In a shocking incident in Gohta village of Vijaypur, Sheopur district, Madhya Pradesh, about 200 armed individuals attacked the Dalit community on Wednesday night, immediately following the conclusion of bypoll voting. The attackers resorted to stone-pelting, set fire to houses, a transformer, approximately five electricity poles, and fodder meant for cattle.
Ambedkar Statue Vandalised, Public Outrage Ensues
The situation escalated as the attackers also vandalised a statue of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, sparking widespread public outrage in the village. According to police reports, the desecration of the statue has added to the community’s distress. However, Pappu Singh Yadav, the in-charge of Vijaypur police station, stated that no formal complaints have been filed yet, and the police would initiate action once complaints are received.
Despite the large-scale violence, the police have downplayed the incident, calling it “usual election tension.” Residents of Gohta, however, have a different narrative. A villager alleged that the violence was prompted by their refusal to follow voting directions from certain groups. “They pelted stones, burned transformers and fodder. We feel threatened, and the police haven’t provided any support,” said a local resident.
The villagers expressed deep disappointment, noting that elections should be conducted fairly and without intimidation. “This election was marred by violence and fear. We have never seen such a situation before,” shared a community member.
Similar Attacks Reported in Sikahra Village
The violence was not confined to Gohta village. In Sikahra village, similar incidents of harassment and threats against Dalit and tribal families were reported. Local sources revealed that a woman was assaulted while passing through the area, and villagers faced intimidation from attackers.
Although video footage shows two police vehicles present at the scene during the attacks, the authorities claimed no formal complaints have been lodged. This inaction has raised questions among the villagers, who are demanding why no measures have been taken against the assailants. The prevailing fear has gripped the entire locality.
Residents of Sikahra village accused members of the Rawat community of using violence to influence votes against a candidate they had endorsed. There were reports of beatings and even gunfire in the village a day before the election, escalating tensions and adding to the atmosphere of fear.
The incidents have left both Gohta and Sikahra villages in a state of distress, with residents calling for immediate police intervention and a fair investigation into the post-bypoll violence.
