By Special Correspondent
Bhopal: Madhya Pradesh Congress President Jeetu Patwari has expressed deep anguish over the inhuman assault on a Dalit youth in Surpura village of Bhind district, calling it not only a brutal act against humanity but also clear evidence of the complete breakdown of law and order under the BJP government.
Describing the incident as a “shameful reflection of the government’s apathy towards the marginalised”, Patwari questioned why atrocities against Dalits and the underprivileged continue unabated in Madhya Pradesh despite repeated promises of justice and protection.
According to reports, a 25-year-old Dalit driver was abducted by three men — Sonu Barua, Alok Pathak and Chhotu Ojha — on Monday night from Gwalior and taken to Surpura village. There, the accused allegedly beat him mercilessly, forced him to drink alcohol, and then compelled him to consume urine. The victim was later rescued and hospitalised. Patwari spoke to the victim via video call and demanded strict action against the culprits.
Citing NCRB data, Patwari said Madhya Pradesh recorded 7,732 cases of atrocities against Dalits in 2022 — the third highest in the country. “Under BJP rule, crimes against Dalits are rising at an alarming rate, with Madhya Pradesh recording a 43.4% crime rate — the highest among BJP-ruled states,” he said.
He listed several recent cases, including a Katni incident on 16 October 2025 where a Dalit man was beaten and forced to drink urine for opposing illegal sand mining, and a Shivpuri case in November 2024 where a Dalit youth was lynched. Similar incidents in Chhatarpur, Khajuraho and Damoh, he added, depict a “jungle raj of injustice”.
Patwari criticised Chief Minister and Home Minister Dr Mohan Yadav for “failing to protect Dalits while touring abroad”, and called the BJP’s slogan Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas hollow.
He concluded by asserting that the Congress will continue to fight for Dalit and marginalised rights, upholding Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals against what he termed the BJP’s “anti-Dalit governance”.
