Damoh- In a escalating caste-based outrage in Madhya Pradesh's Damoh district, the OBC Mahasabha has called for a grand "Social Justice Mahaaandolan" on October 16 at the district headquarters, following the humiliation of youth Purushottam Kushwaha in Satariya village (Parsia area) on October 10. The incident, where Purushottam was allegedly forced to wash the feet of Anu Pandey and drink the same water, has ignited widespread condemnation, with several accused still at large and police action under scrutiny.

According to a notice from the OBC Mahasabha's national office, the heinous and inhuman act has shaken the entire society. Purushottam, was publicly humiliated on caste lines by "feudal and Manuvadi-minded" villagers, led by Anu Pandey and associates. The forced act of washing feet and drinking the water blatantly violates human dignity, social equality, and the spirit of the Constitution. The notice highlights that many perpetrators remain absconding, and the administration has yet to ensure arrests and strict action under constitutional penal provisions.

Background of the case

According to the information, alcohol was fully banned in the village, but Anu Pandey used to sell liquor. For this, he had been fined ₹2,100. In relation to this, Purushottam Kushwaha created a meme showing a shoe around the neck. This gave the dominant caste an opportunity to take revenge on behalf of Anuj Pandey. Purushottam Kushwaha deleted the meme within 15 minutes, but he was intimidated and threatened in the some of the villagers.

Tensions escalated at the village level, leading to the incident of humiliating Purushottam. In the viral video, it is visible how some people with casteist mindset forced Purushottam to apologize, made him bow before the Shivling, and after washing Anu's feet in a plate, compelled him to drink the same water. Purushottam was forced to say that for the mistake he made by posting on social media, he is apologizing by washing Anu Pandey's feet and drinking the 'Charanamrit' (holy foot water), and that he will continue to worship Brahmins in this manner in the future.

In response to this injustice, the national core committee has directed the Madhya Pradesh unit to organize the mega movement on October 16 (Thursday). The organization has urged all provincial, divisional, district, block, and village-level office-bearers, workers, community members, and front leaders to participate in large numbers to strengthen the fight for constitutional rights, equality, and dignity. Rakesh Singh Lodhi, Executive State President of OBC Mahasabha Madhya Pradesh, confirmed the details.

On the victim's side, Purushottam Kushwaha, emboldened by community support, has filed a report with the police. With the backing of community, he approached Patera police station and demanded whatever justice the law provides. Purushottam recounted being fined ₹5,100 and coerced into apologizing to the Brahmin community amid the ordeal.

Police have already registered an FIR and imposed restrictions on both parties, ramping up patrols in the area. Senior officials are engaging in dialogues with respected citizens to maintain peace. The upcoming movement could heighten caste tensions in Damoh, prompting heightened administrative alertness. The OBC Mahasabha emphasized that the protest will remain peaceful but vowed to continue the struggle until the culprits are punished.