Dalit Youth Assaulted in Doti Over Alleged Water Touching Incident: Demands Justice for Caste-Based Discrimination

Doti: In a disturbing incident, a Dalit youth was subjected to physical assault on Sunday afternoon, allegedly for touching water in a local hotel. Ishwar Dhami, a businessman from KI Singh Rural Municipality-4 Dhamigaon Dharakhola, is accused of assaulting Ramesh Bhul, a resident of KI Singh-4 Lekkot, when he went to the hotel for lunch.

The incident unfolded when Dhami reportedly slapped Bhul, questioning why he, as a Dalit, was touching the water. In response, Bhul has filed a complaint with the police, accusing Dhami of engaging in racial untouchability and discrimination against him. The victim expressed his intention to pursue legal action, emphasizing that the incident was not just a personal insult but an affront to the entire Dalit community.

Ramesh Bhool narrated the events, stating that he was merely taking water from a container in the shop to drink when Dhami unexpectedly slapped him. The case has been brought to the attention of law enforcement authorities, seeking justice for the alleged caste-based discrimination.

In-charge Mansingh Bhandari informed that the Byal police station directed both parties to approach the district police office, Siliguri, stating that the incident of caste discrimination falls beyond the jurisdiction of the local police office. As per Bhandari, Ramesh Bhool reported the assault on Sunday evening, claiming that he had been attacked under the pretext of touching water.

Ishwar Dhami, as per eyewitness accounts, admitted to the assault on grounds of racial charges. However, Dalit leader Vasant Vick from KI Singh-4 Wayal has raised concerns about potential pressure on the victims to settle the matter as a commonplace incident within the village. The incident is now under investigation, shedding light on the urgent need for addressing issues related to caste discrimination and promoting social harmony.