Indian activists held in caste violence clampdown

Wednesday, 29 August 2018 16:00

Political activists have been detained in India in connection with caste-based violence in the western state of Maharashtra.

Reports say Sudha Bharadwaj, Gautam Navlakha and Varavara Rao were taken from their homes in different Indian cities.

Police in Pune later confirmed that Vernon Gonsalves and Arun Ferreira were also under arrest.

Authorities claim the activists incited Dalits (formerly untouchables) at a large public rally on 31 December 2017, leading to violent clashes that left one person dead.

Critics say the raids are a "witch hunt" against those who have challenged the governing party in India, the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

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