Man peed on a tribal laborer
Outrage has erupted after a video emerged from Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district, depicting a shocking incident where a man urinated on a tribal laborer. The victim, a resident of Sidhi and a laborer by profession, became the target of this humiliating act.
The video of the man quickly caught the attention of Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who expressed his concern and called for immediate action. He demanded the implementation of the National Security Act (NSA) against the perpetrator. Taking to Twitter, he stated, “A viral video from Sidhi district has come to my notice… I have instructed the authorities to apprehend the culprit, take strict action, and impose NSA.”
The video of the man also drew condemnation from opposition leaders in Madhya Pradesh. Former Chief Minister Kamal Nath denounced the incident, asserting that such reprehensible acts had no place in a civilized society. He further emphasized the need to put an end to horrors against tribals in the state.
Expressing his dismay, Madhya Pradesh Youth Congress President and tribal leader Vikrant Bhuria labeled the incident as “shameful.” The accused has been identified as Pravesh Shukla. Local authorities in Sidhi have lodged a First Informotion Report (FIR) against him, charging him under sections 294 and 504 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation is underway to ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator faces appropriate legal consequences for his actions.
Why such incidents occur?
This incident of a man urinating on a tribal laborer in Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district sheds light on the deep-rooted discrimination and suffering faced by people belonging to lower castes in society. It serves as a distressing reminder of the pervasive caste-based inequalities that persist, despite efforts to promote equality and inclusivity. The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive social reforms and stringent measures to eradicate caste-based discrimination and ensure the fundamental rights and dignity of every individual, regardless of their caste or social background.
The Indian constitution, through Article 15, prohibits any form of discrimination based on religion, race, caste, sex, or place of birth, ensuring equality of status and opportunity for all citizens. It also mandates the promotion of educational and economic upliftment of marginalized sections, particularly Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs), while safeguarding them from injustice and exploitation. However, the reality of India today reveals a darker side where these constitutional principles are often ignored.
Crimes against marginalized communities, specifically the lower castes, by individuals from upper caste communities have become distressingly common. Hate crimes targeting these communities include rape, abuse, harassment, illegal land encroachment, and even killings. The lower castes are subjected to public degradation, derogatory name-calling, and other forms of discrimination solely based on their caste identity.
The National Crime Records Bureau’s (NCRB) annual report for 2019 highlighted a significant increase in crimes against scheduled castes, with a rise of over 7% and 25% in different categories. Shockingly, India records 88 rape cases daily, while thousands of children die every year due to dire conditions in slums.
These acts of discrimination and violence are perpetrated by individuals who belong to the same religion but lack compassion and empathy for marginalized communities. India is witnessing a concerning surge in criminal activities, particularly targeting lower caste groups.
Disturbingly, the poverty rate in India remains high, with 21.9% of the population living below the poverty line. Among marginalized groups, 81% of STs, 66% of SCs, and 58% of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) are trapped in poverty. In contrast, the poverty rate for the rest of the population is 33%.
These marginalized communities face a multitude of challenges, including poverty, illiteracy, lack of healthcare and sanitation facilities, inadequate housing, and constant harassment. They find themselves trapped in a cycle of hardship, with limited opportunities for improvement and trauma from the discrimination they endure. Despite their significant presence in society, their plight often goes unnoticed.
Recent news reports shed light on the horrifying incident in Jaipur Kota, where a nine-year-old boy lost his life after being beaten by a schoolteacher for allegedly touching a water pitcher. This incident serves as a grim reminder of the inhumanity that still persists within Indian society, challenging the notion of a reformed India.
The prevailing situation calls for urgent attention and action to address the deep-rooted discrimination and violence against marginalized communities. It requires collective efforts to ensure the effective implementation of constitutional safeguards, promote social justice, and create an inclusive society where every individual, regardless of their caste, can live with dignity and respect.
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