Four people have been arrested after a video of a Dalit man being forced to lick the shoes of a contractual Electricity Department employee in Sonabhadra district, Uttar Pradesh, went viral. The incident has sparked outrage and led to the case being registered under the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocity Act (SC/ST Act) 1989, along with other sections of the Indian Penal code (IPC).
The video shows the accused, identified as Tejbali Singh Patel, assaulting the Dalit man, Rajendra Chamar, supposedly because he was angry with him for checking faulty electrical wiring. During the assault, Chamar can be seen licking the shoes of the worker, as well as doing sit-ups while holding his ears and apologizing. The accused is also heard instructing someone to share the video in a group.
Following the incident, Chamar filed a complaint with the local police, leading to the arrests of Patel and three others who were allegedly involved in assisting him. The case has been lodged under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace).
The action taken by the police is a response to the severe mistreatment of Chamar and the violation of his human rights. The accused have been arrested and will be held accountable for their actions under the relevant sections of the SC/ST Act and IPC.
This incident has brought to light the deep-rooted caste discrimination that still exists in society. The abuse suffered by Chamar is a clear example of the prejudice and violence that Dalits face on a daily basis. It is crucial that such incidents are not overlooked and that efforts are made to eliminate caste-based discrimination.
The Uttar Pradesh police’s swift action in registering the case and making the arrests is commendable. However, it is essential that the investigation is thorough, fair, and transparent. The perpetrators must be held accountable to ensure justice is served for Chamar and to send a strong message that such acts of discrimination and violence will not be tolerated.
The video going viral has drawn attention to the need for stricter enforcement of laws protecting marginalized communities, particularly Dalits. Social media platforms have become powerful tools for exposing and condemning such acts of violence and discrimination. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of using these platforms responsibly and effectively to shed light on societal issues and hold individuals accountable for their actions.
The incident has also prompted discussions around the importance of education and awareness to combat caste discrimination. It is crucial to promote inclusivity, respect, and equality in all spheres of life. Creating a safe and equal society requires a collective effort from both authorities and individuals to challenge discriminatory attitudes and ensure the well-being and dignity of all.
The case will continue to be investigated, and it is hoped that justice will be served. It is imperative that such incidents are not forgotten or swept under the rug. Only through a relentless pursuit of justice and societal change can we hope to eradicate caste discrimination and create a more equitable and inclusive society for all.
