Newlywed Dalit couple allegedly stopped from entering temple in Tumakuru; one arrested
Tumakuru: A man has been arrested for allegedly humiliating a newly married Dalit couple and preventing them from entering a temple in Goni village of Tumakuru district on Saturday, February 21.
According to police, the couple, Pankaja and Puneeth, had visited the Arasamma temple to seek blessings after their marriage. The accused, identified as Narayanappa, allegedly confronted them at the temple premises. He reportedly claimed to be possessed by a deity and ordered them to leave, stating that Dalits were not permitted to enter the shrine.
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Following the incident, the bride’s younger brother, Jagadish, lodged a complaint at the Turuvekere Police Station. Based on the complaint, police registered a case under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Narayanappa was arrested the same day, reports confirmed. The FIR also names a few others who allegedly supported the act. Officers said they were being traced and will be brought for questioning soon.
In the wake of the incident, district authorities convened a peace meeting with residents from various communities to prevent tension. Tahsildar N.A. Kunhi Ahmed and Deputy Superintendent of Police Omprakash addressed the gathering and explained the legal consequences of practicing untouchability.
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Tension in Koppal village over Ambedkar flag during fair; five arrested
Koppal: Tension prevailed in Halwarti village of Koppal taluk after a clash reportedly broke out between members of Dalit and upper-caste communities over the hoisting of an Ambedkar flag during the Beeralingeshwara fair.
According to police, a verbal argument between youths from the two communities escalated into a physical confrontation, leading to unrest in the village.
In a related development, it has been alleged that members of the upper-caste community entered the house of a Dalit youth, identified as Gavisiddappa Hosamani, damaged the door and vandalised the front portion of the house.
As a precautionary measure, additional police personnel have been deployed in the village to maintain law and order.
Police said a complaint has been registered at the Koppal Rural Police Station and five persons have been arrested in connection with the incident. Further investigation is under way.
