India continues to face increasing scrutiny from international human rights organizations over its deepening religious and caste violence. Reports from 2024 show a troubling rise in hate crimes, particularly targeting Dalits, Muslims, and Christians. Analysts warn that this growing pattern of intolerance threatens social cohesion and undermines democratic values.
In one recent incident in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, two Dalit youths were tied to a pole and brutally assaulted by a mob during the Kanwar Yatra. Witnesses claim the assault was not only motivated by false theft accusations but also intended as a warning to the Dalit community. Critics argue that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, incidents of caste-based and communal hatred have gained impunity.
Inflammatory remarks by political figures have added fuel to the fire. PM Modi’s recent reference to Muslims as “infiltrators,” and BJP MLA T. Raja Singh’s call to demolish mosques, have drawn backlash from rights advocates globally.
Systemic Discrimination in Institutions
Beyond physical violence, institutional discrimination remains deeply rooted. In higher education, reserved posts for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) often go unfilled. In central universities, vacancy rates for ST professors are as high as 83%, for OBCs 80%, and SCs 64%.
The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) data from 2018 to 2022 reveals similar disparities. SCs received only 7.6% of appointments, and OBCs 15.9%—both below mandated quotas. The judiciary also reflects this imbalance, with 80% of judges belonging to upper castes. Diplomacy follows suit, with most ambassadors hailing from the same demographic.
Christians too have faced increased hostility. According to rights organizations, 161 incidents of violence were reported in 2024, including church attacks and false conversion allegations. In Tamil Nadu, a Dalit software engineer was recently murdered in a caste-based honor killing.
Meanwhile, the family of a Dalit laborer killed in a military aircraft crash in Bathinda during “Operation Sindoor” still awaits compensation. Activists call this a blatant example of state negligence toward marginalized communities.
Despite making up nearly 80% of the population, SC/ST/OBC communities remain underrepresented and vulnerable. Rights groups emphasize the urgent need for policy reform and accountability.
India’s rising caste violence reflects a deeper societal crisis—one that cannot be ignored if equality and justice are to be preserved.
