strongly worded tweet, Gandhi wrote, “Burning down an entire colony of Mahadalits in Nawada highlights the horrifying picture of injustice against Bahujans in Bihar. Such anarchist elements find shelter under the leadership of the BJP and its NDA allies. The silence of the Prime Minister is a seal of approval for this big conspiracy.”

 

Gandhi’s remarks reflect a broader sentiment of frustration over the rising violence against marginalised communities in Bihar and across the country. He accused the NDA of sheltering criminals and suppressing Bahujans so they cannot demand their social and constitutional rights. His comments also placed blame on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for remaining silent on these atrocities, suggesting that this silence emboldens perpetrators.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati also expressed her outrage, demanding strict legal action against those responsible and full financial support for the rehabilitation of the victims. “The incident of burning down many houses of poor Dalits in Bihar’s Nawada by goons is extremely sad and serious. The government must take swift legal action against the culprits and provide full financial help for the victims’ rehabilitation,” she posted.

 

Former Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav was equally vocal in his condemnation. He warned that atrocities against Dalits would no longer be tolerated in the state and called on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to wake up from his “slumber.” Yadav, echoing widespread public sentiment, said, “The NDA is not concerned about Bihar but about protecting criminals. The Chief Minister, who leads the third-largest party in the state, has not spoken up for months.” He accused the government of wilful neglect of marginalised communities, particularly Dalits.

This attack has once again shone a spotlight on the deep-rooted caste tensions in Bihar, where Dalit communities often find themselves the target of violence, particularly over land disputes. The incident is being seen as part of a broader pattern of attacks against marginalised communities across the country, with opposition parties blaming the government for allowing such violence to continue unchecked. The Congress and RJD have framed the incident as part of a larger “jungle raj” narrative, wherein lawlessness and caste-based oppression have flourished under the NDA’s rule.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, in his critique of the state government, described the arson as a terrifying example of Bihar’s failure to maintain law and order. He said, “It is condemnable that around 100 Dalit houses were set on fire, there was firing, and everything the poor families had was stolen in the dead of night.” Kharge accused the NDA of disregarding the plight of Dalits and encouraging anti-social elements to thrive under its rule.

 

As investigations continue, the focus now shifts to how the Bihar government will handle the aftermath of the attack, provide justice for the victims, and prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The victims, having lost their homes and livelihoods, await both immediate relief and long-term support to rebuild their lives amidst the ongoing political outcry.

Related:

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Nationwide surge in Anti-Muslim violence: September 15-17 sees unprecedented attacks and discrimination

Stop using politics of hate to hide failure to protect women and their rights: Open Letter to Uttarakhand Govt

Seeking caste census? Sharp rise in move to portray caste as Hindu protective shield

Cruelty for Caste: Dalit youth, Scholar, Student targeted in shameful attacks

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