Couple hacked to death over 22-cent debt

“The heads of both of them were severed; the man’s body had nine wounds and woman’s seven”, said a police officer who visited the incident spot. Even as Bharat pleaded that he would pay once he got his wages, Mishra was adamant and wanted his money.

Bharat Nat (48) and his wife Mamta (45) were attacked with an axe by an upper caste man when they refused to give him Rs 15. The couple was stopped by Mishra, leading to a heated exchange over the Rs 15 that was pending for three biscuit packets the couple had purchased from the shop for their children.

The victims were members of the Dalit social group – formerly known as “untouchables” – which is at the lowest level of India’s caste system.

The Mainpuri Police have arrested the accused and started inquest proceeding.

A police spokesman said: ‘Police surrounded the house and brought out the accused by breaking down the doors while the (district magistrate) pacified the mob and assured them of action.

People shout slogans as they attend a protest against what they say are attacks on India’s low-caste Dalit community in Mumbai, India, on Wednesday.

The Dalit community in the village has blocked roads and protested over the incident. DM of Mainpuri, Pramod Gupta on Thursday said that it was an issue of mere Rs. 15. However, Police came to the spot and arrested the accused. Hindus consider cows to be sacred, and the slaughter of cows is banned in many parts of India.