In a disturbing incident in Punjab's Muktsar district, two Dalit youths were allegedly stripped, tied, and dragged through agricultural fields in scorching heat on Saturday over suspicion of theft. The incident occurred just two days after a viral video from Haryana's Hansi district showed a Dalit youth hanging upside down in a well over an alleged water pump theft.
Incident Details
The Punjab State Scheduled Castes Commission has taken suo motu notice of the incident in Jhord village and sought a report from the Muktsar SSP, to be submitted through the SP (headquarters) by June 9. According to sources, a group of villagers stormed the homes of the two local youths after learning about the theft of a mobile phone from a migrant labourer. The youths were taken to paddy fields, where they were initially tied to a tree, partially undressed, and bound by their hands before being dragged. A video of the incident later went viral, sparking widespread outrage.
Reactions from Officials and Activists
Ashok Mahindra, a representative of a local pro-Dalit organisation, condemned the act, stating, "The villagers acted in a Taliban style. Even if these youths committed a crime, there is a legal system to deal with them. We will request the Punjab social security minister, who represents the Malout constituency, to take serious note of this incident."
Malout DSP JS Dhaliwal identified the two youths as Gurpinder Singh (27) and Sandeep Singh (28), both residents of Jhord. Police revealed that Gurpinder already faces a case under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. DSP Dhaliwal assured that the police are not overlooking the assault. "While we are investigating the alleged mobile snatching and the background of the youths, strict action is simultaneously being taken against those who indulged in this inhumane act," he said.
Villagers' Defense and Further Condemnation
Villagers claimed that the two men confessed to the theft during the ordeal. They admitted to the assault but said they acted out of rage, alleging that the two were involved in drug abuse and targeted a migrant labourer. Former Punjab SC Commission member Karanbir Singh Indora strongly condemned the incident, stating, "The villagers acted in a highly objectionable manner. No one has the right to take the law into their own hands."
The incident has reignited discussions about caste-based violence and the importance of rule of law in the region. Authorities are continuing their investigation into both the theft and the assault.
