National News

Misleading Claim Spread By Congress And Kalaignar News About Dalit Youth Being Kicked By UP Home Guards For Not Voting BJP

May 15, 2024
The Commune

In a troubling incident at a tehsil complex in Bareilly district, Uttar Pradesh, a violent confrontation unfolded on 14 May 2024 between two homeguards and a watchman, sparked by a discussion about the recent Lok Sabha elections.

The confrontation, which took place outside the SDM office, was observed by onlookers and swiftly circulated on social media platforms. Seizing upon the incident, the Congress party, led by Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, attempted to portray it as an instance of BJP-affiliated Homeguard members assaulting Dalits. However, the true nature of the conflict revealed a longstanding feud between the parties involved, which escalated during a discussion on political matters.

Priyanka Gandhi stated, “The public gets ration because every citizen in this country has the right to food. The grain is grown by the farmers, the money spent on distribution is the public’s. Does the BJP government want to make the public hostage by spending a little of their money on them? Where did these policemen get the courage to behave like BJP goons and be so cruel to our Dalit brothers?”

Immediately the DMK’s mouth piece Kalaignar news peddled the fake allegation with title, “ Uttar Pradesh police brutally assaulted Dalit youth for not voting for BJP!”

Real Incidents Context

Virendra Kumar, hailing from Bahor Nagla village and employed as a watchman at the local police station, visited the tehsil to obtain a record copy of his land. Upon encountering two homeguards, Virbahadur and Rampal, stationed at the tehsildar office, he found them engaged in a heated debate over the election results, marked by the use of vulgar language and grievances about voter participation despite government schemes.

When Virendra intervened to challenge their statements and protest against their offensive language, the situation escalated, leading to a violent assault by the homeguards. Virendra recounted being accused of neglecting his voting duties despite benefiting from government programs. He was thrown to the ground, subjected to verbal abuse, and physically attacked, including being struck with the butt of a rifle. Additionally, casteist slurs were reportedly hurled during the assault.

A netizen raised a query to the Bareilly police, seeking clarification on the situation, and shared the widely circulated video stating, “Bareilly. Home guards beat up a chowkidar over a minor dispute. He was beaten up brutally in the tehsil premises with a rifle and kicks and punches The viral video is being said to be of the tehsil premises of police station Nawabganj area. @Uppolice Tell me what the matter was.“

To which Bareilly Police replied, “Investigation in the referred case found that two home guards working in Tehsil Nababganj, one of whom is HG 1669 Rampal and the other HG 55 Veer Bahadur. The watchman appointed at the police station was Virendra, son of Nankulal, resident of Bahorangala, who had gone to Tehsil Nawabganj for some work. There was an argument with HG Veer Bahadur in the tehsil, due to which he was beaten and humiliated by HG Veer Bahadur and his associate HG Rampal by kicking and punching him on the ground. In this regard, on the basis of the complaint of Chowkidar Virendra, a case has been registered and necessary legal action is being taken. A report is being sent to Commandant, Home Guard, Bareilly for departmental action against both Home Guard 1669 Rampal and Home Guard 55 Veer Bahadur.”

Numerous witnesses observed the incident, with one individual capturing it on video, which rapidly circulated on social media platforms, sparking widespread condemnation.

In response, Virendra submitted a formal complaint to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and other senior officials, urging action against the homeguards. Nawabganj SDM Govind Maurya initiated an investigation into the matter, acknowledging the altercation and noting the affiliation of both parties with the police department, hinting at potential prior disputes.

Meanwhile, Videsh Kumar Sharma, the police outpost in-charge, indicated that no official complaint had been lodged yet. However, he assured that appropriate measures would be taken upon receiving a formal complaint.

(With Inputs From FPJ)

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