Two Dalit men killed in Bengaluru after altercation over drinking water leads to fatal attack

Bengaluru: Two Dalit men lost their lives in a tragic incident in Bengaluru on Thursday after a scuffle over drinking water at a local hotel turned fatal. The incident has sparked outrage in the community, leading to a massive protest outside the Rajanukunte police station. Demands for the immediate arrest and strict legal action against the perpetrators were voiced by the victims’ relatives and leaders of the Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP).

The victims, Nagaraj and Ramayya, residents of Challahalli near Hesaraghatta Hobli, were allegedly intentionally mowed down by a car in broad daylight. The incident occurred as the victims, along with their colleague Gopal, were travelling to work at the KMF factory. The car, driven by rowdy-sheeter Bharath, Nishant, Vinay, and others, struck their bike from behind in the early hours of Thursday. Tragically, Nagaraj and Ramayya succumbed to their injuries at the scene, while Gopal sustained severe injuries and is currently receiving treatment at a private hospital.

The incident is believed to be a culmination of a previous altercation that took place twenty days ago at a hotel near Hesaraghatta. During that incident, Bharath directed casteist slurs over Nagaraj drinking water. Bharath openly threatened to kill Nagaraj after the elections. Nagaraj’s father, who is already a rowdy-sheeter with a history of serious charges, Venkatesh, lodged a complaint with the Rajanakunte police and demanded that strict legal action be taken against Bharath, Nishant, and Vinay.

Marasandra Muniyappa, the Bahujan Samajwadi Party state in-charge, condemned the incident, stating that it was a deliberate act to mow down the victims. He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation at the crime scene, as it strongly suggests murder. The police have registered a case against the accused and have taken Bharath and his friends into custody for interrogation. Muniyappa warned that if strict action is not taken against the perpetrators, the protests will continue.

Responding to the incident, a senior police officer confirmed that a complaint has been filed at the Rajanukunte police station. The police have apprehended Bharath and his friends, who were identified as responsible for the incident. Further investigations are underway.

Courtesy : Vartha bharati

Note: This news piece was originally published in varthabharati.in and used purely for non-profit/non-commercial purposes exclusively for Human Rights.