Man held for using casteist slurs against Olympian Kataria

HARIDWAR : Uttarakhand police registered a case against two men and some unknown persons on Thursday for allegedly abusing and provoking Indian hockey player Vandana Kataria’s family in Haridwar a day earlier.

Based on a complaint of Vandana’s

brother Chandrashekhar Kataria, police have filed a case against Vijaypal, a resident of Roshanabad and Sumit Chauhan, a resident of Navodaya Nagar, and some unknown people under relevant sections of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and IPC Section 504 for intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace.

“Vijaypal has been arrested while a manhunt is on to nab the other accused,” police officer Lakhpat Butola said.

“They hurled abusive remarks, blamed Vandana and Dalit players for being responsible for India’s defeat. When we protested they used more abusive language and made fun of us for being Dalits. Our family is in deep shock at a time when the whole country is feeling proud of Vandana’s ability and achievement,” said Chandrashekhar.

“We are content that the SSP and respective police officials took prompt action and arrested one accused ---Vijaypal from Roshanabad stadium today (Thursday),” he said.

Vandana’s family had earlier complained to Senior Superintendent of Haridwar, D Senthil Aboodai Krishan S, regarding foul, abusive and caste-based remarks made by their neighbours against them and Vandana on Wednesday. The incident took place at Aurangabad village near Roshnabad, about 14 km from Haridwar town.