A 16-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly brutally assaulted by upper-caste men in Uttar Pradesh’s Kanpur district for drinking water from a public handpump and touching a bucket kept nearby. The incident, which took place on May 2 in Jhakhra-Sambharpur village under the Sachendi police station area, came to light after an FIR was registered on Saturday.
According to the complaint filed by the victim’s family, the teenager, son of a farm labourer, had gone to a nearby handpump to drink water when a group of men present there allegedly stopped him after he touched a bucket.
The accused reportedly hurled caste-based abuses at the boy and accused him of “polluting” the bucket. The family alleged that the teenager was then subjected to severe humiliation and violence.
The accused allegedly stripped the minor, beat him with sticks, and kicked and punched him repeatedly. In a shocking act of humiliation, they allegedly spat on a shoe and forced the boy to lick it. They also reportedly filled the shoe with water and forced him to drink from it.
The victim’s family further alleged that after the incident, the accused sprinkled Ganga water around the handpump to “purify” the area.
Father Assaulted While Trying to Save Son
The boy’s father, who rushed to the spot after learning about the assault, was also allegedly attacked by the group. According to the complaint, he suffered fractured ribs during the assault, while the teenager sustained serious injuries, including a broken hand.
The injured boy was initially taken to a private hospital and later shifted to Ursula Hospital for treatment.
Police have registered a case against four accused — Sanjay, Deepak, Sagar, and Patiya — based on the family’s complaint.
Police Say Investigation Underway
Speaking on the matter, police said the incident occurred when the teenager touched a bucket kept near the handpump, leading to an argument with the accused.
Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Panki, Manoj Kumar Singh, said the matter is being investigated and further action will be taken based on evidence and findings.
“The matter is under investigation. Appropriate action will be taken on the basis of findings and evidence,” ACP Manoj Kumar Singh said.
