Uproar over Dalit woman’s roadside van amid allegations of untouchability

Representative image. | Photo credit: Getty Images/iStockphotos

The uproar escalated on Friday (October 2, 2026) after a video went viral showing a Dalit woman allegedly denied entry to a government hospital in Bhadohi district during labor pains and forced to give birth outside the hospital in public.

While the victim’s family and opposition parties claimed untouchability and alleged that the Uttar Pradesh government was run by feudal elements, authorities said disciplinary action was taken against the staff found guilty of partial negligence.

“The family categorically alleged that the hospital staff did not provide timely treatment and did not admit because of her caste, it is so sad and inhuman that even after 79 years of independence, untouchability and discrimination prevails in the government system, which forces a Dalit woman to give birth on the road, outside the government hospital. Feudal elements in the administrative system are strengthened by the Bharatiya Pharata Samajwadi Party (SP) for justice, equality is against such tendencies,” said Sunil Singh Yadav ‘Sajan’, SP spokesperson.

“The incident is a cruel, evil act which is unacceptable in a civilized society,” said UP Congress leader Ajay Kumar Lallu.

In this matter, Rani Vanvasi, a 20-year-old pregnant woman, gave birth on September 29 on the roadside outside the Government District Hospital in Bhadohi after she was allegedly denied entry to give birth. The victim’s family also alleged that the hospital staff did not provide timely treatment and did not admit her.

Ms Vanvasi eventually gave birth near the gate of the hospital while she and her family were leaving. The women who accompanied her used a sari or a sheet to ensure privacy as she gave birth beside the road.

“The victim had a hemoglobin level of around five grams per deciliter, indicating severe anemia. She was referred to a superior facility in Mirzapur, but in the meantime pains started. When I came to know about the incident, I immediately reached the spot and provided appropriate medical assistance. Currently, both the infant and the mother are completely healthy and recuperating in the district hospital. The remaining disciplinary measures were found to be false by the staff.” said the head doctor of the hospital.

Published – October 3, 2026 11:07 AM IST