Aligarh - In a shocking incident in Chikawati village under Lodha police station area of Aligarh, a mob brutally assaulted and stripped three youths on April 26, accusing them of making lewd remarks towards a schoolgirl. A viral video of the incident has sparked outrage on social media, with allegations that the victims – reportedly from the Dalit community – were targeted for raising "Jai Bhim" slogans.

The disturbing footage shows the assailants stripping the young men and mercilessly beating them with sticks on a public road. However, police authorities have dismissed claims of caste-based violence, maintaining it was a case of public outrage over alleged harassment.

According to police reports, the altercation began when the accused allegedly passed obscene comments and made vulgar gestures at a minor student. When the girl raised an alarm, enraged locals surrounded the trio, stripped them naked, and thrashed them brutally.

Lodha police station has registered an FIR in the matter and initiated legal proceedings against the accused. Circle Officer (Gabhana) Sanjeev Kumar Tomar stated, "The incident pertains solely to the alleged harassment of the schoolgirl. Our investigation has found no evidence of caste-based motivations so far."

Contrary to police claims, members of the local Dalit community allege the victims were singled out due to their caste identity. Some reports suggest the assault intensified after the youths chanted "Jai Bhim," a Dalit empowerment slogan. The incident has heightened communal tensions in the area, with activists condemning it as another instance of caste-based violence.

While police continue to treat this as a case of public response to harassment, community leaders demand a thorough probe into possible caste angles. Authorities have appealed for calm as investigations proceed, urging citizens to refrain from spreading unverified claims.