Chhatarpur Ration Shop Incident: Fake Caste Narrative Uncovered
A tragic shooting at a ration shop in Chhatarpur, Madhya Pradesh, recently went viral after mainstream media outlets falsely claimed it was a Dalit vs Upper caste attack. However, a closer look reveals this is a misreporting of basic facts, stirring up communal tensions for headlines.
What Actually Happened?
On June 2025, Pankaj Prajapati, a 19 year old youth, was fatally shot during a heated argument at a local ration shop in Chhatarpur. Early police reports and FIRs detail the accused as Praveen Pateria, Naveen Pateria, and Ramsevak Arjaria. They face serious charges under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Arms Act, and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Media Misinformation: Dalit vs Upper Caste?
Major media houses like Times of India, ThePrint, Indian Express, Dainik Bhaskar, and several regional portals labeled Pankaj Prajapati as a “Dalit youth.” Headlines implied that this was an act of oppression by upper caste men, fueling caste based outrage.
What’s the Truth About Pankaj Prajapati?
Contrary to these reports, Pankaj Prajapati belonged to the Prajapati (Kumhar) community an Other Backward Class (OBC) group in Madhya Pradesh. Official caste lists of the state confirm that Prajapatis in MP are recognized as OBC and not as Dalit (Scheduled Caste).
What’s the Truth About Pateria?
The accused surname “Pateria/Pateriya” is traditionally associated with upper caste Brahmin families in Madhya Pradesh historically Jijhotiya Brahmins. This fits the profile of an upper-caste accused, but the victim was not Dalit.
Why Does It Matter?
When media houses push a fake Dalit vs Upper caste narrative without verifying basic caste identities, they:
Undermine public trust in journalism.
Inflame social tensions unnecessarily.
Disrespect victims and communities by misrepresenting them.
Fact-Checked Reality:
Victim’s Caste – OBC (Prajapati/Kumhar), not Dalit.
Accused’s Caste – Upper-caste Brahmin (Pateria surname).
Context of Crime – A local altercation that escalated into a fatal shooting, not a pre-planned caste attack.
Conclusion
The Chhatarpur incident is a grave tragedy that deserves accurate reporting. Let’s hold media outlets accountable for their careless, misleading, and divisive narratives. Responsible journalism must highlight facts not create fake caste conflicts for clickbait.
Share this article to help expose the fake narrative and encourage responsible reporting.
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