Barber Shops in Sirohi Refuse Haircuts to Dalits and Adivasis: ADG Human Rights Urges SP to Intervene

Sirohi- A significant case of caste discrimination has surfaced in the Sirohi district of Rajasthan, prompting intervention by the Additional Director General, Human and Civil Rights. The ADG has written a letter to the Superintendent of Police (SP) of Sirohi, ordering strict adherence to anti-discrimination measures by all police officers. Furthermore, strict actions, including filing cases under the SC/ST Act, have been mandated against those failing to comply.

The incident, which occurred in Sirohi district, was addressed in a letter dated May 29, 2024, by ADG Human Rights Kishan Sahay to the SP of Sirohi district. In the letter, the ADG expressed regret over reports that barber shops serving the general public were refusing service to individuals from the Bhil and Meghwal castes, including Balmi, labeling this practice as caste discrimination and a violation of human rights.

The ADG further instructed the SP to ensure that all police officers under his command enforce non-discriminatory practices in every village within their jurisdiction.

To confirm the incident, The Muknayak spoke with residents of Sirohi district. Mukesh, a law student from Makaval in Sirohi district, recounted his experience. "My maternal family resides in Bhatana village of Revdar Tehsil. Three months ago, when I visited them, my younger brother went to a barbershop in the village, only to be refused service. When I confronted the shopkeeper, he blatantly stated that he does not serve people of our caste. Despite my protests, we were pushed out of the shop."

Mukesh continued, "I reported the incident verbally at the nearby police checkpoint. The police visited the shop, but the shopkeeper had closed it, citing urgent work. The following day, when we returned, the shopkeeper again refused to cut our hair. This wasn't an isolated incident; similar discriminatory practices were common near my ancestral home in Makaval four or five years ago, leading to protests by the community."

Mukesh highlighted that such incidents are increasingly reported in Sirohi. In addition to Bhatana, residents of Dattani village also face similar discrimination, with Dalit community members traveling 25 km to get a haircut.

A related incident came to light in August 2023 when a Dalit individual was denied service at a barbershop in Sahrod village of the Atru police station area in Bara district. The incident, captured on video and circulated on social media, prompted the victim to write to the SP demanding action. The police intervened, issued a stern warning to the shopkeeper, and ensured the victim received a haircut.

Previously, on March 10, 2023, ADG Human Rights Kishan Sahay had issued a letter to all Superintendents of Police and Deputy Commissioners of Police across Rajasthan, directing strict action against those refusing to serve members of the Dalit community.

Regarding the current situation, Superintendent of Police Sirohi Anil Kumar Beniwal told The Muknayak, "The ADG has issued a directive, and guidelines have been circulated to all police officers. This is a formal procedure, periodically reiterated by higher authorities. Since my posting three months ago, no such case has been reported. Should any incident occur, strict action will be taken against the perpetrators."

- Translated by Geetha Sunil Pillai