Aligarh: A Dalit labourer, Lavkush, has alleged that he and his wife, Prabha, were assaulted by members of a neighbouring Muslim family in Uttar Pradesh’s Aligarh district following a dispute over a Rs 500 contribution for the reconstruction of a village pathway.
The incident took place in Jadaula village under the Harduaganj police station area. According to Lavkush, he was unable to contribute the requested amount immediately because his young son was suffering from typhoid, and he had been unable to work for several days, affecting the family’s finances.
Lavkush, a daily-wage labourer, said that villagers had decided to collect money from each household to rebuild a paved lane after drainage-related issues emerged following nearby road construction. He stated that residents were asked to contribute Rs 500 each, but he requested additional time due to his financial difficulties.
According to his account, an argument broke out between his wife, Prabha and their neighbour, Parveen, over the payment. Lavkush alleged that Parveen entered their house and demanded the money. The verbal dispute reportedly escalated, after which Parveen’s family members allegedly joined the confrontation.
Lavkush claimed that his wife was assaulted inside their home with sticks and was also kicked and punched. He further alleged that her clothes were torn during the incident. When he attempted to intervene, he too was allegedly beaten. He said neighbours eventually arrived and helped separate the parties.
The complainant further alleged that members of the same family threw bricks and stones at his house from their rooftop, resulting in injuries to him and his brother Deepak. A video of the alleged stone-pelting incident has been circulated and is reportedly part of the evidence being examined.
Lavkush approached the Harduaganj police station and subsequently lodged a complaint. He stated that the FIR was registered after assistance from members of the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP).
Based on his complaint, police registered a case against 10 individuals, including Akbar Khan, his wife Parveen, and their family members. The accused have been booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The charges include allegations related to assault, criminal intimidation, trespass, outraging the modesty of a woman, and offences allegedly committed on the basis of caste.
