Dalit youth attempts self-immolation after caste abuse, assault in Uttar Pradesh
Lucknow: Reflecting the persistent plight of Dalits in India, where caste-based discrimination and violence continue to mar social justice, a 22-year-old Dalit man attempted self-immolation after being subjected to public humiliation and casteist abuse in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident took place in Gangdhari village under the Khatauli police station limits in Muzaffarnagar district. The victim, identified as Himanshu Kaur, set himself on fire after a local farmer assaulted him and hurled caste-based slurs.
Police and family members said that the farmer had asked Himanshu to load flowers onto a cart. When he refused, the farmer slapped him and verbally abused him using derogatory caste-based language. The victim’s brother stated that the humiliation caused severe emotional distress, leading to the extreme act.
CCTV footage of the incident has surfaced, showing Himanshu pouring petrol on himself before setting himself ablaze.
People nearby quickly intervened and managed to put out the fire. The Dalit was initially taken to a local hospital and later referred to a higher medical facility in Delhi.
Authorities confirmed that he sustained burn injuries but is currently in stable condition.
