A Dalit youth was allegedly assaulted and humiliated with casteist slurs in Madhya Pradesh’s Mandsaur district. The incident took place in Dethli Khurd village under the Garoth police station limits, where police have arrested two accused.
According to officials, the victim, Ramgopal Mehar, filed a complaint at Garoth police station, saying he was attacked over an old dispute related to “moram” (gravel).
Year-Old Dispute Led to Assault
Ramgopal told police that about a year ago, gravel was dumped near his plot. Since then, the accused — Bajrang Dhakad and Dilip Dhakad — were allegedly angry because he had not used their dumper for the work.
Police said the same issue became the reason for the latest confrontation.
According to the complaint, the accused surrounded Ramgopal, started arguing with him, and then allegedly abused him using casteist words before physically attacking him.
Victim Suffered Serious Injuries
The victim said he suffered injuries to his head, stomach, hands and legs during the assault. A woman present at the spot was also allegedly beaten during the incident.
Locals who heard Ramgopal’s cries rushed to the scene and intervened, helping rescue him from the attackers.
Case Registered Under SC/ST Act
Balveer Singh Yadav, the station in-charge of Garoth police station, said that based on Ramgopal’s complaint, a case has been registered against both accused under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
He said both accused have been taken into custody and further investigation is underway.
Social Tensions Also Being Probed
Local reports suggest that the victim’s family follows preacher Rampal, and there had been some social opposition in the village over this. It is also being reported that followers of Rampal were distributing books in the area, which may have contributed to tensions.
Police are now investigating all angles behind the assault.
