Social boycott and untouchability under focus; organisations demand justice and protection for victims
Bengaluru: Condemning the alleged atrocities and social boycott of Dalits in Tidigola village of Sindhanur taluk in Raichur district, a massive bike rally and public meeting will be organised on November 8. The rally aims to demand an end to the increasing incidents of caste-based violence against Dalits across Karnataka and seek justice for the affected families.
Organised under the leadership of the Federation of Dalit and Progressive Organisations, the rally will begin at 9 am from Ambedkar Circle in Sindhanur and proceed towards Tidigola village. The Dalit Sangharsha Samiti (DSS) and several other Dalit and progressive organisations will participate.
Dr. N. Murthy, National President of the Republican Party of India (B) and State President of the Karnataka Dalit Sangharsha Samiti, will lead the rally. Leaders and activists from various organisations are also expected to participate.
Dalits Allegedly Attacked for Participating in Temple Festival
Dr. N. Murthy alleged that the incident in Tidigola reflects the continuing practice of untouchability and caste discrimination in rural areas, even 79 years after Independence.
According to him, on October 18, during the Marutheshwara temple festival procession in Tidigola, Dalit youths belonging to the Scheduled Caste community participated alongside members of other communities. Their participation allegedly triggered an attack by more than 400 youths from dominant communities, targeting over 100 Dalits.
The attackers allegedly used sticks, machetes, iron rods and other weapons. Elderly people, women and children were also reportedly chased and assaulted. He further alleged that Dalit women were humiliated after their sarees and blouses were torn during the attack.
Several victims reportedly sustained serious injuries and approached the police station seeking protection. However, they allegedly did not receive adequate assistance.
Murthy also questioned the registration of counter-cases against 71 Dalits at Turvihal Police Station, stating that such action had further victimised the affected community instead of ensuring justice.
Social Boycott of Dalit Families
A serious allegation of social boycott against Dalit families in Tidigola has also emerged.
According to Dr. Murthy, Dalits have allegedly been prohibited from using public roads, purchasing essential commodities from local shops, accessing barber services and drawing water from public sources.
There are also allegations that members of dominant communities have been threatened with a fine of ₹5,001 if they communicate or maintain contact with Dalit families.
He said such restrictions violate the constitutional principles of equality, dignity and social justice.
Murthy further alleged that agricultural land allotted by the government to Dalit families had been illegally occupied by dominant-caste landlords. Due to continuous threats and harassment, several Dalit families have reportedly left the village and migrated elsewhere.
He also recalled that caste-related violence had occurred during the same temple festival in 2022. In 2015, 17 huts belonging to Dalits were allegedly set on fire, but the accused have yet to be convicted, he claimed.
More Than 15 Serious Incidents Reported Across Karnataka
Dr. Murthy alleged that more than 15 serious incidents involving murder, sexual assault, group attacks and social boycott against Dalits had occurred in different parts of Karnataka during the past three months.
He criticised the Chief Minister, Home Minister and Social Welfare Minister for allegedly failing to visit the affected locations and provide reassurance and protection to the victims.
Among the incidents he highlighted were the alleged murder of Dalit Bhumaananda in Haddinal, the rape and murder of minor Dalit girl Ashwini Chalavadi in Vakrani village of Sirwar, and the rape and murder of Renamma in Karadakal, all in Raichur district.
He also referred to the murder of Ramesh Nakkundi in Manvi, alleged caste discrimination and atrocities at a hotel in Angasur Echanaal, and the murder of a Dalit youth in Udgi village of Sedam taluk in Kalaburagi district.
Other incidents cited included the murder of Mahadevamma in Hosakadajetti village of Nanjangud taluk in Mysuru district, an attack on Dalits who visited a temple in Gurunigudda village of Yadgir district, and the murder of Dalit youth Simhadri during a Ganesh procession in Kasapura village of Madhugiri taluk in Tumakuru district.
He also mentioned an attack on Dalits in Khatak Bincholi village of Bhalki taluk in Bidar district, the alleged gang rape of a minor Dalit girl at Sedam bus stand in Kalaburagi district, and a fatal attack on 10 Dalits in Kurukunda village of Wadagera taluk in Yadgir district.
Citing figures on conviction rates in cases of atrocities against Scheduled Castes, Murthy claimed that the conviction rate was only 1.6 per cent nationally and 3.6 per cent in Karnataka. He attributed the situation to a lack of political will and inadequate attention to social justice.
Key Demands to the Government
The Federation of Dalit and Progressive Organisations has placed several demands before the government to prevent further atrocities and ensure justice for the victims in Tidigola.
The major demands include:
1. The Chief Minister, Home Minister and Social Welfare Minister should visit the locations where serious atrocities against Dalits have occurred during the past three months and ensure justice and protection for the victims.
2. Major atrocity cases, including the Tidigola incident, should be handed over to the CBI for investigation. The accused should be arrested and stringent legal action initiated, including under the Goonda Act wherever applicable.
3. The Chief Minister, local MLA, Home Minister and Social Welfare Minister should visit Tidigola and provide assurance to affected families while restoring peace and security in the village.
4. All those accused of attacking Dalits should be arrested immediately. The cases registered against 71 Dalits should be reviewed and withdrawn if found to be false.
5. Turvihal Police Station Inspector Mariyappa Angadi should be dismissed from service for alleged dereliction of duty and failure to protect the victims.
6. Every Dalit family in Tidigola should be provided with two acres of agricultural land, a residential site and a house. Basic infrastructure, including roads, drainage, toilets and drinking water, should also be ensured.
7. A police outpost should be established in the village, along with special measures to completely eliminate social boycott and the practice of untouchability.
Warning of Statewide Awareness Movement
Dr. Murthy warned that if the government failed to intervene immediately and ensure justice in cases of atrocities against Dalits, the organisations would launch a statewide awareness campaign and intensify their agitation.
He said the movement would focus on creating awareness among Bahujan communities ahead of the upcoming Gram Panchayat and local body elections, as well as the 2028 Karnataka Assembly elections. He also announced that the organisations would politically campaign against what they described as the Congress government’s failure to address Dalit issues.
Addressing a press conference at the Bengaluru Press Club, Dr. N. Murthy said ensuring safety, dignity and social justice for Dalits in Tidigola was the constitutional responsibility of the government and urged the authorities not to evade this responsibility.
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