The Hindu : Row between upper caste, Dalit women sparks tension

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 20, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Others

Row between upper caste, Dalit women sparks tension

By Our Staff Correspondent

CHITRADURGA, FEB. 19 . Tension prevailed at the Deputy Commissioner's office here on Thursday when a group of upper caste women from Kongunte village in Holalkere taluk staged a protest against the alleged misuse of the provisions of the Prevention of Atrocities on Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act.

According to police sources, there was a row between members of the upper castes and Dalits in that village. An argument between upper caste and Dalit women sparked tension, it is said, following which some Dalits in the village lodged a complaint.

The protesters alleged that the Dalits, in connivance with the police, had falsely implicated many people who were not involved in the episode.

Meanwhile, members of Dalit organisations also gathered in front of the Deputy Commissioner's office. They alleged that the upper caste women had assaulted Jayanna, a Dalit, and demanded that cases be booked against those involved.

But the women denied the allegations. They said that on seeing the women go towards Chitradurga, Jayanna had insulted them by using vulgar language and gestures. Later he had inflicted injuries upon himself. "On seeing his condition, we brought him to the hospital in our own vehicle'', they said.

However, the women called off the protest after they were assured of protection.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News Update

Stories in this Section

Rs. 90 crore spent on welfare schemes in Gundlupet taluk

Row between upper caste, Dalit women sparks tension

Parrikar turns hero for cinemas in Goa

Amarnath Shetty to join Janata Dal (S)

`Congress Chaitanya Yatre' from February 21

`Only Congress, can fight communalism'