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In Delhi’s Mehrauli, a conflict over final rites has reignited debates about caste discrimination that continues to plague Indian society decades after constitutional protections were
enacted. When 40-year-old Pawan, a member of the Valmiki community, died after prolonged illness on April 5, his family’s grief was compounded when a priest told them to use a separate
cremation area designated specifically for Dalits. Despite objections and heated arguments, Pawan’s body was ultimately cremated in what his family describes as “filth” behind the main
cremation grounds. “We have not been treated well. Even after death, caste is being searched,” lamented Ratan Lal, Pawan’s father. “The pandit refused saying that this is a place for the
Jat, Bania, Gurjar and Pandit communities…the country has become independent, are we not free? Are Valmikis not free?” Watch this report to understand how the controversy represents a stark
contrast to Dr B R Ambedkar’s vision of a caste-free India. _If you liked this report, let our reporters tell you_why you should subscribe to Newslaundry_._
