Two Dalits were beaten to death in separate incidents in Rajasthan's Bharatpur and Alwar on Friday, 2 March, officials said.
A Dalit boy was allegedly beaten to death while playing Holi in Bhiwadi village of Rajasthan’s Alwar district. The teenager has been identified as Neeraj Jatav, The Indian Express reported.
According to police, Neeraj was playing Holi with people from another community when clashes broke out between the two sides.
Additional Superintendent of Police Pushpendra Solanki said Jatav sustained grievous injuries in the attack, and he eventually died.
Prima facie no weapon injuries were found on the body but the post mortem report is awaited for clarity on the cause of death. Family members claim Jatav was assaulted with sticks.
“The incident took place around 3 pm. Preliminary investigation suggests that two groups were playing Holi and a dispute arose over applying colour. Most of the people were intoxicated when the incident took place”, Solanki told The Indian Express.
“Preliminary investigation suggests the accused, also in the similar age group, were known to Jatav”, he added.
Officials did not name the accused as they may be minors.
Neeraj was declared dead on arrival at the Bhiwadi health centre. Angry relatives began protesting and also tried to vandalise the facility. Even a police vehicle was damaged, Hindustan Times reported.
Labourer Hacked to Death
Jaswant Jatav (26), a Dalit labourer, was beaten to death and his thatched house set ablaze by 4 people in Bharatpur, Rajasthan on Friday night, said police, PTI reported.
The incident took place in Kumher area where the accused beat Jatav over an old dispute.
“Jatav died of internal injuries and the post-mortem was conducted today (Saturday)”, said Kumher police station SHO Seetaram Meena.
(Hey there, lady! What makes you laugh? Do you laugh at sexism, patriarchy, and misogyny? Do 'sanskaari' stereotypes crack you up? This Women's Day, join The Quint's Ab Laugh Naari campaign. Pick up that beer, say cheers, and send us photographs or videos of you laughing out loud at buriladki@thequint.com.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)