A young man from the Valmiki community in Uttar Pradesh’s Etah district has accused three local barbers of refusing to cut his hair because of his caste and using casteist slurs against him. He has filed a complaint at the Jaithra police station, seeking action against the shopkeepers.
The incident allegedly took place on November 1 in Parauli village, under the Jaithra police station area. According to Ajit, son of Sewaram, he went to barber Bablu’s shop at around 10 am to get a haircut. He alleged that Bablu asked him to visit a barber from his own village instead and turned him away.
Ajit then approached the shop of Sukhveer, son of Khushiram, who is also from Parauli Suhagpur. Ajit alleged that Sukhveer told him he did not cut the hair of people belonging to the Valmiki community.
He subsequently went to Shankar’s shop, where he alleged that he was abused and threatened with being driven away. Ajit said Shankar used casteist remarks and verbally abused him.
Speaking about the incident, Ajit questioned why caste should determine access to an everyday service such as getting a haircut. He said people from different communities apply for government jobs and participate in public life, yet members of his community continue to face discrimination when seeking basic services.
Ajit has asked the police to investigate the allegations and take legal action against the three shopkeepers.
Jaithra station house officer Sunil Kumar Verma confirmed that the police had received a complaint and were investigating the matter. He said the shopkeepers would be called to the police station for questioning and that action would be taken if the allegations were established.
Courtesy : TOP
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