A two-month-old infant died following an alleged caste-based assault during the Kummera jatara in Nagarkurnool district, sparking protests and heightened police action.
The child, belonging to a family from the Chakali community in Kummera village, reportedly sustained injuries during a confrontation on February 18. She succumbed on February 21, police said.
Allegations of assault and discrimination
In her complaint, Chilukeshwaram Chandrakala alleged that her family was targeted after refusing to pay ₹100 to enter a temple, claiming that entry is usually free for devotees. She stated that they were verbally abused with casteist slurs and physically assaulted by a group of upper caste men.
According to the complaint, her younger son Ganesh was allegedly attacked with a metal rod. Chandrakala claimed that during the scuffle, the infant was harmed when Ganesh’s wife placed the child at the feet of the accused, pleading for them to stop the assault.
The family also alleged that valuables, including gold earrings, silver bangles and a mobile phone, were taken, and that threats were issued warning them not to return to the village.
FIR filed under SC/ST Act
Nagarkurnool police confirmed that an FIR has been registered and three persons have been arrested. Initially, the case was booked under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and BNSS. Following confirmation that Ganesh’s wife belongs to a Scheduled Caste community, additional sections under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and attempt to murder were invoked.
A counter-complaint has also been registered against Ganesh based on allegations from the opposing group. Police said the post-mortem examination has been conducted and further investigation is under way.
Meanwhile, members of the Dharma Samaj Party staged protests demanding justice for the deceased infant. Authorities have assured that the case will be probed thoroughly.