Caste Conflict Erupts in MP Over AI Generated Image
In a disturbing incident in Damoh, Madhya Pradesh, police have booked four men for the alleged public humiliation of a young man from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) community. The victim was reportedly forced to wash the feet of a Brahmin man and drink the water as a forced apology for sharing an AI-generated image.
An AI Image and a Forced Apology
The victim, identified as Purushottam Kushwaha, was allegedly coerced into performing the demeaning act to atone for sharing an AI-edited picture that depicted local resident Anuj Pandey wearing a garland of shoes. A video of the incident, which later circulated on social media, shows Kushwaha surrounded by locals while he washes Pandey's feet.
In the video, Kushwaha is heard making a forced apology to the Brahmin community. "I am apologising to the Brahmin community. Such a mistake will not happen again. We will keep worshipping the Brahmins like this," he stated, as reported by Indian Express.
The Backstory: A Village Dispute Escalates
According to the First Information Report (FIR), the incident was preceded by an argument on October 6. The disagreement arose when Pandey opposed a collective decision by villagers to prohibit the sale and consumption of liquor in their area. Following this dispute, Kushwaha shared the controversial AI-generated image on social media.
This act led to locals allegedly compelling him to apologize not just to Pandey but to the entire Brahmin community. In his official complaint, Kushwaha also claimed that a penalty of Rs. 5,100 was imposed on him.
Police Action and Legal Consequences
Authorities have taken action in response to the complaint. According to a report from The Hindu, Anuj Pandey and three of his relatives have been booked under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including 296, 196(1)(b), and 3(5). An investigation into the matter is currently underway.
Political Fallout: Congress Condemns Ruling Government
The incident has drawn sharp criticism from the opposition Congress party, which has condemned the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Madhya Pradesh. Describing the event as a "disgrace to humanity," the Congress party voiced its outrage on the social media platform X.
"This incident is a disgrace to humanity. It is against the country’s Constitution... Such incidents happening with Dalits and Backward Classes are a blot on the entire country and society," the party stated. The Congress demanded the "strictest possible action" against the perpetrators to send a clear message that such acts have no place in society, adding, "This country will be governed by Babasaheb’s Constitution, not by the Manuvaad favored by RSS-BJP."
