Uttar Pradesh: Dalit woman officer denied drinking water by village head in Kaushambi; probe ordered

In another shameful act over caste—upper and lower class issues, a deputy chief veterinary officer was allegedly denied drinking water by village head in Uttar Pradesh's Kaushambi district because of her Dalit identity, officials said on Thursday.

The incident reportedly took place in Ambawa Poorab village in Manjhanpur block on Wednesday.

Ambawa Poorab village in Manjhanpur block is 167 km from Lucknow. the officer, Dr Seema, said on Thursday that she had gone to the village on the directions of the district panchayat raj officer to review developmental works.

Dr Seema didn't have water in her water bottle so she asked the village pradhan, Shiv Sampat Pasi, and village development officer, Ravi Dutt Mishra, for some water. She alleged that both of them refused to give her any water because she was a Dalit.

The lady officer added that when she sought water from the villagers, the two allegedly gestured them not to give any water to her.

When contacted, District Magistrate Manish Verma said, "We have taken cognizance of the incident after the officer lodged a written complaint. Superintendent of police has been asked to probe the matter."