A case of kidnapping and inhuman torture of a Dalit engineering student in Tirupati, caste-related abuses, forced to drink urine and death threats has come to light.
Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh – The alleged kidnapping and physical and mental harassment of a Dalit engineering student for several days in Tirupati district has sparked outrage across the state. Tiruchanur police have registered a case under serious sections like kidnapping, causing grievous hurt, caste-related attack, illegal confinement for more than three days and death threats under the Indian Justice Code.
Victim student alleges caste harassment
The case was registered on May 16, in which the victim has been identified as A. James (22 years). He is a final year B.Tech student of Sri Vidya Niketan College and a resident of Reddypalem village in Nellore district. James and his friend Guru Sai Reddy were abducted from outside the hostel. The accused were led by prime accused Yashwant. The other named accused include Kiran, Jagga, Lalit, Sai Gowda, Vanshi, Roopessh and some unidentified persons.
“I was going to meet my cousin when a group of people like KT Road Katti, Nani, Jagga stopped me and locked me in a room. They brutally beat me for three-four days,” James said in a video statement.
The victim alleged that he was abused with casteist slurs and forced to drink urine. “They said – ‘How can you, being from SC caste, dare to do this?’ I was beaten badly. I want justice,” he said.
Held hostage in hotel room, threatened with death
According to the police, the accused locked James and his friend in room number 209 of Elite Park Hotel, Srinivasapuram, threatening to kill them on a bike. The victims were beaten with hands, kicks, belts and iron rods. James suffered serious injuries near his eye, while his friend also sustained injuries at multiple places. The two somehow managed to escape while returning to Tirupati.
Police said investigations are on and strict action will be taken against the culprits. Efforts are being made to identify the other accused.
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condemns the incident
Former chief minister and YSR Congress Party president YS Jagan Mohan Reddy strongly condemned the incident, calling it an example of increasing atrocities on Dalits and deteriorating law and order in the state.
He wrote on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “There is no security left for Dalits in the state. This incident shows how law and order is failing to provide security to the weaker sections.”
He also alleged that the police did not take appropriate action in time due to political interference in the case.
“Now it has become a common thing that when a victim goes to the police station, a case is registered against him. This incident in Tirupati is a proof of the inaction of the police and the pressure of the ruling party.”
YS Jagan Mohan Reddy, former Chief Minister
He demanded that a case be registered immediately against the culprits and the Dalit student should get justice.
Courtesy : Rajan Chaudhary, Hindi News