A case has been registered against 42 individuals in connection with an incident in Bati village, under Jait police station limits, where a group of Dalits was allegedly forced to participate in Holi celebrations by upper-caste youths. The police confirmed the development on Saturday, stating that tensions flared on Dhulendi—the day when Holi colors are traditionally applied—resulting in a violent altercation between the two groups.
According to official reports, the situation escalated when some upper-caste youths allegedly attempted to apply colors on members of the Scheduled Castes community against their will. When the Dalits resisted, a heated argument ensued, which quickly turned into a physical altercation. Members from both sides reportedly attacked each other using sticks and also engaged in stone-pelting, leading to injuries on both sides. Approximately a dozen people sustained injuries during the clash.
Following the violence, law enforcement authorities intervened and registered a case against 32 Dalits. As part of the investigation, the police arrested nine individuals from the Dalit community and subsequently sent them to jail. This sparked anger among the Dalit community, as they alleged that the police were acting in a biased manner by targeting only one side while ignoring the alleged actions of the upper-caste youths who initiated the incident.
In response to the arrests and perceived injustice, Dalit organizations mobilized and staged a protest at the District Collectorate on Friday. Protesters demanded that the police register an FIR against those who had allegedly harassed and assaulted the Dalit villagers during the Holi celebrations. The protestors argued that the authorities should ensure fair and unbiased action against all those involved in the conflict.
The demonstrations, attended by members of Dalit rights groups and local community leaders, sought justice under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. They emphasized the need for legal action against those who had allegedly used force to apply colors on Dalits, which they viewed as an act of coercion and humiliation.
Following the protest and after reviewing the situation, the police acted on a complaint filed by a woman from Bati village. On Friday, authorities registered an FIR against 42 people under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as well as the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Circle Officer (Sadar) Sandeep Kumar Singh confirmed the filing of the case and stated that evidence related to the incident was being collected to determine the exact sequence of events. “We are conducting an impartial investigation, and all individuals found responsible for the violence, regardless of their community, will be dealt with according to the law,” Singh assured.
The case has highlighted ongoing caste-based tensions in rural areas, particularly during social and religious celebrations. While Holi is meant to be a festival of unity and joy, incidents like these underscore the social divisions that persist in certain regions.
As the investigation progresses, authorities are expected to analyze witness testimonies, medical reports of those injured, and any available video footage to determine accountability. The situation in Bati village remains tense, with law enforcement closely monitoring the area to prevent any further escalation.
The incident has also sparked debates on social media, with activists and political leaders calling for strict enforcement of laws that protect marginalized communities. Many have urged the government to take proactive steps in ensuring that such incidents are not repeated in the future.
For now, residents of Bati village and nearby areas are awaiting further police action, as both sides involved in the conflict demand justice.
