Upper caste members pour kerosene in Dalits’ well in revenge in MP village | Latest News India - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Upper caste members pour kerosene in Dalits’ well in revenge in MP village

Hindustan Times,Bhpoal/Agar Malwa | ByPramod Carpenter
Apr 29, 2017 06:02 PM IST

In yet another case of atrocity against Dalits, upper caste villagers in a village in Agar Malwa district in Madhya Pradesh allegedly poured kerosene into a well used by so-called low castes simply because a Dalit man had hired a band party for his daughter’s wedding.

A Dalit villager’s decision to hire a band party to welcome the bridegroom at his daughter’s wedding in a village in Madhya Pradesh drew a cruel retribution from upper caste villagers who allegedly poured kerosene into a well used by so-called low castes.

Officials stand around the well used by Dalits in Mana village in Agar Malwa district of Madhya Pradesh in which upper caste villagers allegedly poured kerosene.(HT PHOTO)
Officials stand around the well used by Dalits in Mana village in Agar Malwa district of Madhya Pradesh in which upper caste villagers allegedly poured kerosene.(HT PHOTO)

The incident in Mana village in Agar Malwa district, about 200 km from the state capital, last week once again underlined caste fault lines in the country.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

As the Dalits could not drink the contaminated water they dug a hole on the banks of the Kalisindh river for an alternate source of water. Simultaneously, they also used a pump to suck out the contaminated water in the well.

A makeshift well Dalits dug on the banks of the Kalisindh river after their well was contaminated with kerosene. (HT PHOTO)
A makeshift well Dalits dug on the banks of the Kalisindh river after their well was contaminated with kerosene. (HT PHOTO)

On Saturday, district collector D V Singh and superintendent of police R S Meena went to the village, drank water from the well used by Dalits in order to reassure them and also talked to the members of the upper caste. The collector also announced that two borewells would be dug in the area where the Dalits live so that they do not have problems in future.

Read more: Madhya Pradesh: Dalit family defies upper-caste diktat, hires band for wedding

Collector Singh said that they are keeping watch over the situation and that the police are investigating the case. “The contaminated water has been pumped out and the water is potable again,” he said.

On April 23, Chander Meghwal, a 45-year-old Dalit had welcomed the groom for his daughter Mamta’s wedding with a band party, despite a warning by the dominant upper castes that he would face social boycott if he hired a band party. According to the village tradition the Dalits are only allowed to use ‘dhol’ to welcome the groom. However, Meghwal had informed the administration about the threat and finally the marriage took place under police protection.

But the defiance did not go down well with the upper caste members and they took their ‘revenge’. Chander had feared that the upper caste would retaliate for defying this unjust age-old tradition and had openly expressed his apprehensions.

Unveiling Elections 2024: The Big Picture', a fresh segment in HT's talk show 'The Interview with Kumkum Chadha', where leaders across the political spectrum discuss the upcoming general elections. Watch now!

Get Current Updates on India News, Election 2024, Mukhtar Ansari Death News Live, Bihar Board 10th Result 2024 Live along with Latest News and Top Headlines from India and around the world.
SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On