Dalit crime and social discrimination remain serious human rights issues in India. Despite constitutional safeguards, many Dalits continue to face caste-based violence, social exclusion, economic exploitation, and denial of justice due to deeply rooted social hierarchies.
Crimes against Dalits include acts of physical violence, sexual assault, land grabbing, social boycott, and institutional discrimination. Many incidents remain underreported due to fear, social pressure, and weak law enforcement.
| Category | Type | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Social | Untouchability | Denial of access to temples, water sources, housing, and public spaces. |
| Physical Violence | Assault & Lynching | Violence due to caste identity, land disputes, or assertion of rights. |
| Gender-Based | Sexual Violence | Dalit women face higher vulnerability due to caste and gender oppression. |
| Economic | Labour Exploitation | Bonded labour, wage denial, and forced menial work. |
| Educational | Institutional Discrimination | Harassment, isolation, and bias in schools and universities. |
| Legal | Justice Denial | Police inaction, delayed trials, and pressure on victims. |
India has enacted specific laws to protect Dalits from caste-based atrocities:
Despite strong legal frameworks, challenges persist due to poor implementation, lack of awareness, caste bias within institutions, and fear of retaliation among victims.
Ending caste-based crime requires strict law enforcement, social awareness, education, and institutional accountability to ensure justice and dignity for all.