Two Booked in Ballia After Dalit Man Attacked and Locked Inside Temple

Police in Uttar Pradesh have booked two men for allegedly beating and abusing a Dalit man who stays and prays at a Kali temple in Ballia district.

The Attack

The incident took place on the evening of October 18, 2026, in Sardaspur village. Complainant Nageena Ram stated that the two accused, Vishal Singh and Ankit Singh, hurled caste-based abuses at him and assaulted him because he stayed and offered prayers at the temple. When farm workers nearby rushed to help, the accused locked Ram inside the temple premises and later went to his house to issue death threats.

Police Action

Rasra police station registered a case late Sunday night based on Ram's complaint. The accused face charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Station in-charge Sushil Kumar confirmed that an investigation is currently under way and necessary legal action will follow.

Context

Crimes and discrimination against members of Scheduled Castes are strictly punishable under special Indian laws designed to protect vulnerable communities from caste-based abuse and violence. Police investigations in such cases typically involve recording witness statements and gathering medical evidence before proceeding to court charges.