Dalits’ house set on fire in UP

In yet another instance of growing caste tensions in Uttar Pradesh, the house of a dalit family in Kasganj district was set on fire by upper caste men on Friday and the women and children were thrashed mercilessly.

The incident took place in Faridpur village in Kasganj where the upper caste Baghel community had a minor clash with some dalits in the village.

The dalits apparently complained about the incident and sought the help of the local administration as they feared more such attacks.

This reportedly angered the Baghel community and about 10 to 12 men barged into the house of Ashok, who belongs to the Jatav community, and set it on fire. “We all ran barefoot to our relatives’ home in the neighbouring village to save our lives,” said Ashok.

Ashok further said that some people from the Baghel community wanted to take possession of his land that was located adjacent to their land but he had refused to part with his share of the land.

District magistrate of Kasganj, Mr K Vijayendra Pandian, said, “The family will be given security. I have asked the SDM to investigate the matter and the local police have been directed to file an FIR against those who attacked the family. Persecution of an oppressed community will not be tolerated.”

Later on Friday night, an FIR was lodged against accused Bihari, Rajesh, Sunil, Narendra and others under Section 436 mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to destroy house etc.) and ST/SC 3(v) (wrongfully dispossess a member of a Scheduled Caste or a Scheduled Tribe from his land or premises or interfere with the enjoyment of his rights over any land, premises or water) and 3 (III) (forcibly removes clothes from the person of a member of a SC or a ST or parade him naked or with painted face or body or commits any similar act which is derogatory to human dignity).