Around 40 Dalit families of Mirchpur village, who had fled in fear following an attack on them by a group belonging to upper community, have returned after an assurance was given by the State Government regarding their security.
As many as nine Dalits were injured when nearly 20 persons allegedly attacked them following an argument on Monday night in Hisar district's Mirchpur village, from where CRPF troops were withdrawn in December last, six years after two people were burnt alive in an inter-caste violence.
Fearing backlash from the youth of upper community after Monday’s scuffle, the 'traumatised' Dalit families had fled the village on Tuesday morning.
Following the incident, Haryana's Minister for Scheduled Castes and Backward Classes Welfare Krishan Bedi had met the Dalit families on Tuesday night and assured them of providing security. The Dalit families then decided to return to their homes.
A DSP, an Inspector and 60 policemen have been deployed in Mirchpur as a precautionary measure.
Rajender Singh Meena, Superintendent of Police, said, “The situation in the village is under control and extra police force has been deployed to avoid any untoward incident.”
A day before, a case under section 148 (rioting), 149 (if an offence be committed by any member of an unlawful assembly), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 324 (voluntarily causing hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of IPC and under the provisions of the SC/ST Act has been registered against 15 persons. Four persons were also arrested in connection with the alleged attack on the Dalits.
According to the police, the villagers were on Monday night watching a cycle show when some persons present there allegedly passed a caste-related comment on a Dalit youth which led to a scuffle between the two communities.
Nearly six years ago, two dalits were burnt alive in an inter-caste violence in the same village. Following the violence, CRPF troops had been deployed in the village to maintain peace, but the force was withdrawn last year.
A 20-member committee had also been formed earlier to maintain harmony in the village. .
Meanwhile, Ishwar Singh, member National Commission for Scheduled Castes on Wednesday visited Mirchpur and interacted with the victims. He assured them that the Commission will protect their interest.
"A three-member committee under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner has been formed, which will submit a detailed report to the Commission in connection with the incident within ten days," he said.
Singh also asked the District Administration and police to ensure the safety and security of the affected Dalits and immediately arrest those behind the incident.
Deputy Commissioner Nikhil Gajraj informed Singh that Rs 25,000 has been given to each of the nine injured.