http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/story.aspx?id=NEWEN20070028225&ch=10/4/2007%207:21:00%20PM
MP dalits live in shadow of terror Rubina khan Shapoo Thursday, October 4, 2007 (Shajapur) For the last two months, the dalits in Bapcha village in Shajapur district of Madhya Pradesh are living in fear. The pressure from the powerful is so strong that the dalits' plight is not reported by the media and the administration too remains a mute spectator. Manko Bayee's husband is on the run as the Yadav-dominated village wants him out. The family repeatedly complained to the police after their belongings were stolen and crops destroyed but nothing happened. Late last month their house was ransacked. ''Our life has become hell. They have threatened to kill both of us,'' said Manko Bayee, sarpanch's wife. It all began when a Dalit boy and a Yadav girl fell in love. Villagers objected but the lovers paid no heed. In August the girl's body was found in a well at the nursery of Alka Bayee, a dalit. The boy was arrested on charges of murder but the entire Dalit community paid the price. The nursery that had over 20,000 plants was destroyed, dalit houses were looted and several families fled in fear. Those like Ratan Lal who stayed back didn't dare to approach the police. The Yadavs' decided to impose a penalty of Rs 1000 on whoever interacted with the dalits. The local MLA and MP are dalits but none have ever visited the village. The district BJP President is an influential Yadav. Though an FIR was registered 10 days after the incident, no arrests have been made so far. ''They indulged in ransacking and vandalism. We have filed a case and now the situation is normal,'' said J P Ahirwaar, SP, Shajapur. They might be the most sought after vote bank by political parties but the ground reality is that the dalits remain perpetual outsiders. Fear and helplessness amongst the dalits clearly shows that Bapcha is far from normal.
