[Reader-list] MOB ATTACKS DALIT AREA INDIAN EXPRESS

[Asit Das]

A mob of over 60 men and women — all from the dominant Maratha caste —
allegedly attacked the Dalit basti of Rajwada in Shevge Dang village,
Nashik district, on Sunday, causing serious head injuries to 13 men.

The police have arrested 11 men so far.

According to the villagers, the attackers came in tractors, carrying
sickles, knives, bricks and boulders. They alleged that their houses were
damaged and photographs of B R Ambedkar were desecrated.

According to reports, the fight ensued over a small accident, when a tempo
owned by a person belonging to the Maratha caste rammed into a tree on
October 15, injuring several persons travelling in it, including a
50-year-old Dalit woman Lata Bharit.

"My son went to Chandrakant Shinde, the driver, and asked for compensation.
He was abused and sent back. Both parties approached the police and the
issue was resolved amicably," said Lata.

"While the Dalit families assumed the situation was normal, the Maratha men
had begun to conspire. They waited for most of the villagers to leave for
their daily work, and then attacked," said investigating officer and SDPO R
N Hazare. The police have registered an FIR for attempt to murder, criminal
conspiracy and dacoity under the IPC.