What Actions is NHRC Taking After Religious Storyteller Assaulted in UP's Etawah?
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Synopsis
In a shocking development from Uttar Pradesh's Etawah, the NHRC has stepped in after a religious storyteller faced brutal assault due to caste discrimination. The NHRC's actions have sparked widespread attention, revealing deep-rooted societal issues that require urgent solutions.
Key Takeaways
- NHRC intervention highlights the importance of addressing caste discrimination.
- Legal action has been initiated against the accused individuals.
- Community response emphasizes the need for social harmony.
- Investigations are ongoing to ensure justice for the victims.
- Societal issues related to caste must be addressed to prevent recurrence.
New Delhi, June 24 (NationPress) The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has recently acknowledged a disturbing incident from Etawah district in Uttar Pradesh, where allegations have surfaced claiming that a religious storyteller faced brutal assault and humiliation due to his backward caste status.
The Commission has formally notified officials from the Uttar Pradesh government regarding the issue and has mandated them to initiate legal proceedings against those responsible.
In a statement shared on social media platform X, NHRC Chairperson Priyank Kanoongo expressed concern, stating: "A complaint has been received regarding a horrific act in Etawah, where a religious storyteller from a backward caste was attacked, his head shaved, compelled to touch a woman’s feet with his nose, and then disrespected with urine due to his caste. Following this complaint, the state government officials have been issued a notice to take legal action and report back to the commission."
This incident unfolded in Dadarpur village within the jurisdiction of the Bakewar police station, during a Bhagwat Katha event held on June 21.
During the gathering, storyteller Mukut Mani and his assistant Acharya Sant Singh were recounting a religious narrative.
Discontent arose among local villagers regarding the caste of the storytellers.
It was alleged that the storytellers had misrepresented themselves as Brahmins while actually belonging to a different caste.
This situation escalated, leading to violence against the storytellers.
In addition to physical violence, the storytellers were also subjected to non-consensual hair cutting.
Many bystanders recorded this inhumane behavior, which subsequently went viral on social media.
The viral footage intensified tensions in the community.
Local residents and religious organizations vehemently condemned the event, calling for strict measures against the perpetrators.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Brijesh Kumar Srivastava took the matter seriously, instructing the social media monitoring unit to act promptly.
The social media team acknowledged the viral video and initiated an investigation.
Following the victims' report, a case was registered under relevant legal provisions.
The police swiftly apprehended four suspects: Ashish (21), Uttam (19), Pratham alias Manu (24), and Nikki (30).
The primary charge against Nikki involves forcibly cutting the storytellers' hair.
SSP Srivastava confirmed on Monday that the incident occurred during a Bhagwat Katha in a village under the Bakewar police station, where the storytellers were allegedly assaulted and degraded, and their hair was cut as well.
He added, "We have commenced action based on the viral video and social media complaints since Tuesday morning."
The SSP mentioned that an investigative team led by an Additional Superintendent of Police is thoroughly examining the case.
The identities of the victims have been established, and all allegations will be impartially investigated, he stated.
He pledged that stringent actions would be taken against the accused.
"The police are addressing this situation with the utmost seriousness. Such incidents undermine social cohesion in our nation," he remarked.
Measures will be enforced against the offenders to prevent future occurrences, the SSP assured.
Point of View
We are committed to highlighting issues surrounding human rights and social justice. This incident underscores the necessity for vigilance against caste-based discrimination in India. Our role is to ensure these stories are told with integrity, advocating for justice and social harmony.
NationPress
25/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What actions has NHRC taken in response to the assault?
The NHRC has issued a notice to Uttar Pradesh officials, demanding legal action against the assailants and a report on the incident.
Where did the incident occur?
The incident took place in Dadarpur village under the Bakewar police station area in Etawah district.
What was the nature of the assault?
The religious storyteller was beaten, humiliated, had his head shaved, and was forced to perform degrading acts due to caste discrimination.
How many people were arrested?
Four individuals have been arrested in connection with the assault.
What is the response from local authorities?
Local authorities, including the Senior Superintendent of Police, have taken the matter seriously, ensuring an investigation and strict action against the accused.
