Dalit Man Loses Life in Lalitpur After Refusing to Massage Coworkers’ Feet

In a tragic incident that has once again highlighted caste-based violence in India, a 33-year-old Dalit man was reportedly beaten to death in Lalitpur district, Uttar Pradesh, after he declined to massage the feet of his coworkers during an alcohol-fueled gathering. The victim, identified as Rajkumar, also known as Chhannu, was assaulted by three men on Saturday evening, raising serious concerns about the treatment of Dalits in society.

According to police reports, Rajkumar had been invited to a party at the residence of one of the accused, Samyak Rajnayak, 38. Alongside Rajnayak were Gajendra Narwaria, 37, and Gaurav Raikwar, 25. While consuming alcohol, the three men allegedly demanded that Rajkumar massage their feet. When he refused, they resorted to violence, using a belt and an iron rod to inflict fatal injuries.

The Additional Superintendent of Police for Lalitpur, Kalu Singh, stated that Rajkumar was killed instantly due to the brutality of the attack. Following the incident, in an apparent attempt to cover up their crime, the accused reportedly abandoned Rajkumar’s body on a roadside, attempting to disguise the murder as a traffic accident. The police received reports of an unconscious man lying on the road behind Varni Jain College near Gurunanak Dharamshala the following morning.

Upon arrival, law enforcement officials discovered Rajkumar’s lifeless body and transported him to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead upon arrival. A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the police are pursuing further legal action against the accused. All three men have been apprehended and, according to reports, have confessed to their involvement in the crime.

This horrifying episode has reignited discussions about caste discrimination in India, particularly the violence endured by Dalits. Incidents like these expose the deep-rooted societal issues that persist in various parts of the country. Activists and members of the community are calling for stricter measures to prevent such acts of brutality and ensure justice for marginalized groups.

Source: scroll.in