Casteist Violence in Madhya Pradesh: Man Attacks Friend With Knife and Stone After Caste-Based Slurs in Gwalior

Bhopal:

A shocking incident of caste-based violence has emerged from Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh, where what began as a friendly drinking session devolved into a brutal assault.

The violent confrontation took place Sunday evening near Mahavir Colony in the Purani Cantonment area.

According to police reports, a man attacked his friend with a knife and crushed his head with a stone after hurling casteist slurs at him. Authorities have apprehended the perpetrator while the victim receives medical treatment.

Police identified the individuals involved as Balveer Valmiki and Vijay Sharma, both residents of Mahavir Colony who had maintained a friendship prior to the incident.

On Sunday afternoon, Vijay invited Balveer to join him for drinks near Badnapura along Tighra Road. The situation deteriorated as the evening progressed when an argument erupted between the two intoxicated friends.

Vijay reportedly began verbally assaulting Balveer with caste-based insults, declaring, "You belong to a lower caste; you don't have the right to drink with me."

When Balveer objected to these remarks, Vijay's hostility intensified dramatically.

In a fit of rage, police state that Vijay produced a knife and slashed Balveer's neck.

As the victim fell to the ground bleeding profusely, Vijay allegedly seized a heavy stone and smashed it against Balveer's head before fleeing the scene.

Balveer remained unconscious throughout the night until passersby discovered him the following morning. They promptly alerted authorities and transported him to a nearby medical facility.

Medical professionals report that despite sustaining serious injuries to his neck and skull, Balveer's condition has stabilized.

Following Balveer's statement, police registered a case and immediately began searching for the accused.

Under Station Officer Ratnambar Shukla's direction, law enforcement personnel apprehended Vijay Sharma near his residence.

This incident contributes to a troubling pattern of caste-based violence in Madhya Pradesh.

In October, a Dalit driver from Gwalior claimed he was abducted, beaten, and forced to consume urine by three individuals in Bhind district. Just days earlier, another Dalit youth in Katni was reportedly urinated upon after protesting illegal mining activities.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2023 report, crimes against Scheduled Castes continue to increase nationwide with 57,789 cases documented last year, representing an increase from 2022.

Madhya Pradesh recorded 8,232 such incidents, placing it among the top three states for caste-related crimes, following Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.