India's caste system hampers progress

Modern India needs to move rapidly beyond the class and caste divisions, which split society and keep millions living under the threat of violence and in servitude.

A Dalit widow was beaten and allegedly paraded naked in the Satara district of Maharashtra, one of the richest and most developed states in India.

The woman was allegedly assaulted after her 22-year-old son eloped with a girl from a upper caste community. The authorities have denied that the woman was stripped and a case has been registered against five people following her complaint to police.

If it is proven that the assault occurred and it was motivated by backward practices, then those who are guilty must feel the full force of the law. India has declared the caste system illegal, but will only succeed in eliminating discrimination if the authorities are seen to be actively enforcing the law.