NEW DELHI – A seemingly innocuous altercation over the use of a borewell has claimed the life of a Dalit man in a village in Madhya Pradesh. The 28-year-old victim was reportedly beaten to death with sticks and rods by the village sarpanch and his family members. The tragic event highlights the ongoing caste-related tensions and issues of violence in rural India.
The incident happened in the Shivpuri district of the state, police sources cited by media reports reaching here said on Wednesday.
The altercation reportedly began over watering a field in Indragarh village but escalated into a fatal assault.
The victim, Narad Jatav, had come to visit his maternal uncle’s home in the village. On Tuesday evening while he was watering the fields, Sarpanch Padam Singh Dhakad arrived with his family members, namely Betal, Jaswant, Awadhesh, Ankesh, Mohar Pal, Dakha Bai, and Vimal. They allegedly began hurling abuses at Narad which soon resulted in a violent attack. Armed with sticks, the accused severely beat him, leaving him critically injured.
The victim was rushed to Shivpuri Medical College by his family, but he succumbed to his injuries.
Superintendent of Police Aman Singh Rathore confirmed that a case has been registered against eight individuals, including the sarpanch, under charges of murder. Four people have been arrested so far.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.