A Dalit youth, Varadhan was brutally assaulted and abducted by a group of people that included Youth Congress Constituency President Tony Thomas in an alarming incident that has resonated throughout the region.
Story: Avani Kulshreshtha
Edit: Nitya Kaimal
The assault occurred on July 5 in a small town and has only recently become public, about two weeks after the event largely due to damning CCTV footage emerging.
It all started at the car park of a private bar in town. The victims said Prakash, Ajith and Varadhan from Gandhi Nagar Colony were present at the parking lot when an accident happened between the gang’s vehicle and another car. despite the harmless nature of the accident, it led the group including Shraddakh, Abhilash George, Sarath and Rene to direct their violence towards Varadhan and his buddies without any provocation whatsoever. This unprovoked attack saw the young men being pursued and beaten as they ran for their lives.
As the beating continued, the group scattered in different directions to escape their attackers. Varadhan took refuge at the bus stand but was traced by the gang who forcibly abducted him and drove him to Thanni Theruvu. At this point, Varadhan was compelled to reach out to his friends who had managed to flee and ensnare them back into danger.
Also read: Faridabad: Dalit man shot to death by fellow locals.
The police were called in immediately and saved Varadhan from further harm. Jithu, a brother of Tony, as well as T.J.Bijobin, were caught on the scene while others escaped. The fugitives are still at large facing charges under non-bailable sections that indicate how serious their alleged offences are.
When CCTV footage from the town made it into circulation showing the brutal assault in full technicolour, the involvement of Youth Congress leader Tony Thomas as well as others became public knowledge. The police used this video clip to include five more individuals as accused persons. Finally, Tony’s brother Jithu and T.J.Bijobin were arrested in connection with this murder case and they are now on remand.
On the subsequent day Tony Thomas, accompanied by other politicians, visited the police station to offer legal aid to those under custody. This action has received negative press due to its perception of being a cover-up for the wrongdoers, leading to more confusion on how the party views the situation.
The Indian National Congress (INC), which has always portrayed itself as a champion of Dalit rights, is now in a fix. The participation of a leader from the Youth Congress in such an appalling act strongly contrasts with this rhetoric. Furthermore, public outrage against the delay in exposing this case only increased concerns about internal controls within the party and its commitment towards justice.
Also read: Retired Headmaster Goes Viral For Beating Up A 14-Year-Old Dalit Boy Over A Pomegranate
The Congress party has taken several steps in response to the incident. The public condemnation of the assault and assertion that this conduct is intolerable, particularly from a member of its own reminds us how concerned they are about it. Tony Thomas and other implicated persons have been suspended by the party until further details are provided. Additionally, congress has assured all possible assistance to police investigators who will ensure that justice is served for victims. An internal investigation will reveal how much complicity existed amongst members as well as decide on punishment measures that were found necessary. Moreover, such incidents make the congress party sympathetic enough towards their plight and promise them every possible help in seeking redress.
This occurrence still cast a dark shadow over the Congress party’s claims of being pro-Dalit. It brought out that there was distance between what the party said and what some members did making it crucial to ask whether or not it was committed to Dalit rights and justice.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
