In Baghpat district of Uttar Pradesh, a case of caste-based violence has come to light at an intermediate college in Dhannoura Silvernagar, Binouli. Dalit students have accused teachers of beating them after they raised slogans of “Jai Bhim” during the school prayer on August 26.
According to the students, the incident began when some boys shouted “Jai Shri Ram” in the assembly. In response, a group of Dalit students said “Jai Bhim.” Soon after, the school’s PTI (physical training instructor) and two teachers took five of them into a room. “Two teachers held our hands while another beat us with a stick. They also forced us to squat like chickens as punishment,” one student alleged.
The students further claimed that the principal abused them with casteist remarks and threatened to expel them from the school. “We were humiliated for saying Jai Bhim. The principal even said we don’t deserve to study here,” said another student.
The victims first went to Binouli police station to lodge a complaint, but no action was taken. On Friday, they reached the office of the Superintendent of Police to press for action.
Additional SP Narendra Pratap Singh confirmed that the complaint has been received. “The SHO of Binouli has been directed to investigate the matter,” he said. District Inspector of Schools (DIOS) Raghvendra Singh stated, “So far no written complaint has reached my office. Once we receive it, a thorough inquiry will be conducted and necessary action will follow.”
For the Dalit students, the issue is not only about physical assault but also about dignity. “We only said Jai Bhim. Why were we punished for it?” one of them asked, demanding justice.
