UP Police bulldozed Dalits’ houses in Azamgarh, says Congress; demands compensation, action against culprits

The Uttar Pradesh Police has bulldozed houses of four Dalit families in Azamgarh after a fight broke out between its personnel and Dalits, the UP Congress has alleged.

As per local media, a fight between policemen and Dalits broke out after an inspector allegedly thrashed the headman of Palia village in Azamgarh district last week. The headman belongs to Dalit community.

UP Congress has alleged that policemen came with JCB machines late in the night on Tuesday last week and demolished houses of four Dalit families.

Saying that the incident reflects anti-Dalit mindset of the administration, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi demanded action against the “culprits”. She also demanded compensation in lieu of the damage.

Anil Yadav, organization secretary, UP Congress sat on dharna on Monday with hundreds of Dalits and Congress workers in the village after meeting the victims.

Speaking to NH over the phone, Yadav who is also a native of Azamgarh district, said if the Yogi government does not act against the

culprits and compensate Dalits whose houses have been demolished by the police, the Congress will start an indefinite strike.

“Anti-Dalit mind set of the BJP government stands exposed. Unlike other political parties which claim to be a party of Dalits, Congress works on the ground,” said Yadav, adding, “BJP government must order a judicial probe into the matter.”

“UP Congress fought for Dalits in the past. It will fight for Dalits in the future. Whether it was Hathras or Saharanpur incidents…Congress was the first to reach out to them and to speak up for them,” said Yadav.