Barber shops shut down in Karnataka’s Koppal village after Dalits request haircuts: Report
Koppal: In a troubling instance of caste-based discrimination, barber shops in Muddaballi village, located about 7 kilometers from Koppal district headquarters, have reportedly shut their doors after members of the Dalit community sought their services.
Reports of barbers refusing to serve Dalit men surfaced two months ago. It was only after police warned them of punishment under laws against untouchability that the barbers reluctantly agreed to provide services to Dalit customers, as reported by Deccan Herald on Wednesday.
However, it is now reported that the barbers have resumed discriminatory practices, selectively visiting homes of customers from other communities while deliberately avoiding Dalit households.
As a result, Dalit men of Muddaballi are being forced to travel to Koppal city for basic grooming services such as haircuts and shaving, the report added.
The incident has drawn the attention of political leaders and activists, with Basavaraj Dadesaguru, president of the BJP’s Koppal district unit, criticising the state government for its apparent apathy toward the struggles faced by Dalits.
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Minister Parameshwara says remarks on properties linked to drug peddlers 'misunderstood'
Tumakuru (PTI): Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Saturday said his recent remarks on the demolition of properties linked to those involved in narcotics trade were "misunderstood and misinterpreted".
His clarification follows remarks made two days ago on the government's uncompromising crackdown on the drug menace, including action against properties linked to foreign nationals allegedly involved in drug trafficking.
"It is unfortunate. It is taken in the wrong sense. I didn't mean that tomorrow itself I am going to send bulldozers and demolish the houses. That was not my intention. It was wrongly taken," he told reporters here.
Responding to Congress MLC K Abdul Jabbar's question in the legislative council on the growing drug menace in Bengaluru, Davangere and coastal districts, the minister on Thursday detailed the extensive enforcement measures initiated since the Congress government assumed office.
Pointing to the involvement of some foreign nationals, the minister had said, "Many foreign students from African countries have come to Karnataka. They are into the drug business. We catch them and register cases against them, but they want the case to be registered because once the case is registered, we cannot deport them."
"We have gone to the extent of demolishing the rented building where they stay," he had said.
