Dalit man in UP stabbed to death by Brahmin family for wishing ‘Happy Holi’

A 22-year-old Dalit man was allegedly stabbed to death by members of a Brahmin family in the Dubagga area of Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, after he greeted them on the occasion of Holi. The incident took place on March 4 in Begariya village while people in the area were celebrating the festival.

The victim, identified as Suraj Gautam, had reportedly wished his neighbour Manor Tiwari “Happy Holi.” According to accounts from locals, Tiwari allegedly took offence at the greeting, leading to an argument. During the altercation, Tiwari’s sister Shivani and mother Ranjana also allegedly joined in verbally abusing Gautam.

Witnesses claimed that Shivani, who was wearing a nightgown covered with a shawl, pulled out a knife and stabbed Gautam three times. He was taken to a hospital but later died from his injuries, Siasat Daily reported.

A video circulating on social media shows Gautam’s grieving family demanding justice. His mother questioned how greeting someone with “Happy Holi” could lead to murder and asked which book ever justified such violence. She alleged that the attack happened because they belonged to a Dalit community and said the family wanted justice for the killing of their son.

Police reached the scene after being informed and arrested Mohit, Shivani and Ranjana in connection with the case.

A witness who attempted to intervene told local media that the accused woman was allowed to change clothes before being taken away by the police. The witness claimed that around 10 to 12 police officers had remained inside the Tiwari residence for more than an hour, after which Shivani was seen wearing jeans and a sweater instead of the nightgown she had allegedly worn during the incident. The witness also alleged that the original garment had bloodstains.

However, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (West) said preliminary findings suggested the killing was linked to a series of earlier disputes between the two families rather than the Holi greeting itself. The officer said the matter was still under investigation.

When asked about the allegation regarding the blood-stained nightgown, the officer declined to comment further and ended the call.