A disturbing incident of caste-based violence has emerged from Kanpur, where a 16-year-old Dalit boy was brutally assaulted by four upper caste men for drinking water from a public handpump and touching a bucket kept there. The attackers subjected the minor to severe humiliation and physical abuse, including stripping him, forcing him to lick a spat-upon shoe, and making him drink water poured into that shoe. They also sprinkled Ganga water around the handpump to 'purify' it after the alleged 'pollution.'
Details of the Assault
The incident occurred on May 2 in Jhakhra-Sambharpur village under Sachendi police station area. The victim, son of a farm labourer, went to drink water from a nearby handpump. As soon as he touched the bucket, four men identified as Sanjay, his brother Deepak, Sagar, and Patiya, who were already present, stopped him. They hurled caste-based abuses and accused him of polluting the bucket.
The assailants first punished the boy, then beat him mercilessly with sticks, fists, and kicks. They stripped him and forced him to lick a shoe that had been spat upon. Subsequently, they filled the shoe with water and compelled him to drink from it. After the assault, they sprinkled Ganga water around the handpump to purify it, reflecting deeply entrenched caste prejudices.
Father Also Attacked
When the minor's father reached the spot to rescue his son, the accused assaulted him as well. The father suffered broken ribs, while the boy sustained a broken hand. The victim was first taken to a private hospital and later admitted to Ursula Hospital for treatment.
Police Action
A case was registered on Saturday against the four accused based on a complaint filed by the victim's family. ACP Panki Manoj Kumar Singh stated that the matter is under investigation and action will be taken based on findings and evidence. The police have not made any arrests yet, but the investigation is ongoing.
This incident highlights the persistent caste discrimination in rural India, where Dalits continue to face violence for accessing common resources. The brutal nature of the assault, including the forced drinking from a shoe and the purification ritual, underscores the deep-rooted stigma attached to caste.
