Jabalpur: A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader, Amit Dwivedi, along with his parents and family members, has been booked under the SC/ST Act for allegedly assaulting a Dalit family in the Ramnagar Shah Nala locality of Jabalpur, reports the Hindustan Times.
The incident came to light after a video went viral showing the BJP leader and his associates attacking the family on Monday night. According to Brijesh Mishra, in-charge of the Tilwara police station, the altercation began when Dwivedi objected to the Dalit family constructing a bathroom outside their home.
The Dalit family, residents of leased land for over three decades, stated that they were trying to improve their living conditions. The confrontation reportedly escalated when Dwivedi and his associates attempted to forcefully remove the children of the family.
Anil and Varsha Jharia, members of the Dalit family, alleged that the situation turned violent, with Dwivedi and others attacking them with shoes, dragging a woman by her hair, and using casteist slurs. The family also claimed to have received death threats, prompting them to seek refuge at a relative’s house.
The police have registered an FIR against Dwivedi and his parents based on the victims’ complaint. Initially, a case had been filed against the Dalit family based on a complaint by Dwivedi. However, after the assault video surfaced, the family approached the Superintendent of Police’s office demanding justice.
“The investigation is underway, and strict action will be taken against those responsible,” assured Brijesh Mishra.
The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about caste-based violence in the region.
