If a Dalit guy falls in love with a girl from a higher caste, if a Dalit groom rides a horse, if Dalits enter temples, or if Dalits take water from public wells, all of these things are deemed crimes. A adolescent was slain after his sister reported sexual harassment, a Dalit student died after being caste-based tormented by professors, and four Dalit men were hanged upside down from a tree and beaten with sticks just on suspicion of stealing a goat, according to recent events. In two recent cases in Karnataka, dads killed their daughters after they developed romantic relationships with Dalit guys.
Source: News Click
These occurrences could occur everywhere. Although prejudices are seen to be more pronounced in villages, they exist in cities as well. Ahmedabad leads Gujarat in terms of atrocities. According to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), the most atrocities have been committed in the state of Uttar Pradesh. SCS and STs are both targets of abuse and atrocities.
The number of crimes is rising in the majority of states, including UP. Due to the fact that many of these crimes go unreported, the numbers may not accurately reflect the problem. Many Dalits are reluctant to voice a grievance because doing so could lead to retaliation. The legal system, including the police, frequently supports the oppressors and is biassed.
Source: NDTV
The low conviction rate in atrocity cases is due to this. According to NCRB data from 2017 to 2019, only 27% of crimes against women and young girls from Scheduled Castes were prosecuted. Following Independence, untouchability was eradicated in the nation. Even before independence, the nation has seen a number of social movements and initiatives to grant Dalits equal status. The SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act was passed into law in 1989 to more effectively address offences against Dalits.
The principle of guaranteeing Dalits equal rights in all areas has political support, but it is not always put into effect. If ingrained preconceptions and biases are to be addressed and overcome, there is a need for persistent social campaigns, sincere governmental support, and severe enforcement of the law.
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