Ahmedabad: The National Commission for Scheduled Castes has issued a notice to the Banaskantha district Collector and Superintendent of Police, demanding an explanation over the social boycott of Scheduled Caste communities in Kalyanpura, Vav taluka.
The controversy erupted during the Pran Pratishtha Mahotsav at Shiv Mandir (Feb 8-10), where Scheduled Caste individuals were barred from participating. Despite efforts by Hindu awakening organisations, their contributions were rejected, leading to swift intervention by the Commission.
Concerns were first raised on January 16 by Indrajitsinh Sodha from Gandhinagar. Efforts to mediate began on January 25 when temple administrator Bhalabhai Daiya was approached but failed to act. Further attempts by SC leaders and officials—including the Hindu Youth Organisation-Bharat and law enforcement—yielded no resolution.
Authorities intervened multiple times, with Suigam PSI stepping in on February 4, followed by DYSP Samat Varotriya’s mediation efforts on February 7. Despite police deployment during the festival, the discrimination persisted.
On February 9, activist Indravadan Barot escalated the issue, filing complaints with the Chief Minister, the Minister of Social Justice, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. While the Mahotsav concluded on February 8, the Dalit community continues to demand justice.
The Commission has now directed district officials to submit a report within three days.
Read Also: