Jun 2, 2025
This Week in Human Rights History – The Belchi Massacre, 1977
In May 1977, the Belchi massacre in Bihar saw 11 people—mostly Dalits—brutally killed by upper-caste Kurmi landlords. Burned alive or shot for asserting their rights, the victims' deaths were initially ignored. Indira Gandhi’s dramatic visit on elephant-back drew national attention. Rare convictions followed, but caste violence persists today. Belchi reminds us of deep-rooted injustice and calls on us to ensure dignity, justice, and equality are not reserved for a few.