In a disturbing incident, a case has been registered against five men by the Haryana Police for the kidnapping and assault of a Dalit youth in Rathiwas village. The victim was brutally thrashed after being abducted by the accused individuals due to his alleged failure to vote in favor of one of them during the previous year’s panchayat elections. The case was lodged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST Act.
According to the police, the victim was initially approached by two men, identified as Manish and Monu, near the Hanuman Temple in the village at around 10 pm. They claimed that Sanjit Rathi, a candidate for the village sarpanch position, had called him to his house. Despite refusing their demands, the victim was forcibly taken to Rathi’s house, where two others named Deepak and Kalia were present, as per the victim’s complaint.
Once inside, the accused individuals allegedly locked the victim in a room and subjected him to a brutal assault using sticks. They also hurled casteist slurs at him and threatened to kill him, causing immense fear and anguish. Deepak, wielding a pistol, interrogated the victim about his decision to not vote for Rathi during the sarpanch election.
Fortunately, the victim’s parents became aware of the situation and reached Rathi’s house. Consequently, the victim was released, allowing his parents to rush him to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The injuries sustained by the victim were severe and required immediate medical intervention.
The Bilaspur Police Station promptly registered an FIR against the five accused individuals on Monday. However, all five suspects have been on the run since the incident was reported late on Sunday night. Law enforcement authorities are actively engaged in efforts to apprehend them and bring them to justice, as confirmed by SHO Rahul Dev of Bilaspur Police Station.
This incident highlights the deep-rooted issues of caste-based discrimination and violence that continue to plague society. The police, along with concerned citizens, must work collaboratively to ensure the safety and protection of marginalized communities, while also taking strict legal action against the perpetrators to serve as a deterrent against such heinous acts.