Lucknow: In a shocking case that has triggered widespread condemnation, a 65-year-old Dalit man was allegedly humiliated, assaulted, and forced to lick urine inside a temple in Kakori town, near Lucknow, after he accidentally urinated within the premises due to illness.
Assault inside temple premises
The victim, identified as Rampal, a resident of Hata Hazrat Sahab, reportedly suffers from a chronic respiratory illness. On Monday, while resting inside the Sheetla Mata Temple, he lost control due to his condition and urinated near the temple area.
According to eyewitnesses, the accused, Swamikant alias Pammu, a local resident, reacted violently after noticing the incident. He allegedly abused Rampal, accused him of “defiling the temple,” and then forced him to lick the urine as a form of punishment.
Witnesses further claimed that the accused made the elderly man wipe the floor and pour water to “purify” the spot, while hurling caste-based slurs at him in front of other devotees.
Victim files complaint; accused arrested
Deeply humiliated and traumatised, Rampal approached the Kakori police station and lodged a complaint against the accused. Police acted swiftly, detaining Swamikant for questioning and subsequently arresting him.
ACP Kakori Shakeel Ahmed confirmed the arrest, stating, “Based on the victim’s complaint, a case has been registered under the relevant sections of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway.”
Community outrage and investigation
The incident has sparked anger among residents and Dalit rights groups, who have demanded strict action and protection for the victim. Local leaders have called for increased sensitivity training for law enforcement and community awareness campaigns to prevent caste-based humiliation.
Police said efforts are being made to verify eyewitness accounts and check CCTV footage from nearby areas. Officials added that the victim is being provided medical care and counselling following the traumatic experience.
A reflection of caste-based violence
The incident once again highlights the persistent caste-based discrimination faced by marginalised communities in India. Rights activists say such cases underline the urgent need for social reform and stronger enforcement of laws under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to deter future offences.
Authorities have assured that the accused will face strict legal action once the investigation concludes