A Dalit vegetable vendor was beaten in Shahjahanpur district of Uttar Pradesh, leading to quick police action after a video of the assault went viral on social media. The incident happened in Paina Buzurg village under Sidhouli police station, where a local strongman attacked the vendor with sticks. In the video, the accused is seen hitting the man again and again and forcing him to call the attacker “father”. The disturbing footage caused widespread anger online, which pushed the police to step in without delay.
The victim has been identified as Achal Kumar, a resident of nearby Paina Khurd. Officials said Achal had an ongoing legal dispute with some upper caste men in the area. On Sunday, he accidentally entered Paina Buzurg while selling vegetables. He was then surrounded by Chutakke Singh and his group, who assaulted him. A local resident filmed the attack and posted it online, which created more tension in the village.
Achal later filed a complaint with the police. A case has been registered under the appropriate sections. Sidhouli Circle Officer Praveen Malik said, “We have arrested the main accused and the investigation is continuing.” He also said that the violence appeared to be a result of an old rivalry between the two sides. “The victim has been medically examined and the situation is under control,” he added.
