Preacher Mukut Mani Yadav tonsured, humiliated with urine and nose-rubbing—Akhilesh Yadav calls for strict legal action against caste violence in Etawah
24 June 2025, New Delhi
A shocking case of caste-based violence has emerged from Dandarpur village in Etawah district, where Bhagwat Katha preacher Mukut Mani Yadav and his associate Sant Singh Yadav were allegedly assaulted and humiliated by members of an upper-caste group. The attack, which took place on the night of June 22, occurred during an ongoing week-long religious program.
According to the complaint and eyewitness accounts, the victims were beaten with shoes, forcibly tonsured, and had urine sprinkled on them. The attackers reportedly hurled casteist slurs and extorted ₹25,000 in cash and a gold chain before driving them out of the village. The assault appears to have stemmed from caste prejudice, as Yadav was allegedly targeted for performing religious duties considered by some as restricted to upper castes.
The matter gained public attention after a video of the incident went viral on social media, triggering widespread condemnation. Taking swift action, the Etawah police registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and other applicable sections. So far, four individuals—Ashish Tiwari, Uttam Kumar Awasthi, Nikki Awasthi, and Manu Dubey—have been arrested. A detailed investigation is ongoing.
Speaking to reporters, Etawah SSP Brijesh Kumar Srivastava confirmed the arrests and said all involved would be brought to justice. “We are treating this as a serious offense rooted in caste-based discrimination. More arrests will follow as evidence is gathered,” he said.
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The incident has also sparked political reactions, with Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav calling the attack “a brutal and unconstitutional act.” He said such events expose deep-rooted caste arrogance in society. “If justice is delayed or denied, we will not hesitate to raise this issue from the streets to the Parliament,” he warned.
In his statement, Mukut Mani Yadav said, “They told me that as a Yadav, I had no right to recite the Bhagwat Katha. They humiliated me simply for carrying out my religious duty. Is this what we have become?” He added that resistance against non-Brahmin priests is not new, but this level of violence was unprecedented.
The incident has reignited debate around caste bias in religious spaces, especially after a similar case in Madhya Pradesh, where female preacher Devika Patel was allegedly barred from conducting a Katha due to her caste. Social reformers and Dalit rights groups are now demanding legal reforms and community education to eliminate caste-based discrimination in religious practices.
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