AIISCA’s Warning on Amreli Dalit Youth Murder: "Caste Cannot Be the Norm in a Democratic Society, Supporters Will Be Held Accountable"

New Delhi- The All India Independent Scheduled Castes Association (AIISCA) has strongly condemned the brutal murder of Nilesh Rathod, a Dalit youth from Jarakhiya village in Gujarat’s Amreli district. In a statement issued by Dr Rahul Sonpimple, President AIISCA said, "His only "crime" was addressing a minor boy from a so-called "upper" caste as "beta" — a simple act of human affection that provoked violent retaliation rooted in casteist mentality."

This incident reflects the daily caste-based violence faced by Dalits in Gujarat, a state that claims to be a model of development but enforces caste supremacy through violence in its towns, villages, and streets. The organization criticized the ruling caste-class nexus, comprising business elites, upper-caste landlords, and the political class, for their silence or active role in normalizing this violence.

The organization called out the silence of Dalit MPs and MLAs from the ruling party, labeling it as complicity. Instead of standing with their oppressed communities, they have aligned with upper-caste leaders, betraying those they claim to represent. AIISCA also highlighted the failure of Gujarat’s state machinery—police, administration, and political leaders—in protecting Dalit lives. The police’s sluggish and selective response reveals deep-rooted institutional casteism.

The organization termed it shameful that the Prime Minister, hailing from Gujarat, and his party have taken no concrete steps to dismantle the caste system in the state. Their silence on this atrocity was described as complicity.

AIISCA expressed solidarity with Nilesh Rathod’s grieving family, who have refused to accept his body until their demands are met. Their demand is not just for compensation but for dignity, recognition, and an end to the violent caste order.

Demands:

Immediate and full compensation to all affected families, including five acres of agricultural land or government jobs.

Investigation by an independent, high-ranking officer with a clean record and time-bound trial in a special fast-track court under the SC/ST Atrocities Act.

FIRs and arrests of all remaining accused, including those who incited or abetted the mob.

A state-wide public inquiry into caste-based violence in Gujarat, focusing on rural areas.

A public apology and assurance of reform from the Gujarat Chief Minister, and a statement from the Prime Minister acknowledging structural caste violence in Gujarat.

A comprehensive anti-caste violence policy in Gujarat, including an SC/ST Protection Task Force, educational and cultural programs to eradicate caste bias, and accountability mechanisms for caste-based negligence by police and civil servants.

AIISCA warns that if justice is denied to the Rathod family, it will mobilize nationwide protests. The organization stated, “Caste cannot be the norm in any democratic society. Those who uphold it, through action or silence, will be held accountable.”