The Price of Silence: Two Kathavachaks Attacked for Hiding Caste in UP’s Etawah
In a disturbing display of caste-based violence, two religious narrators were attacked in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh, after their caste identity was revealed. On June 21, 2025, Mukut Mani and Sant Singh, both from the Yadav community, were brutally assaulted by upper-caste men who accused them of concealing their true caste. This incident highlights the persistent social divisions in India and the ongoing struggle against caste discrimination.
Key Facts:
- Date of incident: June 21, 2025
- Location: Dandarpur village, Etawah, Uttar Pradesh
- Victims: Mukut Mani and Sant Singh, both religious narrators from the Yadav community
- Assault: Victims were forcibly tonsured, had to rub their noses on the ground, and were humiliated with urine poured over them.
- Police response: Four suspects arrested, but charges were also filed against the victims.
- Political backlash: Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party condemned the BJP government, calling it “heartless” and “undemocratic.”
- Human Rights Commission: The NHRC has demanded a report from Etawah police on the incident’s handling.
The disturbing incident occurred when the two men were invited to lead a Bhagwat Katha, a revered religious narrative, in the predominantly Brahmin village of Dandarpur. But when the upper-caste men discovered their caste background, a violent confrontation ensued. The attackers, furious that the victims had concealed their identities, subjected them to a series of physical and emotional torments. Their heads were shaved off, a symbolic act meant to strip them of their dignity. The humiliation didn’t stop there—urine was poured over them as part of a twisted “purification” ritual. This brutal display of caste-based violence was captured on video and quickly went viral, sparking widespread outrage across social media and the country.
The police, quick to act, have arrested four men connected to the assault, but the situation has escalated further. In an unexpected twist, the victims themselves face criminal charges, including allegations of sexual harassment and the possession of fake identification cards. The irony is not lost here—those who were humiliated and violated are now being painted as criminals.
Context and Extra Insight:
While this event is certainly shocking, it’s not an isolated incident. Caste-based violence continues to be a grim reality in many parts of India. Despite constitutional guarantees of equality and legal frameworks designed to fight caste discrimination, the social fabric remains deeply entrenched in caste lines. It’s a bitter irony that in a society where untouchability was officially abolished decades ago, such brutality still thrives. This is a harsh reminder of how far India still has to go in dismantling centuries-old social hierarchies.
Moreover, caste plays a crucial role not just in personal identity but also in societal structures. The recent event serves as a grim reflection of how deep-rooted and pervasive caste-based violence remains, even in the 21st century. The personal toll of this violence cannot be understated. It’s not just about the physical wounds inflicted, but the emotional and social consequences of being labeled inferior or “untouchable” simply based on one’s birth.
Comparing this incident to past attacks, we can see a pattern. In 2020, similar violence erupted in Uttar Pradesh when a Dalit family was murdered by upper-caste men for allegedly entering a “higher caste” temple. The brutality of that act shocked the nation, but the aftermath mirrored what we’re seeing now: arrests, legal charges against victims, and a society that refuses to reckon with its history. These incidents may seem isolated, but the message they send is loud and clear: caste-based oppression is far from over.
Experts argue that while India’s laws may be progressive, they have not been enough to change the mindset of many in rural areas, where caste identity still dictates the power structures. “Legal reforms are essential, but the real change must come through education and social awareness,” says Dr. Manisha Tiwari, a sociologist specializing in caste studies.
What Happens Next?
For now, the Etawah case is under investigation. The police are likely to continue probing the suspects, but questions remain about the integrity of the investigation. Will the victims receive justice, or will they, once again, be painted as the offenders in a system rigged against them?
Politically, the incident is becoming a flashpoint. Akhilesh Yadav’s criticism of the BJP government has amplified the narrative that caste politics is still very much alive in Uttar Pradesh. This may have ramifications not just in the region but on a national scale as the political discourse around caste discrimination intensifies ahead of upcoming elections. The response from the government could either quell or escalate the controversy, depending on how they choose to handle the issue.
On a human rights front, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken swift action, demanding a report from the Etawah police. This could indicate growing pressure on the authorities to address caste-based violence with more urgency.
Looking ahead, the conversation around caste-based discrimination will only grow louder, especially as more incidents like this one come to light. Social media plays a crucial role in amplifying these voices, and this case could spark a larger movement demanding systemic change.
This incident has ignited a wave of discussions about caste-based violence, but there’s still so much to unpack. We’ll continue to follow the story as more developments unfold. Stay tuned to BoldShout.com for live updates, in-depth analysis, and opinion pieces that matter to you. Join the conversation, share your thoughts, and let’s make sure this story doesn’t fade into the background. The fight against caste discrimination is far from over—and it starts with voices like yours.
