Barber shops in Muddaballi village, Koppal district, resumed operations on Thursday after being shut for nearly three months due to a social boycott targeting the Dalit community. The conflict began in February, when a barber allegedly abused a Dalit man who failed to pay for a haircut. Following the altercation, on March 1, village leaders declared a boycott of the Dalit community. No formal police complaint was lodged at the time.
To resolve the standoff, Koppal tahsildar Vitthal Chowgali, taluk panchayat EO Dundappa Turadi, and DySP Muttanna Sarvagol visited the village on Wednesday. They held a dialogue with elders, Dalit group representatives, and local barbers to address the issue and reminded them of the provisions under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Authorities warned that legal action would follow if the boycott persisted. During the meeting, villagers collectively denounced untouchability and pledged to uphold equality in daily life.
This intervention led to a breakthrough — on Thursday, the barber shops reopened, signaling a move towards restored communal harmony.
Dalits Denied Haircuts Again in Koppal Village as Barber Shops Shut Down
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