42 charged for forcing colors on Dalits in Mathura

In Mathura, police have charged 42 people for allegedly forcing colors on Dalits during the Holi festival. This incident took place in Bati village on Dhulendi, the main day of the celebration. Reports say that a clash occurred when upper caste youths tried to apply colors on members of the Scheduled Castes. Tensions escalated, leading to fights with sticks and stone-throwing, injuring about a dozen individuals. Following the confrontation, police also filed charges against 32 Dalits. They arrested nine of these individuals, who have been sent to jail. In response, Dalit groups held a sit-in protest at the local Collectorate. They demanded the police take action against those who attacked them. Circle Officer Sandeep Kumar Singh mentioned that they have registered a case based on a complaint from a woman in the village. The accused face charges under multiple laws, including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The investigation is ongoing, and police are gathering evidence about the incident.