Dalit Attacks Across Multiple Indian States Highlight the Fatal Realities of Caste Violence
Dalit violence continues to plague India as shocking incidents of attacks on Dalits in multiple states reveal the distressing realities of caste-based violence that exist within the country. These recent incidents in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka have once again spotlighted the dangers faced by Dalits, the lowest caste in India.
In Palakkad, Kerala, a Dalit family fell victim to a violent assault by their neighbor when they were celebrating Diwali, the festival of lights, with firecrackers. Manikandan and his mother were injured during the altercation on October 23. The complainants allege that their neighbor and his son approached them, questioning their decision to burst firecrackers. This confrontation escalated into physical violence, with Manikandan being pushed to the ground and his mother kicked in the chest. The attackers also used derogatory caste names during the assault. Disturbingly, despite filing a complaint, the family claims that no action has been taken by the authorities, leading Manikandan to submit a complaint to the state’s Chief Minister.
In Tamil Nadu, a 26-year-old singer named Prakash, belonging to the Paraiyar community, a Scheduled Caste group in the state, was brutally assaulted by individuals from the Kallar caste, classified as Most Backward Classes. Prakash, a well-known singer and artist, was returning from a trip to purchase materials for festival celebrations when he was followed and confronted by two men from the Kallar community. The situation escalated when two more individuals joined in, subjecting Prakash to caste-based verbal abuse and physical assault. The attackers even hurled bottles and stones at him, resulting in critical injuries that required 15 stitches. Prakash believes the assault was premeditated due to his involvement in local temple festivals over the years.
In Andhra Pradesh, Dalit lawyer Manda Vijaykumar and his mother were allegedly assaulted by individuals associated with the Yuvajana Sramika Rythu Congress Party (YSRCP). Vijaykumar claims the attack was organized by people linked to MLA Katasani Ramireddy, as he had exposed illegal land mutation. Shockingly, instead of taking action against the accused, Vijaykumar himself was booked under false charges of harassment and intimidation. These charges appear to be an attempt to silence him, as he has been actively advocating against land encroachments in the village.
Kamalapur in Karnataka witnessed a tragic incident when a young Dalit man was fatally attacked on October 27. The victim, Jagadevappa, was assaulted with a rod by Shankar Parmeshwar Naikodi and several others following a verbal spat. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Jagadevappa succumbed to his injuries. The police have registered a complaint against the suspects, with three arrests made so far. Two constables were also suspended for negligence in handling the case. Charges including caste abuse and attempted murder have been filed against the attackers.
These incidents of violence against Dalits highlight the ongoing caste-based discrimination and violence that persist in Indian society. The fact that authorities often fail to take appropriate action illustrates the urgent need for stringent measures to protect marginalized communities. Without immediate attention and reforms, Dalits will continue to suffer from the fatal realities of caste violence.
