After nearly three months of closure due to a caste-based social boycott in Muddaballi village, barber shops in Karnataka’s Koppal district reopened on Thursday. The boycott had been enforced by village leaders following a dispute in February between a barber and a Dalit man over unpaid service charges.
On March 1, village leaders announced a complete boycott of the Dalit community. No formal complaint was filed at the time, according to Koppal tahsildar Vitthal Chowgali.
To resolve the issue, officials including Chowgali, Taluk Panchayat Executive Officer Dundappa Turadi, and DySP Muttanna Sarvagol visited Muddaballi on Wednesday. They held a meeting with local barbers, community elders, and Dalit group representatives, warning that continued discrimination would invoke action under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
“The gathering pledged to reject untouchability and promote equality. Following the meeting, the barber shops reopened on Thursday,” said Chowgali.
This incident highlights ongoing caste tensions and the role of active administration in enforcing social justice.
Read Also: