The Reality of Caste Violence

Despite constitutional protections and laws like the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, Dalits in India continue to face systemic discrimination, violence, and human rights violations. These incidents are not isolated cases but part of a broader pattern of caste-based oppression that persists in modern India.

Statistics & Data

50,000+

Cases of atrocities registered annually under SC/ST Act

10

Crimes against Dalits every hour

28%

Conviction rate in atrocity cases

1000+

Manual scavengers still working despite ban

Recent Incidents (2024-2026)

Hathras Case - Uttar Pradesh

September 2024
Sexual Violence & Murder

A Dalit woman was brutally assaulted and later died. The authorities' handling of the case, including forced cremation, sparked nationwide protests. The family was denied justice and dignity even in death.

Status: Case ongoing, protests continue

Denial of Temple Entry - Tamil Nadu

November 2025
Religious Discrimination

Dalit devotees were prevented from entering a temple and performing rituals. When they protested, they faced violence and police inaction. This incident highlights ongoing untouchability practices.

Status: FIR filed under SC/ST Act

Dalit Student Suicide - Karnataka

August 2025
Educational Discrimination

A Dalit PhD scholar took his own life after facing caste-based discrimination and harassment from faculty members. The university initially denied any wrongdoing.

Status: Institutional inquiry ordered

Attack on Dalit Procession - Gujarat

January 2026
Public Violence

A wedding procession of Dalits was attacked for passing through an upper-caste neighborhood. Several people were injured, and the groom was beaten. Police initially refused to register complaints.

Status: Investigation ongoing

Manual Scavenging Deaths - Rajasthan

December 2025
Forced Labor & Death

Three Dalit men died while cleaning a septic tank without safety equipment. Despite laws banning manual scavenging, Dalits continue to be forced into this deadly practice.

Status: Compensation announced, no arrests made

Land Grab & Violence - Bihar

October 2025
Economic Violence

Dalit farmers were forcibly evicted from their land by upper-caste landlords. When they resisted, their houses were burned, and several were beaten. Administration showed apathy.

Status: Relief camps set up, no land restored

Caste-Based Abuse in School - Maharashtra

July 2025
Educational Discrimination

Dalit children were made to sit separately and were denied access to water in a government school. Teachers used casteist slurs. Parents protested but faced backlash.

Status: Teachers suspended, inquiry pending

Denial of Burial Rights - Haryana

June 2025
Social Exclusion

A Dalit family was prevented from cremating their deceased relative at the common cremation ground. Upper-caste villagers blocked entry, forcing the family to cremate elsewhere.

Status: Complaint filed, village leaders deny charges

Common Forms of Atrocities

🚫 Social Boycott

Exclusion from village activities, denial of services, and forced segregation in public spaces.

💧 Denial of Resources

Blocked access to water sources, temples, cremation grounds, and common land.

⚠️ Physical Violence

Beatings, murders, and mob violence for asserting rights or inter-caste relationships.

👩 Sexual Violence

Rape and sexual assault of Dalit women as a tool of caste oppression.

🏡 Economic Exploitation

Forced labor, bonded labor, manual scavenging, and denial of fair wages.

📚 Educational Barriers

Discrimination in schools and universities, harassment, and denial of opportunities.

What Can You Do?

1. Document Evidence

Record incidents, take photos/videos, collect witness statements, and preserve evidence.

2. File FIR Immediately

Go to the police station and insist on filing an FIR under SC/ST Act. Police cannot refuse.

3. Contact Legal Aid

Reach out to District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) for free legal support.

4. Report to NCSC

File complaint with National Commission for Scheduled Castes for action.

5. Seek Medical Help

Get medical examination done immediately if physically harmed. Medical reports are crucial evidence.

6. Build Community Support

Connect with local Dalit organizations, activists, and support networks.

Breaking the Silence

For too long, atrocities against Dalits have been normalized, ignored, or swept under the rug. The mainstream media often fails to report these incidents, and when they do, they minimize the caste angle. We must:

  • Speak Up: Share stories, raise awareness, and break the culture of silence around caste violence.
  • Support Victims: Stand in solidarity with victims and their families, provide material and moral support.
  • Demand Justice: Push for strict enforcement of laws and accountability for perpetrators.
  • Challenge Caste System: Question and confront casteist attitudes in our communities and institutions.
  • Amplify Voices: Center Dalit voices in discussions about caste and social justice.

🗳️ Voter Awareness

Your vote is your voice - Use it wisely to shape India's future

Why Your Vote Matters

The right to vote is one of the most fundamental rights in a democracy. It is the tool through which citizens can bring about change, hold leaders accountable, and shape the future of the nation. Dr. Ambedkar, as the architect of the Indian Constitution, ensured universal adult suffrage - giving every citizen, regardless of caste, religion, or economic status, an equal voice in governance.

