Dalit families flee Haryana village after fatal Holi clash
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Rohtak: Fearing backlash, several Dalit families have abandoned their homes in Baniyani village, Rohtak district, Haryana, following a deadly Holi clash on March 4 between Rajput and Scheduled Caste (SC) communities.
The violence stemmed from a parking dispute between Vikram, a Rajput youth, and Nishant from the SC community, police said. CCTV footage captured the brawl escalating, leading to Vikram's death. Ten suspects have been arrested based on Vikram's family's complaint and video evidence, with further probes underway.
Police maintain it was a fatal fight between two youths, noting no live footage clearly identifies all involved. The case is registered under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections including 103(1) for murder, 109(1) for attempt to murder, 191(2) and 191(3) for rioting, and others for hurt, restraint, and evidence tampering.
Dalit residents offer a contrasting account, alleging Vikram was drunk and tried to forcibly apply color to a woman. They claim she pushed him in self-defense, causing his fatal fall (per ABP News). A village police inspector dismissed reports of Dalit harassment as "incitement," insisting no such issues exist.
Tension grips the SC settlement: nearly two dozen families fled, and six students missed Haryana Board Class 10 exams due to fear. Locals accuse police of arbitrary arrests without explanations; one woman said her husband vanished over a week ago amid ongoing threats.
Heavy police deployment continues amid the standoff.