Nagaur-In a distressing incident in Dantina Gram Panchayat area of Nagaur district, a Dalit Sarpanch, was subjected to degrading humiliation as he was compelled to stand on one foot. Adding to the indignity, a Khap Panchayat, allegedly led by members of the upper caste, has imposed a ‘Hookah-Pani’ bandh for the Sarpanch’s family.
The punitive measures were reportedly in response to accusations against the Sarpanch’s brother, Moolaram, who stands accused in the murder of a Rajput youth named Jitu Singh on November 6. The Khap Panchayat, led by a former Sarpanch and his associates, passed a verdict mandating the Sarpanch’s public apology with folded hands and the act of standing on one foot. The incident took place on December 9.
The Sarpanch, Shravan Ram Meghwal,gave a written complaint at the Pachaudi police station on December 12. The move came in response to the video of the humiliation incident reportedly going viral on social media, garnering widespread attention and concern.
” The police have registered a case under the SC-ST Act. Eight persons have been arrested, with efforts underway to apprehend those who remain at large.” Nagaur SP Narayan Togas told The Mooknayak. On Saturday morning, the Deputy and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDO) were dispatched to the village to initiate peace talks and offer consolation to the affected family.
According to reports, the Khap Panchayat, spearheaded by a former Sarpanch Sheraram, Up-sarpanch Bhagwat Sankhla and some associates, passed a verdict compelling the 35-year old Sarpanch Shravan Ram Meghwal to apologize with folded hands and stand on one foot in front of the entire village. Additionally, a substantial fine of 5 lakhs was imposed on the Sarpanch, and stringent directives were issued, including a prohibition on villagers mingling with the Sarpanch’s family and a complete severance of all ties. Residents in the village are living in fear as the family, comprising around 50 members, grapples with the consequences of the Khap Panchayat’s decree.
The aftermath of the Panchayat decree has left the Sarpanch’s family confined to their homes, resulting in disruptions to the normalcy of their lives. Children, notably, have been unable to attend school due to the imposed restrictions. Additionally, reports suggest that women from the family were allegedly compelled to fetch water from distant sources, adding to the challenges faced by the family.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the misuse of traditional community structures and the perpetuation of caste-based discrimination. Local authorities are now under pressure to intervene promptly and ensure justice for the affected family.
The accusations against Moolaram, the Sarpanch’s brother, are central to this controversy. While legal proceedings are expected to address the criminal allegations, the collective punishment meted out to the entire family has ignited a debate on the need for comprehensive social reforms to eradicate deep-rooted caste prejudices.
This story was originally published in en.themooknayak.com. Read the full story here .