Dalit student assault: Community groups demand strict action against accused

Tirupati – Andhra Pradesh: Dalit rights groups and civil society organizations submitted a representation to Tirupati SP Harshavardhan Raju on Monday, demanding the inclusion of all accused in the FIR and invoking appropriate legal sections in the case of the brutal attack on Dalit student James. The SP assured that no one involved will be spared and that law will take its full course.

Key demands from rights groups

Leaders from Tirupati Ambedkar Bhavan Committee, Andhra Pradesh Scheduled Castes Welfare Association Tirupati, and Prajasanghaala Ikya Vedika met SP Harshavardhan Raju to highlight lapses in the investigation and demand justice for the victim, James.

They raised concerns that:

The current FIR omits the names of Elite Park Hotel owner Pawan and local rowdy sheeters known as Chota Blood”, despite their alleged involvement.

Attempt to murder charges should be invoked against all accused due to the severity of the assault.

The brutal torture inflicted on James amounts to ragging, and should be dealt with under the Anti-Ragging Act.

The incident qualifies as a caste-based atrocity and must be addressed under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Police response: ‘No one will be spared’

SP Harshavardhan Raju assured the delegation that:

A case has been registered under all relevant sections, including stringent provisions.

The accused will be arrested without delay and will face justice according to the law.

The police will not tolerate such cruel and inhuman acts in a civilized society, and all those involved will be held accountable.

Wider participation and public support

Numerous public representatives and social justice activists joined the meeting, extending solidarity with James and calling for transparent and swift action. They emphasized that violence against Dalits should not be normalized or ignored, and urged the authorities to set a strong example by ensuring justice in this case.