Dalit Woman Beaten, Casteist Slurs Hurled on Ambedkar Jayanti in MP's Sidhi; Police Constable Accused

Bhopal- A serious and disturbing incident has come to light from the Sidhi district of Madhya Pradesh on April 14, during the celebration of Ambedkar Jayanti. The case has raised major questions over the functioning and sensitivity of the police administration.

A Dalit woman named Pankali Saket, a resident of the Amaliya police station area, has filed a complaint alleging that she was brutally attacked by a police constable and three other civilians outside the police station. According to the victim, she had reached the police station at around 2:30 PM to participate in a rally and program organized for Ambedkar Jayanti. She claims that a police reservist named Abhishek and three other individuals, reportedly in civil dress, surrounded her and began beating her mercilessly with sticks.

The victim stated that the attack was sudden and without any provocation, leaving her severely injured. She suffered deep bruises on her head, hands, legs, and back, the marks of which are still clearly visible.

Pankali Saket further alleged that during the assault, the accused hurled casteist slurs at her. If proven true, this makes the case directly punishable under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Pankali Saket has submitted a written complaint to the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Sidhi. In her complaint, she not only narrated the sequence of events but also alleged that the attack was intended to disrupt the Ambedkar Jayanti rally.

The victim also claimed that other people were also beaten up that day, and they are now struggling to get medical help. The complaint names Saurabh Shukla as one of the accused, while the identity of another accused remains unknown. Photographs of her injuries have also been attached with the application.

The case went viral on social media, triggering widespread outrage. Sunil Asteya, a leader of the Azad Samaj Party, has raised sharp questions against the state government and police administration. Tagging Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, he asked whether women's respect is being ensured through schemes like "Ladli Bahna" when such atrocities are happening.

In a conversation with The Mooknayak, Sunil Asteya called the Sidhi incident extremely serious and shameful. He alleged, "If the police themselves beat people and use casteist slurs, how will the common public get justice?" He demanded strict action under the SC/ST Act against the accused policemen and warned of a protest in Sidhi if action is not taken soon.

So far, no official statement has been issued by the police administration regarding the incident. The silence of the authorities in such a sensitive case is deepening public distrust. Local citizens and social organizations have demanded a fair and time-bound investigation.