Gangtok: A disturbing case of alleged caste-based assault and torture on a Class 9 student from Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Samdong, East Sikkim, has sparked outrage across the state. The incident came to light after a video circulating on social media appeared to show the victim, identified as Sujal Sankar, being burned with a cigarette and subjected to caste-based slurs.
According to reports, the alleged perpetrator, identified as Aditya Khadka, is currently in police custody. The attack is suspected to be caste-related, raising serious concerns about discrimination and violence within educational spaces.
The incident has been described as a violation of the victim’s fundamental rights, including the Right to Equality and the Right to Education guaranteed under the Constitution of India. Legal experts have indicated that the matter may fall under the purview of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, in addition to other criminal provisions.
Authorities have been urged to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation to ensure that all involved in the assault, whether directly or indirectly, are held accountable. Calls have also been made for immediate medical care, psychological counseling, and full protection for the victim and his family.
The Sikkim Teachers Association, the Gorkha Youth Activist Network–Darjeeling, and the Scheduled Caste Welfare Council of the Citizen Action Party–Sikkim have issued strong statements condemning the act. They described the incident as barbaric, inhumane, and unacceptable in a civilized society, stressing that caste-based violence has no place in Sikkim’s social fabric.
These bodies have demanded swift justice, reinforced safety measures in schools, and state-led sensitization programs to combat caste discrimination.
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