GST inspector caught taking Rs 50,000 bribe in Himachal's Una

Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch today condemned the caste-related incident in Rohru's Limbara village, where a 12-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly locked in a cowshed and later died by consuming poison. The forum demanded strict action against the accused under the SC/ST Act and called for their immediate arrest.

The forum demanded adequate compensation for the victim's family and protection for them to prevent any tampering of evidence or coercion to withdraw the case. The forum criticised the government's lack of will to implement the SC/ST Act effectively, leading to increased caste-based incidents.

The forum expressed disappointment over the silence of major political parties, Congress and BJP, on this incident, suggesting that they prioritise vote banks over social justice. The forum suggested widespread awareness campaigns about the SC/ST Act, similar to anti-smoking campaigns, to deter caste-based atrocities.

The forum further said that it would organise a mass movement to protest against the increasing caste-based incidents and ensure that the Constitution is respected. “There’s a need to protect Dalit rights and prevent exploitation, ensuring that perpetrators of caste-based atrocities are brought to justice,” said Jagat Ram, state convener, Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch.