In Paina Buzurg village of Shahjahanpur district, Uttar Pradesh, a Dalit vegetable vendor, Achal Kumar, was brutally beaten with sticks and rods by a group of local goons. The incident was caught on video and went viral on social media, prompting the police to take immediate action and arrest the main accused.
According to police, Achal had an ongoing dispute with some upper-caste individuals in the area. On Sunday, while selling vegetables in Paina Buzurg, he was surrounded and assaulted by Chutakke Singh and his accomplices. The video shows the attackers forcing Achal to call one of them “father,” adding a humiliating caste-based insult to the physical assault.
Sidhouli Circle Officer Praveen Malik stated that Achal has undergone a medical examination and his condition is currently under control. He added that the violence appears to be the result of an old rivalry and that the investigation is ongoing.
The viral video caused tension in the village, leading police to increase security in the area. Cases have been registered against all the accused.
The incident once again highlights the serious issue of caste-based violence and social inequality. Authorities have assured that the perpetrators will face strict legal action under the law.
