‘You are a Yadav…have no right to keep shikha’:Rewa man’s 12-inch-long topknot forcibly pulled off; police told him to throw it in dustbin

I am a Brahmin and you are a Yadav. You have no right to keep a shikha… saying this, he pulled out my 12-inch long shikha. Rohit Yadav, a resident of Majhigawan village in Rewa district, alleges that he was assaulted and had his 12-inch long topknot forcibly removed by Deepak Pandey, a Brahmin youth. The incident has caused tension in the village, and a police complaint has been filed. Victim’s statement Rohit Yadav told the police that he had kept the topknot for seven years as a mark of faith in Sanatan Dharma and devotion to Hanuman Ji. According to him, Deepak Pandey abused him, saying he had no right to keep a topknot because he was not a Brahmin. Rohit said Pandey also threatened him, claiming: “Today you keep a topknot, tomorrow you will go to narrate Katha (religious discourse).” He placed his foot on Rohit and pulled the topknot with full force. Rohit was also beaten during the incident. Threats and intimidation The victim said that even after the assault, Deepak Pandey continues to threaten him. He warned that next time he would “burn me alive” and claimed he could manipulate doctors and police due to his influence. Rohit added that Pandey has an old criminal record but has not been successfully punished so far. Police response Rohit reached Baikunthpur police station to lodge a complaint. However, he alleged that a clerk initially dismissed the topknot, saying, “Throw it in the dustbin.” Rohit refused, stating that it was a sacred symbol and kept it in his pocket for evidence. Work shifted for safety Following the attack, Rohit and his team moved their work from Majhigawan village to Kyonti village, 20 km away, citing safety concerns. The victim expressed fear over possible future attacks if strict police action is not taken. Village reaction Majhigawan Sarpanch Rahul Singh condemned the incident, calling it shameful and unprecedented. He warned the accused and his family that any repetition would lead to social boycott. Singh has demanded strict police action. Local tension The incident has caused anger among villagers. Many are upset at the assault and the disrespect shown to Rohit’s religious faith. The community is closely watching police action and awaiting justice.