DEHLI: Police in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh have apprehended a man on charges of assaulting a tribal worker in a degrading manner, prompting widespread condemnation.
Pravesh Shukla, the alleged assailant, faces legal action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which was enacted to safeguard historically marginalized communities.
The arrest followed the circulation of a distressing video capturing the assault, leading to its dissemination across social media platforms.
While the accused and his family have refrained from commenting on the incident, several politicians from the main opposition party Congress have claimed that Shukla maintains affiliations with the ruling Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), which also holds power in Madhya Pradesh, According to the BBC.
The BJP, however, has vehemently denied these allegations.
The police, for their part, have chosen not to address the matter, emphasizing the necessity for a comprehensive investigation into the facts surrounding the case.
Discrimination against tribal communities
Despite the existence of protective legislation, the scourge of discrimination against tribal communities and individuals from lower castes remains an unfortunate reality, impacting an estimated population of approximately 200 million people.
The shocking video, which emerged on Tuesday, exhibits Shukla casually smoking a cigarette while urinating on the face of the victim, who was seated on the roadside. Reports indicate that the perpetrator was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.
Following the video’s viral dissemination, a groundswell of public demand for Shukla’s arrest quickly materialized. Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Kamal Nath, took to Twitter to express his indignation, stating, “This incident has brought great shame upon Madhya Pradesh. The perpetrator must face the most severe punishment, and the ongoing mistreatment of tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh must be halted.” Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan similarly expressed his outrage, vowing to invoke the rigorous National Security Act (NSA) against Shukla.
In the midst of the unfolding controversy, Congress spokesperson Abbas Hafeez alleged that the accused, Pravesh Shukla, shares ties with BJP lawmaker Kedarnath Shukla. Hafeez further bolstered his claims by sharing photographs showcasing the two individuals together. Kedarnath Shukla, however, firmly refuted these allegations, expressing ignorance regarding the identity of the accused. “During my interactions within the constituency, numerous individuals accompany me. Given the extensive range of events I attend, he is not a member of the BJP,” he asserted.
The incident has not only incited public outrage but has also underscored the imperative need for the sustained protection and empowerment of vulnerable communities within Indian society. As the wheels of justice begin to turn, it is hoped that the appropriate legal mechanisms will be set in motion, delivering justice and redressing the abhorrent act perpetrated against the tribal worker.
