Dalit Youth Kidnapped and Beaten to Death by Upper-Caste Men in Andhra Pradesh

Accident – death – Obituary News : Dalit Youth Allegedly Kidnapped and Assaulted by Upper-Caste Men in Andhra Pradesh

VIJAYAWADA: A shocking incident of caste-based violence has come to light in Andhra Pradesh’s NTR district, where a Dalit youngster was allegedly kidnapped and brutally beaten up by his old friend and five others from an upper-caste community over a girl. The incident took place on November 1 and has sparked outrage from the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP).

The victim, identified as Kandru Kumar (21), a resident of Sanjeevanagar Colony in Kanchikacherla, was reportedly lured by his old friend, Harish Reddy, to a location in the Sivasai Kshetram locality. Upon reaching the location, Kumar was forcibly pushed into a car by Harish Reddy and his accomplices. They then took him to Guntur, where they subjected him to a brutal assault.

During the ordeal, the accused persons allegedly urinated on Kumar when he asked for water. The perpetrators held him captive for over four hours before abandoning him at an isolated place. They also stole his cash and gold chain before fleeing the scene.

Police have arrested six individuals in connection with the crime. The accused have been identified as S Harish Reddy (22), G Anil Kumar (22), B Srikanth Reddy (23), S Vishnu Vardhan Reddy (23), M Nagarjuna Reddy (22), all natives of Ganapavaram in Prakasam district, and D Venkat Laxmi Narayana (24), a native of Guntur district.

Sub-inspector of Kanchikacherla, P Subrahmanyam, stated, “Based on the complaint from the victim, we have filed a case against the accused persons under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. We have identified the accused and arrested them.” The victim has been admitted to a government hospital for treatment.

Preliminary investigation has revealed that the prime accused, Harish Reddy, and the victim, Kandru Kumar, were classmates and friends during their engineering studies. However, their friendship soured over a romantic relationship, leading to the attack.

The incident has drawn criticism from the Telugu Desam Party (TDP), with party leaders alleging an increase in violent attacks against Dalits and Tribals in Andhra Pradesh in recent years. They have accused the YS Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSRC government of failing to protect marginalized communities.

This incident serves as a grim reminder of the deep-rooted caste-based discrimination that continues to plague Indian society. Despite legal protections and affirmative action policies, Dalits and other marginalized communities often face violence and oppression, highlighting the urgent need for societal change and greater protection for vulnerable individuals.

It is crucial for authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the matter, with strict punishment for the perpetrators. Additionally, efforts must be made to address the underlying social prejudices and inequalities that perpetuate such acts of violence. Only through sustained efforts and education can we hope to create a more inclusive and egalitarian society..