Dalits allege assault for entering temple in Channagiri village, officials hold conciliatory meeting

DAVANAGERE: People from a particular community allegedly assaulted Dalits for entering a temple at Belalagere village in Channagiri taluk on Friday. This has led to allegation that the practice of untouchability still exists in villages.

The villagers were celebrating the Ajji Habba festival at the village temple. After the celebrations ended, three Dalits were entering the temple when a group of about 20 people from another community allegedly assaulted them, the Dalits have alleged.

The victims allege that they were assaulted because they are Dalits and for entering the temple. The victims have filed a complaint against those who assaulted them at the Basavapatna police station. Police Superintendent H T Shekhar and district Deputy Commissioner Gangadharaswamy visited and inspected the spot.

After the report was aired on Public TV on Saturday, officials who learned about the matter also visited Malalakere village. Fearing that the situation could escalate, tahsildar Nagaraj, Assistant Commissioner Dr Channappa, and police personnel went to the spot and took the Dalits inside the temple.

Officials also held a meeting with leaders of both communities. They instructed people from both communities to live harmoniously. Meanwhile, an atrocity case has been registered against a total of 42 people who assaulted the Dalits.