Violence and caste discrimination have reared their ugly heads again in Madhya Pradesh, leading to alarming incidents post-polling. Two incidents stand out, involving the violent torching of Dalit homes and the abusive harassment of Dalit individuals based solely on caste.
On November 10, Ashok Saket, a Dalit man from Chitai Purwa village, found himself the target of humiliations related to his caste after being accosted by Mayank Dwivedi. The argument escalated when Ashok was simply sitting on a chair outside his home. Dwivedi confronted him, proclaiming, “You are from a lower caste; you have no right to sit on a chair in front of us.” Ashok attempted, unsuccessfully, to reason with him, asserting his right to sit outside his own residence. This confrontation quickly turned hostile, with casteist slurs hurled at Ashok.
Following this incident, Ashok lodged a formal complaint with the police, only to be met with indifference from law enforcement. He expressed his disappointment, stating, “When I went to the Laur police station to file the complaint, the police did not take my grievances seriously.” Instead of receiving support, he faced unsympathetic behavior and derogatory remarks from the police. Though the report resulted in a First Information Report (FIR), Ashok’s ordeal worsened when, soon after his police visit, unidentified individuals attacked his home.
On the evening of the same day, Ashok's house was forcibly entered by aggressive assailants who vandalized his property and issued alarming threats: “You filed a police complaint; now face the consequences.” These violent encounters have left Ashok's family feeling insecure and desperate for protection, pleading with the authorities to take immediate action against their aggressors.
Dismaying reactions from Dalit leaders have highlighted the broader societal issues stemming from caste discrimination. According to Pradeep Ahirwar, the President of the Scheduled Caste wing of Congress, these incidents reveal the pervasiveness of caste-based discrimination within Indian society. He urged for stricter legal actions against the perpetrators, emphasizing the lessons reinforced by the Constitution, which condemns untouchability and casteism.
Meanwhile, it wasn't just the individual struggles faced by Ashok Saket. A much larger and even more violent episode unfolded shortly after the bypolls for the Vijaypur Assembly seat. On November 14, the turmoil which erupted following the elections turned deadly; the Dalit village of Gohta was subjected to arson, where miscreants torched homes and vandalized properties. The violence erupted after the elections, bringing “a ruckus” to the community, where frightened villagers sought refuge at the local police station, fearing for their safety. Eyewitness accounts detail stone pelting and property destruction executed by local assailants.
The police response has provoked ire from the affected communities. Allegations have arisen, accusing law enforcement of turning a blind eye to the violence. Vijaypur police station chief, Pappu Singh Yadav, confirmed the violence but claimed his teams managed to regain control of the situation. He stated, “The violence occurred following conflicts between two groups.” Still, questions remain whether adequate measures have been put forth to protect these vulnerable communities.
Significantly, these incidents of violence and discrimination are not isolated. They reflect the long-standing, deeply rooted caste tensions persisting within Madhya Pradesh, which, according to reports, are often exacerbated during politically charged times.
The bypolls themselves were marred with allegations of malfeasance, including instances of booth capturing and physical clashes among party workers. A fierce battle was evident between the ruling BJP and the opposition Congress during the elections, leading to accusations being exchanged amid protests from both sides. Leaders from both parties, including Congress state president Jitu Patwari and BJP state president V.D. Sharma, publicly protested against each other’s alleged attempts to manipulate voting.
Following the violence, social activists have raised their voices, calling for justice and more awareness concerning the plight of Dalit communities, whom they say are often the victims of deeply ingrained social prejudices. Ashok’s case sheds light on casteism's prevailing presence and social injustices faced by marginalized groups, sparking widespread conversations about the need for thorough legal enforcement and societal change.
Meanwhile, with the caste-based tensions surfacing again, the community voices echo concerns for justice, safety, and fundamental rights. The documented responses indicate urgent demands for the state to step up protections and institute effective legal penalties for acts of caste discrimination and violence.
Currently, investigations are actively taking shape within both indignant incidents, yet the larger picture is the stark reminder of the pressing issues of caste discrimination and the necessary social reform lies within every layer of Indian society.
