1. 🔥 Hathras Gang Rape and Murder Case (2020)
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Incident: A 19-year-old Dalit girl was gang-raped and brutally assaulted by upper-caste men in Hathras district. She later died of her injuries.
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Legal Proceedings: Initially denied as rape by police; later CBI investigated and filed charges under SC/ST Act, IPC, and POCSO.
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Outcome: Trial began under special court. One accused convicted for causing grievous hurt; others acquitted of rape due to lack of evidence.
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Significance: Sparked nationwide protests; exposed failures in police response, handling of evidence, and caste-based bias.
2. 💣 Badayun Dalit Sisters Hanging Case (2014)
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Incident: Two Dalit sisters were found hanging from a tree in Badaun after an alleged gang rape by upper-caste men.
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Investigation: Initially seen as gang rape and murder. Later, CBI claimed it was suicide; case was closed.
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Significance: Widely criticized for shoddy investigation; raised questions about justice for Dalit women.
3. 🩸 Bhagana Dalit Girls Rape Case (2014) – Linked to UP
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Incident: Four Dalit girls from Bhagana (Haryana) were gang-raped and left near Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh.
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Legal Action: FIRs under SC/ST Act and IPC; slow trial proceedings.
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Significance: Highlighted inter-state caste atrocities; inadequate victim protection and support.
4. 🛑 Mainpuri Custodial Rape Case (2018)
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Incident: A Dalit woman alleged gang rape by policemen inside a police station in Mainpuri.
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Outcome: FIR registered under SC/ST Act, IPC; suspension of accused officers.
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Significance: Exposed caste and gender-based exploitation within law enforcement.
5. 🏡 Azamgarh Caste Clashes (2023)
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Incident: Dalit families attacked over access to temple and water source by dominant caste group.
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Legal Action: FIRs under SC/ST Act; preventive arrests.
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Significance: Typical example of social exclusion and denial of public resources to Dalits.
6. 💥 Gorakhpur Dalit Youth Beaten to Death (2022)
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Incident: A Dalit youth, Laltu Valmiki, was allegedly beaten to death by police while in custody.
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Outcome: FIR filed; inquiry demanded by civil rights groups.
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Significance: Reflected systemic violence and impunity in police forces against Dalits.
📌 Common Legal and Social Patterns
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Gendered caste violence | Dalit women face sexual violence as a tool of suppression |
| Police apathy & cover-ups | Delayed FIRs, denial of rape, or custodial violence |
| Delayed justice | Trials drag on for years, often without conviction |
| Social exclusion | Denial of access to water, temples, schools in villages |
| Protest and state response | State often uses heavy policing or defamation against protestors |
📚 Notable Legal Provisions Involved:
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SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989
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Indian Penal Code (IPC) – Sections 302 (murder), 376 (rape), 354 (assault), etc.
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POCSO Act, 2012 – In cases involving minor victims
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Constitutional Articles – Article 15, 17 (prohibition of untouchability), 21 (Right to Life)