Caste Hindus announced a ban on Dalits entering "their localities" after they assaulted a Dalit man, Arjun Madar, in Bagalkot district.
Published Sep 15, 2024 | 8:42 PM ⚊ Updated Sep 15, 2024 | 8:42 PM
Dalit man attacked and humiliated by upper- caste individuals
In Ugalwata village, Bagalkot district of Karnataka, people from Lingayat and Caste Hindu communities have announced a ban on Dalits from entering their localities after they brutally assaulted 28-year-old Dalit, Arjun Madar.
On 10 September, Madar was allegedly attacked, tied to an electric pole, and subjected to casteist abuse for attempting to pray at the Dyamavva temple. The incident came to light on Sunday, after the victim filed a complaint before the Kerur Police Station.
Following the complaint, the police have booked as many as 18 people including M Dyavanagouda Sathyannavar, Manjunath Mulimani and T Kamappa Talavar belonging to Lingayat (Reddy) and other forward communities.
In his complaint copy, Arjun alleged: “When I went inside the temple to offer prayers, I was stopped by the people from the forward castes, who not only abused me but also made casteist remarks.”
“I was then tied to a nearby electric pole and trashed by a group of people. An announcement was also made banning all the Dalits into the localities of the “upper castes” on 14 September,” Arjun said, demanded action against the accused.
Bagalkot SP Amarnath Reddy confirmed that a Dalit man was assaulted, abused and casteist remarks were made. He also confirmed that the announcement banning Dalits in those localities where people of forward castes reside, was made.
SP Reddy told reporters: “We have filed an FIR against 18 people connected to the incident. It is true that Arjun, a Dalit, was assaulted by a group of upper caste people. He has mentioned in the complaint that he was tied to the electric pole. We are also verifying it as well.”
“There is no other untoward incident that has been reported post this incident in the village. The incident occurred on 10 September. An announcement was also made banning Dalits from entering the their areas. The announcement was meant to boycott a section of people. This is against the law.”
“Around 18 people have been booked under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and other sections of BNS. We have launched the investigation and action will be initiated against the wrongdoers,” stated the Bagalkot SP.
Following the incident, SP Reddy and other officials including Department of Social Welfare have visited the village and taken stock of the situation.
Kerur Police have arrested six people including a minor connected to the case. The police are in search of the remaining 12 people, who have gone underground since the complaint was registered.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
