Karnataka: Villagers beaten up allegedly for entering temple

An alleged incident of discrimination on the basis of caste has surfaced in the Lachanakeri village belonging to the Kalakeri gram panchayat in the Koppal taluk of the Koppal district in Karnataka. 

Members of the Madiga were allegedly prevented from entering the temple by members of the Valmiki community. It is being alleged that they were physically harmed for doing so. Allegations of rape and sexual harassment are also being made. Members of the community have stated that their houses were also broken into. They have also described the involvement of members of the Naik community in the violence. They expressed how even after 76 years of Independence, they still have to bear the brunt of oppression and exploitation. 

The Social Welfare and Tribal Welfare Department of the government of Karnataka took cognisance of the issue. They have informed the officials concerned about the incident. They have stated that they are in constant communication with these officials. They have promised that necessary action would be taken with regard to this incident. 

A video of their appeal caught the attention of many on the internet. 

"ಹಿಂದೂ ನಾವೆಲ್ಲ ಒಂದು" ಅಂತ DJ ಹಾಕ್ಕೊಂಡು ಕುಣಿಯೋದಲ್ಲ ಧರ್ಮ, ಪರಸ್ಪರ ಒಬ್ಬರಿಗೊಬ್ಬರು ಗೌರವದಿಂದ ಬದುಕುವುದು ಧರ್ಮ..

ದೇವರ ಹೆಸರಿನಲ್ಲಿ "ಅಸ್ಪೃಶ್ಯತೆ" ಆಚರಿಸಿ, ಹಲ್ಲೆ ಮಾಡಿದ ವಿಕೃತರ ಮೇಲೆ ನಮ್ಮ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಪೋಲಿಸ್ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಈ ತಕ್ಷಣವೇ ಕ್ರಮ ಕೈಗೊಳ್ಳಬೇಕು..@CMahadevappa@DrGParameshwarapic.twitter.com/sLNJsJWsEQ

— DEEPU GOWDRU (@DEEPUVAJRAMUNI) August 4, 2023