A Dalit family in Neemuch district, Madhya Pradesh, has staged a protest inside a government hospital, alleging caste-based violence and police inaction. The family, injured in an alleged attack, is demanding justice and has even sought permission for mass suicide if their pleas are ignored.
Family Alleges Caste Abuse and Violent Attack
The incident began on February 26 in Dasia village over a dispute related to a chickpea crop. Victim Premchand Mogiya accused local men, Mohan Singh and Babu Singh, of assaulting his daughter and abusing her with casteist slurs.
The family claimed that when they approached the police, officials delayed registering an FIR. “We were forced to complain through the CM helpline because the police did not act,” the family said.
They alleged that after filing the complaint, the accused attacked them again on March 15 with sticks, leaving Premchand, his wife, and daughter seriously injured.
Protest Inside Hospital
Currently undergoing treatment at the district hospital, the family is protesting with placards expressing fear and anger. Messages on the placards read:
“Stop atrocities against Dalits,”
“Stop hooliganism under police protection,” and
“Give us justice or allow us to commit mass suicide.”
The family also said they are being forced to leave their village due to fear. “Because of police protection to casteist goons, we may have to abandon our home and land,” one placard read.
Allegations Against Police
The victims have accused the police of protecting the accused and not applying relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act initially.
“They deliberately ignored serious charges and registered a weaker case,” the family alleged, adding that they were also pressured to withdraw their complaint.
Police Deny Charges
Police officials have rejected the allegations. Station House Officer Shabbi Mew said, “No protection is being given to the accused. At the time of the initial complaint, there was no assault reported, so we tried to resolve the matter.”
Neemuch City police officer Pushpa Chauhan said an FIR was later registered after the assault. “The SC/ST Act was added once the caste certificate was provided,” she clarified.
Appeal to Chief Minister
The family has appealed to Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav for a fair investigation, strict action against the accused, and immediate security.
“We have lost faith in the system. Either give us justice or allow us to end our lives,” the family said, highlighting their desperation.
