A Dalit watchman, Veerendra Dhanuk, was allegedly attacked by two home guards following a dispute at the Nawabganj tehsil office in Bareilly district on Wednesday.
The conflict arose over “claiming free ration but not voting for the incumbent government.”
Dhanuk reported the incident to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, stating he was verbally abused and physically assaulted by home guards Rampal Gangwar and Veerpal Gangwar.
He claimed the guards were disparaging citizens who receive government-provided rations but do not vote for the ruling party. A video of the incident shows Dhanuk being kicked, slapped, and having his face pinned under a boot.
Additional SP Mukesh Chandra Mishra confirmed that an FIR was registered against the home guards, who have been detained for questioning. Nawabganj Circle Officer Harsh Modi will investigate the case.
Dhanuk stated he intervened when the home guards insulted the Dalit community, leading to the assault.
He refuted claims that he was drunk and improperly parked a vehicle, as he does not own or know how to ride a bike. Dhanuk demanded stringent action against
the assailants and filed a complaint under IPC sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) and 504 (intentional insult), as well as the SC/ST Act.
Home guard Veerpal Gangwar defended his actions, alleging that Dhanuk was inebriated and refused to comply with instructions to move his bike, which led to the altercation.
He claimed Dhanuk tried to seize his phone during the dispute.
"हरामखोर…भाजपा का फ्री का राशन लेता है और भाजपा को वोट भी नहीं देगा…?"
कहते हुए होमगार्ड वीर बहादुर और रामपाल ने अफसरों और मतदाताओं के सामने दलित चौकीदार वीरेंद्र कुमार को बेरहमी से पीटा। यह 'रामराज्य' में हुआ।
यही है अमृतकाल!
संविधान की शपथ लिए शासन, प्रशासन, सत्ताभोगी… pic.twitter.com/r3oqTMP8Cx
— Rashtriya Janata Dal (@RJDforIndia) May 15, 2024
The Rashtriya Janata Dal shared a video of the incident on its X, formerly Twitter, page. One of the attackers can be seen saying, “You take free ration and don’t even vote for the government.”