Dalit youth hung upside down in well over theft suspicion in Haryana's Hansi

HISAR: A disturbing video, purportedly showing a Dalit youth being subjected to vigilante-style punishment over a suspicion of theft, has surfaced from Sorakhi village in Hansi district, triggering outrage in the region.

Though the video has been shared widely on social media, local police said they have not yet received any complaint.

The victim was accused of stealing a water pump and selling it off to a scrap dealer. The footage shows villagers tying him with ropes, hanging him upside down inside a well, and assaulting him to force a confession.

The youth is heard screaming and pleading to be pulled out as he is lowered headfirst into the water-filled well. The attackers, however, continue lowering him deeper into the well for nearly a minute, until he appears to agree to give information on the alleged theft. He is pulled out, only to be thrashed with sticks. The video also shows attempts to restrain him further with ropes.

Bass police station SHO inspector Pavitra and SI Praveen Kumar, in charge of Sorakhi outpost, said neither the youth nor any villagers have approached police regarding the matter. "We have not received any complaint, nor has any accused person been handed over to police. Appropriate action will be taken if a complaint is received or if the matter is verified during inquiry," a police officer said.