Mumbai- In Mumbai's Goregaon area, a distressing incident has emerged involving the termination of a 23-year-old Dalit youth from his job. The young man, a supporter of Ambedkar and a member of the Scheduled Caste community, found himself abruptly dismissed from his employment under troubling circumstances.

According to the victim's legal counsel, he had successfully secured a position at a private company and diligently attended work for three days. However, the situation took a turn on the day of Ambedkar Jayanti when a message arrived from the office inquiring about his affiliation with 'Jai Bhim'. Upon confirming his association, the youth was met with a shocking response – a direct refusal to employ individuals associated with the 'Jai Bhim' movement. Disturbed by this discriminatory exchange, the aggrieved youth promptly lodged a complaint with the local authorities.

The police swiftly responded by registering a case and initiating an investigation into the matter.

The Mooknayak spoke with Deepak Sonawane, the victim's advocate, who shed light on his client's background, noting his academic qualifications—a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media and Communication—and his pursuit of employment.

Deepak said, " On April 8, the young man secured a job offer from Elite Sapphire Company, an event management firm, with a monthly salary of ₹15,000. Eager to embark on his professional journey, he commenced his role as a marketing executive in Goregaon on April 9. However, his aspirations were short-lived as he found himself abruptly terminated from his position, allegedly due to his caste identity."

Sonawane recounted the distressing turn of events that transpired on April 14 when the company owner, Neha Dutt, sent a discriminatory message via WhatsApp. Inquiring about the victim's affiliation with 'Jai Bhim', a reference to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's movement, Dutt explicitly stated her refusal to employ individuals associated with the Dalit community.

"Tu Jai Bhim wala hai kya? " read Neha's message, a screenshot of which has now gone viral on social media. In response, the young man affirmed his Dalit identity. Neha then wrote, " Main Jai Bhim Wale ko Naukri Nahi Deti Hun (I don't give jobs to Jai Bhim supporters). "

Subsequently, the victim, deeply perturbed by the discriminatory exchange, felt compelled to resign from his position.

The incident underscores a troubling reality—despite advancements in education and awareness, caste-based discrimination continues to pervade society, even in cosmopolitan hubs like Mumbai.

Sonawane lamented the prevalence of such blatant discrimination, emphasizing the urgent need for societal introspection and legal redressal to combat caste-based prejudices and ensure equality for all.

Based on the youth's complaint, the Goregaon West police registered a case against Neha Dutt, owner of the event management firm Elite Sapphire, under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955. The police are investigating the matter.

In response, The Mooknayak contacted the accused Neha Dutt. She stated, "I had messaged him, but I didn't mean to imply that I had fired him from the job. I didn't ask him not to come to work. When he did not come on Monday, I messaged him asking where he was."

- English Translation by Geetha Sunil Pillai