Community Leaders Protest Rape of Dalit Girl, Demand Justice and Swift Action

Yadgiri: Hundreds of community leaders, led by Madiga Dandora Reservation Struggle Committee State President Narasappa Dandora, staged a padayatra (foot march) to condemn the rape of a Dalit girl and the non-delivery of groceries in a village of the taluk.

The protest march, which began in the afternoon, saw Narasappa Dandora and his team visiting the victim’s home to offer condolences and gather information about the incident. The leaders expressed solidarity with the family and demanded immediate action against the perpetrators.

In his address, Narasappa Dandora warned that if the accused were not arrested within two days, he would call for a district-wide bandh (shutdown) in Yadgiri. “We will not tolerate such atrocities against our community,” he asserted. “With millions of Dalits in the state and over 40,000 in Surpur constituency alone, we will fight for justice across the state if necessary.”

State Vice President Ganesh Duppalli stressed the need for prompt police action to prevent such incidents. “Only when the accused are arrested and punished according to the law will these cases decrease,” he said.

The protesters vowed to remain in the village until the abettors were arrested. However, the DySP intervened, assuring on the phone that the accused would be apprehended soon, which led to the protest being called off.

Prominent community leaders present included District Unit President Kashappa Heggangera, Manappa Kattimani, Amalappa Halli, Pavadappa Mageri, Shivappa Sadaba, and Devaraja Horatti. CPI leader Sachin Chalawadi and Narayanpur PSI Rajasekhara also participated.

The incident underscores ongoing concerns about safety and justice for marginalized communities in the region.