4 dead in Jat-Dalit clashes, women allege molestation

One arrested, FIR lodged against 13 after violence sparked by land dispute

The situation was tense but under control on Saturday in Rajasthan’s Nagaur district after four men died in a clash between Dalits and Jats, some of them allegedly run over by tractors, following a sudden flare-up over a decades-old land dispute.

Three of the deceased have been identified as Ratna Ram Meghwal, Pokar Ram Meghwal and Pancha Ram Meghwal.

Six women of the Meghwal Dalit community, who were seriously injured during Thursday’s clash in Dangawas village, alleged that Jats tried to rape them during the incident.

Superintendent of police Raghvendra Suhasa said Ram Kumar Jat, 40, was arrested from Nagaur hospital where he was admitted for treatment. An FIR has been lodged against 13 people.

The dispute revolves round 24 bighas of land that were mortgaged by a Dalit man 40 years ago for a loan of ` 1,500.

The man’s son, 65- year- old Ratanram Meghwal, had approached Jats, the region’s dominant upper caste, to give up their claim on the land but they refused.

Tensions spiked on Thursday when supporters of Kanaram Jat began moving towards the home of Ratnaram Meghwal, which was built on the disputed land.

Members of the Dalit community too gathered and took position on the roof of Maghwal’s house. When the Jats got closer, Meghwal’s supporters allegedly opened fire.

This enraged the Jats, and hundreds of them gathered in the choupal (common assembly area) of Dangawas and decided to attack Meghwal’s home.

Jats armed with guns, axes and other weapons rode dozens of tractors towards the disputed land.

Some members of the Dalit community alleged the Jat men had assaulted Dalit women and tried to insert rods in their genitals.

However, police officers and doctors treating the women denied this claim.