"Political power is the key to all social progress. Without political power, there is no social reform." - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Understanding the Voting Process

1

Voter Registration

To vote, you must be registered on the electoral roll. You can register online through the National Voter Service Portal (nvsp.in) or submit Form 6 at your local Electoral Registration Office.

  • Must be an Indian citizen
  • Must be 18 years or older
  • Must be a resident of the constituency
  • Required documents: ID proof, address proof, photo
2

Check Your Name

Before elections, verify that your name is on the voter list. You can check online at nvsp.in or contact your local election office.

  • Visit nvsp.in or ceodelhi.gov.in (for Delhi)
  • Use your EPIC (Voter ID) number or details to search
  • Download your voter slip
  • Note your polling station location
3

On Voting Day

Visit your designated polling station on election day with a valid ID proof. Follow the instructions of polling officials and cast your vote.

  • Carry your Voter ID or any valid photo ID
  • Arrive early to avoid long queues
  • Follow the instructions at the polling booth
  • Press the button next to your chosen candidate on the EVM
4

After Voting

After casting your vote, your finger will be marked with indelible ink. Keep track of the election results and hold your elected representatives accountable.

  • Ink mark prevents multiple voting
  • Results are announced on counting day
  • Stay engaged with your elected representatives
  • Participate in local governance

Your Rights as a Voter

Right to Vote

Every Indian citizen above 18 years has the right to vote without discrimination.

🔒

Secret Ballot

Your vote is secret. No one can ask you or force you to reveal whom you voted for.

🚫

NOTA Option

You have the right to reject all candidates by choosing the "None of the Above" (NOTA) option.

📋

Information Access

You have the right to know the criminal, financial, and educational background of candidates.

Paid Leave

Working citizens are entitled to paid leave on voting day to cast their vote.

Accessibility

Special provisions exist for senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and essential workers.

How to Make an Informed Choice

Voting is not just a right but a responsibility. An informed vote is more powerful than an uninformed one. Here's how to make educated choices:

🔍 Research Candidates

  • Check their criminal record and pending cases
  • Review their assets and financial declarations
  • Verify their educational qualifications
  • Examine their affidavits filed with the Election Commission
  • Use platforms like myneta.info for candidate information

📊 Evaluate Past Performance

  • If incumbent, check their attendance in legislative bodies
  • Review questions raised and bills introduced
  • Assess development work in the constituency
  • Examine fund utilization (MPLADS/MLALADS)

📜 Understand Party Ideology

  • Read party manifestos carefully
  • Understand their stance on social justice
  • Check their commitment to constitutional values
  • Evaluate their track record on promises

🎯 Focus on Issues

  • Education, healthcare, and employment
  • Social justice and equality
  • Infrastructure and development
  • Protection of constitutional rights
  • Fight against corruption

Beware of Malpractices

⚠️ Reject Money and Gifts

Do not accept money, liquor, or gifts in exchange for your vote. This is illegal and corrupts democracy.

⚠️ Don't Be Swayed by Caste/Religion

Vote based on issues, competence, and integrity - not on caste, religion, or community.

⚠️ Verify Information

Beware of fake news and misinformation. Verify facts before making decisions.

⚠️ Report Violations

Report any electoral malpractice to the Election Commission helpline at 1950.

Dr. Ambedkar on Political Power

Dr. Ambedkar believed that political power is essential for social transformation. He fought tirelessly to ensure that every citizen, especially those from marginalized communities, had equal voting rights. He saw voting not just as a civic duty but as a tool for liberation and empowerment.

"The Downtrodden must realize that political power is the key to all social progress. Without political power, the Dalits and backward classes will never improve their condition."

He urged citizens to use their vote wisely - to elect leaders who work for social justice, equality, and the upliftment of all sections of society, especially the marginalized.

Useful Resources

🌐 National Voter Service Portal

Website: nvsp.in

Register to vote, check your name, download voter slip, and more.

📱 Voter Helpline App

Download: Play Store / App Store

Mobile app for voter registration, verification, and election information.

📞 Election Commission Helpline

Number: 1950

Call for assistance with voter registration, complaints, and information.

🔍 Candidate Information

Website: myneta.info

Detailed information about candidates' backgrounds, assets, and criminal records.

Voter's Pledge

I pledge to:

  • ✓ Exercise my right to vote in every election
  • ✓ Make an informed and educated choice
  • ✓ Vote based on issues, integrity, and competence
  • ✓ Reject money, gifts, and inducements
  • ✓ Not be swayed by caste, religion, or narrow considerations
  • ✓ Encourage others to vote responsibly
  • ✓ Hold elected representatives accountable
  • ✓ Participate actively in strengthening democracy
"I measure the progress of a community by the degree of progress which women have achieved."

"Caste is not just a division of labor, it is a division of laborers." - Dr. B.R. Ambedkar

Stand Against Injustice

If you witness or experience caste-based discrimination or violence, don't stay silent. Your voice matters. Your story matters. Together, we can build a society based on equality and dignity for all.

Report an Incident