Udupi: A protest was held in front of the Deputy Commissioner’s office here on Monday as part of a statewide agitation called by the State Committee of the Dalit Rights Committee (DHS), condemning alleged atrocities against Dalit women in Raichur district and demanding immediate action against the accused.
The protest was organised under the aegis of the Dalit Rights Committee’s Udupi district committee, CITU, Janavadi Mahila Sanghatane (JMS), DYFI, Udupi District Construction Workers’ Union, Agricultural Labourers’ Union and other like-minded organisations.
The protesters demanded an end to incidents of rape and murder involving Dalit women in Raichur district and urged the authorities to ensure that those accused are arrested and face legal action.
The agitation comes amid protests across Karnataka over recent cases involving Dalit women in Raichur. In one case, a young Dalit woman from Hokrani village in Sirwar taluk was found dead in a well in August, with police investigating allegations of rape and murder. Four accused were subsequently arrested, according to reports.
Demand for action in Raichur cases
Addressing the issue, the Udupi protesters called for effective legal action in cases of atrocities against Dalit women and demanded that the investigation be carried out promptly.
They also sought measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and ensure the safety and protection of Dalit women.
Similar protests have been held in different parts of Karnataka in connection with the Raichur cases, with Dalit organisations demanding justice for the victims and their families.
Land rights among key demands
The protesters also raised the issue of land-related grievances faced by Dalit communities. They demanded the speedy resolution of pending land disputes and called for effective protection of the land rights of Dalits.
Following the protest, a memorandum addressed to the Chief Minister was submitted through the Additional Deputy Commissioner.
Leaders participate
Dalit Rights Committee district president Sanjeeva Balkuru, secretary Ravi V.M., and leaders Ashwini Lawrence Moodubelle, Manoj Kumar, Nagarathna R. Nada, Susheela Balkuru, Annappa Balkuru, Babu Balkuru, Dayananda Malpe and Rama Karkada were present.
CITU district president Shashidhara Golla, secretary Chandrashekhara V., treasurer Kaviraj S. Kanchan, vice-president H. Narasimha, state vice-president Balakrishna Shetty and state secretary Suresh Kallagara also participated.
DYFI leaders Sayyad and Murali; Janavadi Mahila Sangha district secretary Sheelavathi and leaders Balkees and Sunitha Shetty; and Agricultural Labourers’ Union leaders Nagarathna Nada, Idrees Hoode and Hayavadana Moodusagri were among those present.
The protest concluded with the submission of the memorandum seeking action on the issues raised by the participating organisations.