In a shocking incident that unfolded on September 20, 2023, in the serene village of Dugar, situated in the heart of Chittorgarh, an elderly Dalit man found himself at the center of a deeply disturbing controversy. The incident involved an act of apology that has ignited widespread outrage among the Dalit community and prompted swift legal action against those responsible.
Seventy-year-old Dalu Salvi, a respected Dalit elder in the area, and Bhuralal Gurjar, a local resident of Dugar, were both involved in a Katha performance in their village approximately three months ago. The Katha, a traditional narrative performance, should have been a simple and peaceful event. However, as events would later reveal, it took an unfortunate and distressing turn.
देवनारायण कथा में अशोभनीय टिप्पणी करने का आरोप; 20 लोगों पर केस दर्ज https://t.co/Ljbfu0ydsS
— MANOJ SHARMA/ मनोज शर्मा (@manojpehul) September 19, 2023
During the course of the performance, it is alleged that Dalu Salvi made derogatory remarks about deities, though these comments initially went unnoticed. It wasn’t until footage from the program went viral that tensions began to escalate within the Gurjar community. On September 16, members of the Gurjar community, along with residents from neighboring villages, convened at the residence of Dugar’s brother-in-law to address the issue.
In a meeting that would soon become infamous, Dalu Salvi was asked to share his version of the story, and it was here that the elderly Dalit made a remarkable request: he asked Bhuralal Gurjar to apologize by placing his shoes on his own head, and a fine of Rs 1100 was imposed. In a deeply humiliating act, the elderly Dalit had his head covered with shoes as a symbol of his apology, with approximately sixty to seventy witnesses present, representing the entire town.
The distressing incident was captured on video and began circulating, causing immense anger and resentment among the Dalit community. On Monday, as the video gained widespread attention, members of the Dalit community wasted no time and lodged a complaint with the Chittorgarh Superintendent of Police (SP). Subsequently, based on the victim’s report, a case was filed against approximately 20 individuals involved in this degrading act.
Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Badrilal Rao has been assigned to investigate the case, and Chittorgarh’s SP Rajan Dushyant has taken a stern stance on the issue, ordering the immediate arrest of the suspects. A police operation, under the supervision of ASP Rawatbhata Subhash Chandra Mishra, led to the apprehension of ten suspects, while efforts to locate the remaining individuals are ongoing.
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This disturbing incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and injustices that continue to plague our society. It has also reaffirmed the importance of prompt legal action against those who perpetrate acts of discrimination and humiliation. The Dalit community, united in their pursuit of justice, hopes that this incident will bring about a positive change and raise awareness about the need for tolerance and respect among all communities in Chittorgarh and beyond.