Dalit student dies after alleged caste humiliation in India

NEW DELHI, India (MNTV) — A 20-year-old Dalit college student in northern India allegedly died by suicide after being assaulted and humiliated over his caste identity, police and family members said, in a case that has renewed scrutiny of caste-based discrimination and violence in the country.

The student, identified as Atin Kumar, was found dead in his room on Sunday in Uttar Pradesh’s Firozabad district, a day after he was allegedly confronted at a local library, accused of harassing a girl and beaten after revealing he belonged to the Dalit community — a historically oppressed caste group formerly referred to as “untouchables.”

Police said a handwritten suicide note recovered from his room referenced harassment and assault linked to the incident. Family members also claimed injury marks were visible on his body, including what appeared to be a fractured finger.

According to a complaint filed by his father, Ajay Kumar, Atin regularly visited the RM Library after attending college classes. On Saturday evening, several men at the library allegedly confronted him and questioned him about his caste identity during an altercation.

The family alleged the confrontation escalated into physical assault after Atin disclosed that he was Dalit.

“My son suffered injuries in the assault and came back home humiliated,” his father said in the police complaint. “He did not share the ordeal with the family and was found dead the next day.”

Atin was the only son of his parents, both of whom are specially abled, according to local residents. Alongside his studies as a Bachelor of Science student, he reportedly also ran a small grocery shop to help support the family financially.

Police have registered a criminal case against six people under charges including murder, rioting, assault and caste-based atrocities.

The case was filed under provisions of India’s Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, a law designed to address violence and discrimination against marginalized caste communities, alongside sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, India’s criminal code.

Police on Monday said three accused — identified as Atul Sikera, Dhruv Yadav and Ritik Yadav — had been arrested, while efforts were underway to locate the remaining suspects.

“Police teams are working to nab the other absconding accused,” Shikohabad Deputy Superintendent of Police Amreesh Kumar said.

The case has triggered outrage on social media and renewed debate over caste discrimination in India, where Dalits continue to face violence, social exclusion and humiliation despite constitutional protections and affirmative action policies.

Human rights groups and Dalit activists have long argued that caste-based violence remains deeply embedded in parts of Indian society where social hierarchies continue to shape access to education, employment and public spaces.