An attack on Dalits in Dharwad and the police filing cross-cases against the victims themselves have angered organizations, who protested at the Superintendent of Police’s (SP) office and demanded the suspension of the guilty policemen.
Atrocities against the Dalit community and alleged police negligence in Dharwad, Karnataka, have sparked widespread outrage. On November 3rd, various Dalit organizations united and organized a massive march from Kala Bhavan to the Superintendent of Police (SP) office.
These organizations allege that instead of providing justice to the victims, the police are filing cases against their families. The protests focused primarily on three separate cases of assault, intimidation, and sexual harassment in the district.
Protesters allege that in all these incidents, the police significantly delayed filing complaints. The situation reached its peak when, instead of taking strict action against the accused, cross-cases were filed against the victims’ families, further exacerbating their suffering.
The first case is from Mishrikoti village in Kalghatgi taluk. A young man named Abhishek, also known as Pirappa Chalavadi, was fatally attacked with a knife by some people. Seriously injured, Abhishek is currently undergoing treatment at KMC Hospital in Hubli. Organizations have raised serious questions about the police’s actions, asking why a counter-case was filed against the injured man’s family.
The second incident involves Shrikant Ramappa Chalavadi, a resident of Kogilageri village in Alnavar taluk. He was brutally attacked with weapons while selling fruits on the Dharwad-Alnavar road. Shrikant suffered serious head injuries in the attack. It is alleged that the police filed an FIR three days after the incident. Furthermore, they imposed a counter-case against three members of Shrikant’s family.
The third and most sensitive case is from Honnapur village in Alnavar taluk. Here, a 42-year-old man allegedly sexually assaulted a 15-year-old girl. It is alleged that mediation was used to hush up this heinous crime, and the victim was subjected to constant threats.
Outraged by these incidents, organizations have demanded an impartial investigation into the false cross-cases filed against the victims. They have appealed for immediate action against the accused, security for the victim’s families, and a speedy investigation into the minor’s rape case.
In addition, a strong demand has been made to suspend the police officers who were negligent in their duties and conduct a high-level investigation into the entire matter.
During the march, protesters clearly stated that their movement was solely against injustice and oppression. Its purpose was not to oppose any particular caste or religion, but to ensure justice for the victims.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News