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After Mayawati’s visit, Dalits killed and Rajput houses burnt down

Following the BSP chief's Saharanpur visit, violence has flared. The police have arrived at the scene and are trying to rein in the situation but the chances of the tension mounting cannot be ruled out. Provocative videos going viral haven't helped 

New Delhi/Saharanpur: On 23 May 2017, Tuesday, violence flared again in Saharanpur and two people were killed. This latest episode of violence followed Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati’s visit. More than a dozen people have been reportedly injured.

The violence erupted when Mayawati left Shabirpur after meeting with the victims of the May 5 attack on Dalit homes. The two deceased Dalit youths are residents of Sarsawa village, about 7 kilometres from Shabirpur. Inder Ram, who was injured in the same incident, said about 10-12 sword-wielding Rajput men suddenly attacked them. Muasir Aalam confirmed this nature of the attack, adding that a large number of BSP supporters had gathered there in connection with Mayawati’s visit.

There have also been reports of attack and arson on Rajput homes in Shabirpur. Before Mayawati’s arrival, Dalits reportedly attacked Rajput homes and set them on fire. However, according to local Dalits, there were no such attacks and that in fact Rajputs set their own houses on fire.

A large number of policemen have been deployed. Senior Officials have reached the scene and are trying to bring the situation under control. According to BBC Hindi, Anand Kumar, additional director general of police, Meerut zone, confirmed this latest episode of violence and said Saharanpur’s district officials, senior superintendent of police and senior officials were present at the scene of the incident.

Tension in Shabirpur is at its peak. The situation could yet worsen. Several provocative videos related to the incident are going viral on social media and because of that, violence is spreading to several other villages too.


Based in New Delhi, India, ForwardPress.in and Forward Press Books shed light on the widespread problems as well as the finer aspects of Bahujan (Dalit, OBC, Adivasi, Nomadic, Pasmanda) society, literature, culture and politics. Next on the publication schedule is a book on Dr Ambedkar’s multifaceted personality. To book a copy in advance, contact The Marginalised Prakashan, IGNOU Road, Delhi. Mobile: +919968527911.

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About The Author

Nawal Kishore Kumar

Nawal Kishore Kumar is Editor (Hindi), Forward Press

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