Dalits, upper caste groups clash over temple entry; SP promises action

HAVERI: Dalits and upper caste groups clashed at Nandi Halli in Ranebennur taluk two days ago over Dalits not being allowed entry into the Basaveshwara temple in the village.

Condemning the incident, Dalit community members demanded the police to arrest some upper caste individuals, who, they alleged, were to blame for the conflict.

Two days after the communal clash, the police conducted a peace meeting, led by Haveri district Superintendent of Police Dr Shivakumar on Monday. The SP requested the communities not to take the law into their hands and to repose faith in the police department.

Haveri SP Dr Shivakumar hold a peace meeting with Dalits community.

He further said, “There is no need to be afraid of anyone and we will stand with the community. We will arrest the accused soon and we are only waiting for the situation to be normalise”.

The SP tried to build confidence among the Dalits and sought the cooperation of the community in maintaining law and order.