Nagaur-In a distressing incident in Dantina Gram Panchayat area of Nagaur district, a Dalit Sarpanch, was subjected to degrading humiliation as he was compelled to stand on one foot. Adding to the indignity, a Khap Panchayat, allegedly led by members of the upper caste, has imposed a 'Hookah-Pani' bandh for the Sarpanch's family.

The punitive measures were reportedly in response to accusations against the Sarpanch's brother, Moolaram, who stands accused in the murder of a Rajput youth named Jitu Singh on November 6. The Khap Panchayat, led by a former Sarpanch and his associates, passed a verdict mandating the Sarpanch's public apology with folded hands and the act of standing on one foot. The incident took place on December 9.

The Sarpanch, Shravan Ram Meghwal,gave a written complaint at the Pachaudi police station on December 12. The move came in response to the video of the humiliation incident reportedly going viral on social media, garnering widespread attention and concern.

" The police have registered a case under the SC-ST Act. Eight persons have been arrested, with efforts underway to apprehend those who remain at large." Nagaur SP Narayan Togas told The Mooknayak. On Saturday morning, the Deputy and Sub-Divisional Officers (SDO) were dispatched to the village to initiate peace talks and offer consolation to the affected family.

According to reports, the Khap Panchayat, spearheaded by a former Sarpanch Sheraram, Up-sarpanch Bhagwat Sankhla and some associates, passed a verdict compelling the 35-year old Sarpanch Shravan Ram Meghwal to apologize with folded hands and stand on one foot in front of the entire village. Additionally, a substantial fine of 5 lakhs was imposed on the Sarpanch, and stringent directives were issued, including a prohibition on villagers mingling with the Sarpanch's family and a complete severance of all ties. Residents in the village are living in fear as the family, comprising around 50 members, grapples with the consequences of the Khap Panchayat's decree.

The aftermath of the Panchayat decree has left the Sarpanch's family confined to their homes, resulting in disruptions to the normalcy of their lives. Children, notably, have been unable to attend school due to the imposed restrictions. Additionally, reports suggest that women from the family were allegedly compelled to fetch water from distant sources, adding to the challenges faced by the family.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, raising concerns about the misuse of traditional community structures and the perpetuation of caste-based discrimination. Local authorities are now under pressure to intervene promptly and ensure justice for the affected family.

The accusations against Moolaram, the Sarpanch's brother, are central to this controversy. While legal proceedings are expected to address the criminal allegations, the collective punishment meted out to the entire family has ignited a debate on the need for comprehensive social reforms to eradicate deep-rooted caste prejudices.

Arrests Made as Authorities Intervene to Restore Peace after Dalit Sarpanch's Humiliation

In a swift response involving the humiliation of the Dalit Sarpanch, authorities have arrested eight individuals connected to the case. The arrests come as part of efforts to restore social harmony in the village.

The Mooknayak spoke in detail, with the Superintendent of Police Narayan Togas who said that measures are being taken to address the aftermath of the incident.

"This situation is really about a feud between two families, the Meghwals and the Rajputs, driven by both political and personal differences. The Sarpanch's brother is accused of killing a Rajput youth, Jitu Singh, over a disagreement about a road to their fields. Jitu Singh had previously raised a vote of no confidence against the Sarpanch a year and a half ago. After the murder accused Omaram Meghwal, and the Sarpanch's brother Moolaram were arrested" the police officer said.

Togas further added, " As soon as I got the information, i ordered for the FIR registration. Currently, eight individuals have been arrested, and efforts are underway to find the others who are still at large. We've formed police teams to track them down".

Efforts Towards Reconciliation and Normalcy

The SP also said, "We are actively working to restore peace and comfort to the affected family and the community at large. Currently, there is no atmosphere of boycott; the Meghwal community and villagers are engaging with each other as they normally would. We are told that a formal process involving a vote of no confidence, and a letter has been sent to the Zila Parishad as part of the political procedures. To further ease the situation, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) and Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) are visiting the village today. They will facilitate a peace talk, aiming to ensure that the Sarpanch's family encounters no social obstacles and that harmony prevails in the community."

Systemic Challenges Faced by Dalit Sarpanches Across India

• Tamil Nadu (April 2023): A study undertaken in 114 reserved panchayats in Tamil Nadu revealed that Dalit panchayat presidents experience caste-based oppression, ranging from verbal abuse to physical assault. Tragically, one panchayat leader lost their life due to such oppression.

• Madhya Pradesh (July 2023):In Shivpuri district, a Dalit woman sarpanch was reportedly dragged in the mud and beaten with shoes by three men. An official response includes the registration of an offense against the accused under relevant provisions, including the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

• Jammu and Kashmir (July 2020):Kamlesh Bhagat, a Dalit sarpanch in Kishtwar district, resigned from her post, citing rampant corruption in local administration and caste-based discrimination. She addressed her concerns through letters to district officials, the lieutenant governor, and the president of India.

• Gujarat (2017): Jaysukh Madhad, a Dalit sarpanch from Amreli district, was killed for contesting elections despite warnings. Madhad's victory in the sarpanch elections led to his stabbing death three months later, exposing the threats faced by Dalit individuals who challenge the status quo.

• Maharashtra (August 2016):In Bankaranja village, Beed, upper castes ousted an elected Dalit sarpanch and replaced her with a more compliant representative, reflecting a disturbing trend of suppressing independent voices within the Dalit community.