Team Clarion
NEW DELHI — In a shocking incident that underscores the deeply entrenched caste-based violence and gender discrimination in India, a Dalit girl was reportedly set on fire by the son of a man who allegedly attempted to assault her. The incident has sparked outrage and highlights the precarious position of Dalit women in the country, who face intersecting layers of marginalisation due to both caste and gender.
The incident took place in Madhya Pradesh’s village near Khandwa, days after the Dalit girl filed a police complaint against her harasser.
In her complaint, the Dalit girl alleged that 48-year-old Mangilal tried to force himself on her when she was alone in a field on October 7. Subsequently, Mangilal was arrested on the same day but was granted bail the following day.
After his release, the girl’s relatives reported that they received threats from Mangilal’s family members.
According to the police report, Mangilal’s son, Arjun, barged into the victim’s house, poured petrol on her and burnt her.
This story was originally published in clarionindia.net. Read the full story here.