A Dalit family in Karaunda village under Nigohi police station limits in Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, has alleged that a group of local men forcibly entered their home, attacked them with sticks, hurled casteist abuses and damaged their property. The family says they are now living in fear and are being pressured to leave the village, and have appealed to the Superintendent of Police for security and protection.
What Happened on the Night of March 3
According to the application submitted by Ramlal, a resident of Karaunda, to the Superintendent of Police, the attack took place at around 7.30 in the evening on March 3. A group of men from the village allegedly forced their way into his home, abused him using casteist slurs and beat him with sticks. Ramlal sustained serious injuries to his head and bled heavily during the assault.
The attackers also broke down the door of the house, damaged a motorcycle parked in the courtyard and destroyed a box kept inside the home. Ramlal called the police emergency number dial 112 immediately after the incident. Police arrived at the scene and arranged for his medical examination. He was initially treated at the Primary Health Centre in Nigohi before being shifted to the District Hospital for further care.
A case has been registered against some of the accused in connection with the incident.
Family Now Threatened and Considering Leaving the Village
Ramlal told the Superintendent of Police that the situation has not improved since the attack. He alleged that the accused have been continuously pressuring him to reach a compromise and withdraw the case, and have warned the family that if no settlement is reached, they will not be allowed to continue living in the village. Under constant threat and with fear for their safety, Ramlal and his family are now considering leaving Karaunda altogether.
This story was originally published in theobserverpost.com. Read the full story here.