A Congress Minority Front leader and two of his family members have been arrested for allegedly assaulting a 19-year-old Dalit youth in Madhya Pradesh’s Agar Malwa district. The accused allegedly barged into the victim’s house, beat him with slippers and fists, dragged him to a sawmill, and continued the assault over suspicion of theft. A video purportedly showing the assault surfaced on social media, following which police initiated action.
The incident took place on July 15 in Susner town of Agar Malwa district. However, the matter came to light after the alleged victim approached the police on Wednesday, following the circulation of the video online.
According to the complaint, the accused have been identified as Nizamuddin Mansoori, State Secretary of the Congress Minority Front, his son Azhar, and his nephew Javed.
Accused Forced Entry Into Victim’s House
In his complaint, the 19-year-old victim alleged that he was asleep at home when the three accused arrived at his residence. His father had gone to work, while his mother had taken his elder sister to a hospital. His younger sister had locked the house and gone to work at a neighbouring house.
The victim alleged that the accused attempted to break open the locked door. Hearing the noise, his younger sister came out and questioned them. According to the complaint, Nizamuddin Mansoori allegedly claimed that the victim had stolen items from his sawmill and said he wanted to question him.
After the sister opened the door, the accused allegedly entered the house, abused the victim, and assaulted him. The complainant alleged that he was beaten with kicks, punches and slippers before being dragged to the accused’s sawmill, where he was allegedly assaulted again. He further alleged that the accused threatened to kill him.
Assault Linked to Theft Suspicion
The victim told police that iron goods had recently been stolen from the accused’s sawmill and that Nizamuddin Mansoori suspected him of being involved in the theft. He maintained that he had no role in the alleged theft and was assaulted solely on the basis of suspicion.
A video purportedly showing the assault has since surfaced on social media and is being examined as part of the investigation.
Police Register SC/ST Act Case
Agar Malwa Superintendent of Police Dilip Soni said police have registered a case against the three accused for trespassing, assault and offences under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
He said all three accused have been rounded up and further legal action will be taken after interrogation and completion of the investigation.
BJP Condemns Incident
Reacting to the incident, BJP Agar Malwa district president Om Malviya condemned the alleged assault and accused the Congress leader of targeting a Scheduled Caste youth.
He alleged that the victim was subjected to physical assault as well as caste-based abuse and demanded strict action against the accused. Malviya also criticised the Congress leadership, stating that such incidents would not be tolerated in Madhya Pradesh.
Police said the investigation is underway and are verifying all evidence, including the viral video, before filing further charges.
