Damoh- An incident of misbehaviour and casteist humiliation involving Nagar Palika CMO Rajendra Singh Lodhi during the Durga idol immersion at Futera Talab in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district on the evening of 20 October has become a topic of discussion across the state. Outrage is spreading on social media. The Bahujan community is describing the incident not merely as misbehaviour with an official but as a mirror of the casteist mentality that has persisted for centuries, and is demanding strict action against those responsible. Meanwhile, CMO Lodhi has issued a video stating that he has resolved the matter in order to maintain social harmony.

On 20 October, during the Durga idol immersion at Futera Talab, a dispute arose over the barricading put in place for security. Nagar Palika CMO Rajendra Singh Lodhi was preventing the removal of the barricades. During this, an altercation broke out with members of the Durga Utsav Committee and former BJP leader Satish Tiwari. It is alleged that Lodhi was pushed and shoved, an attempt was made to push him into the pond, and casteist remarks were made. In a viral video clip, a woman is heard saying, "We are Brahmins, you belong to a lower caste. If you fold your hands before a Brahmin, what will you lose?"

The CMO alleged that he was made to feel inferior on the basis of caste and was pressured to apologise publicly. The immersion was affected for about one and a half hours. The situation was brought under control after the intervention of the police and administration.

The next day, the Nagar Palika Employees' Association submitted a memorandum to the Collector and SP demanding an FIR against the accused, including Satish Tiwari. They said that casteist insults, assault, and life threats were made. The employees also warned of a strike if action was not taken within 24 hours. SP Anand Kaladgi said that the Kotwali police station has been instructed to investigate and that CCTV footage is being examined.

On 22 October, a new twist came in the matter. A statement of compromise came from the Collector's office. CMO Lodhi himself issued a video saying that he had resolved the matter in order to maintain social harmony.

Bhim Army chief Chandrashekhar Azad attacked sharply over the incident, saying that this is not merely a case of misbehaviour with an official but proof of casteist thinking. He wrote, "A person may reach a high position through hard work and ability, but casteist thinking still does not refrain from making him feel inferior on the basis of his caste." Azad has demanded an impartial investigation and stringent action against the guilty from the Chief Minister.

Leaders of the Lodhi community and Bahujan organisations have also expressed outrage. Videos related to the incident are rapidly going viral on social media, and people are asking whether officials holding high positions can also be humiliated on the basis of caste. The police investigation is ongoing. An FIR has been taken, but the administration also appears to be attempting a compromise citing social harmony. Bahujan organisations are demanding an impartial investigation and strict legal action against the guilty.