Dalit Auto Driver Blinded

A Dalit auto-rickshaw driver in Bihar was blinded by the sharp end of an umbrella by five passengers, enraged that he had asked them for his fare of Rs.50.

Sanjay Paswan, who is in his early 30s, was beaten and blinded when he demanded the fare in the presence of the village headman in Maner near Patna.

After the incident, local police allegedly refused to lodge a complaint fearing retribution by the five men who are said to be powerful and enjoying political patronage.

In a society steeped in caste prejudices, Paswan's troubles did not end there. He was refused admission in two government-run hospitals in Patna before finally being allowed treatment at a private nursing home.