A horrific instance of hate crime has come to the fore from Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh where a 24-year-old Dalit youth, Dhanprasad Ahirwar, was burnt alive by a Muslim mob on the night of 14th January.
Reports suggest that the two parties had been involved in a dispute involving children a few days ago, when the police had mediated and tried to settle the issue. However, the accused continued threatening the youth and his family but the police failed to act. On the night of January 14th a mob of 15-20 Muslim men entered the victim’s home and assaulted him as well as his family members before setting him on fire by pouring kerosene.
Dhanprasad’s family members have named Chuttu, Ajju Pathan, Kallu and Irfan as prime accused in the gruesome attempt to murder. The victim was rushed to Bundekhand Medical College Hospital from where he was shifted to Bhopal two days later. He has received 60-70 percent burns and is in a critical condition, battling for his life in Hamidia Hospital in Bhopal.
It is believed that Dhanprasad was already facing threats from the attackers and had even requested police protection. He attempted to lodge a complaint about the harassment at Motinagar Police Station of Dharamshree in Sagar. However, no action was taken on his complaint.
The police have registered a case under IPC sections 294, 323, 452, 307 and 34 as well as the SC/ST Act against Chuttu, Ajju Pathan, Kallu and Irfan. While three of them have been arrested, the fourth accused is said to be absconding. According to BJP leader Rakesh Singh at least 15-20 people were involved in the crime but the ruling Congress is playing vote bank politics and minority appeasement by trying to shield the accused.
The SC ST Officers and Workers Union has filed a complaint with the collector and Superintendent of Police (SP) requesting speedy action and justice. Legal Rights Observatory has also approached the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Chairman asking for action under SC/ST Atrocities Act as well as a CBI probe.
#Dalit Man burnt alive in #MadhyaPradesh– LRO has requested #NCSC Chairman Dr Katheriya @DrRamShankarMP to intervene in d matter to prosecute accused #AjjuPathan, Kallu, #Irfan by invoking SC/ST atrocities act n CBI probe of the incidence @MSJEGOI @RamdasAthawale @OfficeOfKNath pic.twitter.com/26UeBNFNIO
— Legal Rights Observatory- LRO (@LegalLro) January 19, 2020
This case has chilling parallels to how 17-year-old Dalit youth Sawan Rathod was burnt alive by 3 Muslim men in Pune, for the alleged crime of stealing bike batteries. Sawan succumbed to his injuries, while Dhanprasad is still battling for life.
(Featured image source: Dainik Bhaskar)
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