A Dalit man in Bareilly, Uttar Pradesh, was brutally assaulted and humiliated by three local men over a financial dispute. The victim, Pappu Diwakar, had lent Chandrasen Rs 4.5 lakh to purchase a tractor. When he asked for repayment, Chandrasen, his son Pappu, and their associate Godhanlal allegedly attacked him, shaving his head, eyebrows, and moustache, smearing mud on his face, and recording the assault to post on social media.
The incident, which took place nearly a month ago, occurred while Diwakar had been living at Chandrasen’s residence. The accused reportedly hurled casteist slurs during the attack and subjected him to repeated abuse. Local police acted promptly, arresting some associates, though the main accused remain absconding.
During the investigation, police also uncovered a related matter: villagers had grown angry at Diwakar over allegations of practising black magic, claiming he had tricked them into digging for non-existent hidden treasure, which may have contributed to the attack.
