KATHMANDU: The Equity Society Nepal has strongly condemned the demolition of the house of Deepak Malik (Dom), a Dalit resident of Aurahi Rural Municipality-5 in Siraha, calling for stern action against the culprits.
Issuing a press release, Society Chair Bhakta Bishwakarma expressed deep sorrow over the incident and urged the government to enforce the Caste Discrimination and Untouchability Offences and Punishment Act, 2011, along with other legal provisions, to ensure justice for the victim.
According to the Society, the demolition took place to make way for the Bishnu Mahayagya, a religious program scheduled to begin on March 30.
The victim’s family has alleged that the house was torn down because of their Dalit identity, with the soil from the demolished site even being discarded. The Society labeled the incident as a blatant act of caste-based discrimination and demanded immediate and stringent action against those involved.
Media reports claim that Bajrangi Baba, the organizer of the Mahayagya, insisted that the rituals could not proceed if the Dalit family remained at the site.
The house demolition was allegedly carried out with the involvement of local municipality chairman Shivaji Yadav and former ward chair Dilip Yadav.
The Society’s statement expressed dismay over the involvement of elected representatives in such a heinous crime, emphasizing that it has been 18 years since Nepal was declared free from caste discrimination and untouchability, as enshrined in the Constitution and laws of Nepal.
Equity Society Nepal has demanded that the government hold those responsible accountable and take strong measures to prevent further incidents of caste-based violence and discrimination.
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