Three major Sikkim parties unite to condemn brutal caste-based assault on schoolboy
The accused, identified as Aditya Khadka, allegedly physically assaulted the minor, subjected him to caste-based slurs, and inflicted cigarette burns.
LOCAL
Three of Sikkim’s prominent parties — the Citizen Action Party–Sikkim (CAP-S), Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Sikkim, and Sikkim Democratic Front (SDF) — have jointly condemned the recent caste-based assault on a Class 9 student of Samdong Sanskrit College in East Sikkim, calling it an “inhuman” and “heinous” act that strikes at the heart of constitutional values.
According to reports, the victim was attacked on the night of August 12 at his rented accommodation in Samdong. The accused, identified as Aditya Khadka, allegedly physically assaulted the minor, subjected him to caste-based slurs, and inflicted cigarette burns. The incident has sparked widespread outrage after a disturbing video of the assault began circulating on social media. The accused is currently in police custody at Singtam Police Station.
The Citizen Action Party–Sikkim’s Scheduled Caste Welfare Council termed the attack “a direct assault on equality, social justice, and harmony in Sikkim,” and demanded strict legal action under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, along with other applicable criminal laws. The party called for immediate medical and psychological support for the victim, a thorough investigation to identify any accomplices, and the launch of awareness programmes in schools to combat caste discrimination.
The BJP Sikkim described the incident as “barbaric” and “an affront to Sikkim’s cherished values of unity and mutual respect.” The party urged the administration to ensure the “harshest punishment” for the perpetrator and implement strong preventive measures to stop similar crimes in the future. “Let justice prevail, and let the victim’s dignity be restored,” the party said in its statement.
The Sikkim Democratic Front not only condemned the act but also expressed concern over alleged attempts to suppress the news through political pressure. Calling such interference “unacceptable” and an “insult to the principles of transparency and justice,” the party demanded a fair and transparent investigation without any manipulation or suppression of evidence. It also pledged to monitor the case closely and take necessary legal and political actions if justice is compromised.
All three parties stressed that the attack was not merely a crime against an individual but a stain on Sikkim’s social fabric, urging the state government, law enforcement agencies, and civil society to stand united against caste-based violence. They called upon citizens to reaffirm their commitment to equality, harmony, and the dignity of every individual, regardless of caste or background.
The incident has reignited debate in Sikkim over the need for stronger enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and greater public awareness to root out caste prejudice. With political rivals speaking in one voice, pressure is mounting on the administration to deliver swift justice in a case that has shaken the conscience of the state.