A disturbing case of caste-based violence and public humiliation has surfaced from the Bharthana police station area in Etawah district, Uttar Pradesh. Over a petty dispute, a group of dominant caste youths brutally assaulted a Dalit man, forcing him to stand like a rooster in the middle of the road while hurling casteist abuses at him. Shockingly, the accused recorded the entire act and circulated the video on social media, triggering widespread outrage.

The incident took place in the Rani Nagar locality of Bharthana town. The victim, identified as Sumit Diwakar, a resident of Rani Nagar, filed a complaint stating that while he was on his way to work, three men — Nandan Gupta, Laddu Gupta, and Satyendra Kumar from the Old Bharthana area — stopped him. Following a brief altercation, the trio began beating him and using caste-based slurs. They further forced him into a humiliating position, making him crouch like a rooster, while filming the assault on their mobile phones.

According to reports, the incident occurred on October 8, but the matter came to light only after the video went viral on October 25. As soon as the video spread online, police took cognizance and registered an FIR against the three accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Police launch probe, video sent for forensic examination
Police officials confirmed that a forensic analysis of the viral video is underway to verify its authenticity. Raids are being conducted to arrest the accused. The brutal act has sparked anger and condemnation in the area, with locals demanding immediate and strict punishment for the culprits.

Authorities respond
Commenting on the matter, SP Rural Shrish Chandra said, “A case has been registered against the three accused based on the victim’s complaint. Other viral videos circulating online are baseless, but strict legal action is being taken in this verified case. Incidents of caste discrimination or violence will not be tolerated under any circumstances.”