A Dalit man named Abhishek Gautam, 24, was reportedly assaulted by seven individuals for drinking water from a handpump located near a temple in Uttar Pradesh’s Bhadohi. The incident took place on July 26, and Gautam filed a complaint detailing the assault.
In the complaint, Gautam stated that his assailants used casteist slurs while physically attacking him, pressing their feet against his neck “until his tongue protruded.” They also issued threats against him and his family, warning him not to report the incident to the authorities. Superintendent of Police Meenakshi Katyayan confirmed these details, noting that Gautam, a BA student and kabaddi player, had previously faced intimidation from the group for using the public space near the temple.
Despite bringing the matter to the police’s attention, Gautam alleged that no action was taken. Frustrated, he sought justice through a special court, which, on Thursday, directed that a case be registered against the seven accused under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
As of now, the accused are absconding. “Following the court’s instructions, the FIR was registered on October 17. The investigation has been assigned to Circle Officer Prabhat Rai,” said the Superintendent of Police.
