After Bharat Bandh, Anti-Dalit Protests Rock Rajasthan's Karauli District, MLA's House Burnt

New Delhi, Apr 3: A day after Rajasthan witnessed massive protests to oppose the alleged dilution of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, parts of the state saw mobilisation of anti-Dalit protesters, who demanded the government to compensate the losses incurred during the Bharat Bandh.

The epicentre of today's protest was Hindaun in Kairali district, where scores of upper caste youths and members of trade associations staged a demonstration. The protesters claimed their properties were damaged and shops were looted during the Bharat Bandh.

The mob of nearly 5,000 people today ransacked several houses in the Dalit slums, apart from torching the house of BJP MLA Rajkumari Jatav, who belongs to the Dalit community.

The reactionary forces also burnt down the house of former MLA and Congress leader Bharosi Lal Jatav.

Following the incidents of arson, Section 144 was imposed in Kairali to restrict the mobilisation of protesters. Internet services were suspended in the district, said Collector Abhimanyu Kumar.

Additional Director General of Police (Law and Order) NRK Reddy said over 40 people were taken into custody by the police.

"The traders' association and upper castes are agitated in Hindaun City. They took out a procession today and tried to enter the SC/ST dominated areas," he said, further adding that the police acted in time by dispersing the mob using rubber bullets.

In the bandh called by Dalit groups on Monday, Rajasthan's Barmer, Alwar and Ajmer region were worst affected. One 27-year-old protester lost his life in the retaliatory action by the forces in Alwar.

At least 46 protesters who participated in the bandh were arrested on Tuesday on charges of rioting and arson.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 03, 2018 07:36 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).