Gwalior: Dalit Youth Attacked Over Caste Slur During Alcohol Dispute, Injured Severely

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Gwalior, MP: A routine drinking session turned into a violent caste-based attack in Gwalior, leaving a young Dalit man seriously injured. The incident took place on Sunday evening near Mahavir Colony, Old Cantonment area, when a disagreement between two friends escalated into a brutal assault involving a knife and a heavy stone.

Incident Details

According to police, Balveer Valmiki and Vijay Sharma, both residents of Mahavir Colony, were friends who had gathered near Tighra Road, Badnapura to drink together. As the evening progressed, a verbal argument broke out, during which Vijay allegedly started making casteist remarks, saying: “You belong to a lower caste; you have no right to drink with me.”

When Balveer objected, Vijay reportedly lost his temper, pulled out a knife, and slashed Balveer’s neck. The victim fell to the ground, bleeding heavily, after which Vijay picked up a large stone and struck Balveer on the head, before fleeing the scene.

Victim Found Unconscious

Balveer remained unconscious throughout the night. The following morning, passersby discovered him and immediately informed the police. He was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed he sustained deep cuts on the neck and skull, though his condition is now stable.

Arrest Made

Acting on the victim’s statement, the police, under the supervision of Station Officer Ratnamber Shukla, located and arrested Vijay Sharma near his residence. The accused faces charges of attempted murder and caste-based violence.

Pattern of Caste-Based Crimes

This attack adds to a growing pattern of caste-related violence in Madhya Pradesh and across India. Earlier incidents include a Dalit driver allegedly abducted and assaulted in Bhind district, and another Dalit youth humiliated for opposing illegal mining in Katni.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report, crimes against Scheduled Castes are rising nationwide, with 57,789 cases reported last year, an increase from 2022. Madhya Pradesh alone recorded 8,232 cases, placing it among the top three states with the highest caste-related crimes, alongside Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.