'Social boycott for not playing Dappu': Fear continues to haunt Dalit family despite Medak SP, Collector issuing warning to villagers

Hyderabad: Fear continues to haunt the Dalit family of Gouthojiguda village of Manoharabad Mandal in Medak district.

An uneasy calm prevails in the village even as Medak District Collector Rahul Raj and Superintendent of Police D Uday Kumar Reddy held a counseling session in the village. They warned villagers of severe action if they ostracised or harassed the two postgraduate Dalit brothers Panchami Chandram, and Arjun, and their family members.

About 100 villagers, mostly women attended the counselling session.

“The visit of the District Collector and SP instilled some confidence. However, police failure to arrest the key accused and 14 others has left us in a grip of fear. Ex-Sarpanch Boddu Venkateshwarulu and Upa Sarpanch Renu Kumar are still at large. We want police to round up all the accused, especially the key ones,” Arjun told NewsMeter.

Arjun added, “Not much has changed. The villagers continue to avoid us barring one or two. Some of the villagers apologized for their actions before the Collector and SP and promised to be normal, but they are not. We want a police picket to be posted in the village till things improve. “

During the counseling session, the Collector took serious note of the village resolution and said it was against the law. “Gram Sabha is for the welfare of the villagers like laying of roads, civic amenities, etc., but it cannot be utilized like this. It’s their (Dalits) right to choose their profession. One cannot force anyone to do this or that,” he added.

SP said these incidents did happen in some of the villages. “If the Dalits did not listen to the villagers, they indulged in social boycott, denial of facilities, and other such harsh measures which are wrong and against the law. The High Court has taken cognizance of the incident. We will provide all protection to the family. Stringent action will be taken against those who harass the Dalit family.”

Telangana High Court too took a serious view of the incident and asked the district administration to provide police protection and take action against the culprits.

“The incident took place on September 10 and since then we continue to live in fear in the village. We are scared of physical assault, especially from Renu Kumar. He is the most feared person in the village. We request the Collector and the SP to take stringent action against them and ensure the arrest of all the accused,” lamented Arjun.

Asked if villagers talked to them after the counseling, he replied in negative. “One or two persons wished them while passing by. But the animosity continues. You know how people behave in a village. The topman’s order is implemented in letter and spirit,” he explained.

He added,” Some have suggested we leave the village. Why should we leave the village? We were born and brought up in the village. We have a small piece of land. We want to live and die here. The attitude of upper castes has to change. We have done no wrong.”

Asked if the village kiosks were available to them for groceries and other essentials, he said they hadn’t utilized it since the incident. “We purchased it from outside. We will approach the shops if things improve. There is scare and anger among the people. Though our police complaint gave us relief, it has angered the villagers. Counseling hasn’t changed much. Let’s wait and see for some more time.”

Out of the 19 accused, four surrendered to police and one person was arrested. Others are still absconding.

It might be recalled that the postgraduate Dalit brothers---Panchami Chandram and Arjun’s refusal to follow their traditional occupation of playing Dabbu (drum) at marriages and funerals in a village led to a social boycott of the entire Madiga family.

Furious over their refusal to play Dappu, the village ex-Sarpanch Boddu Venkateshwarulu, Upa Sarpanch Renu Kumar, and other elders in the village held a meeting and passed a resolution for social boycott of the entire family besides imposition punishment of Rs 5000 and 25 Cheppu Debbalu (25 slipper blows) for violation of their order.

Chandram added, “The fiat includes…You should not roam in the village. If someone talks to you, a fine of Rs 5000 and 25 cheppu debbalu will be imposed on that person. Potters should not supply potters to us…etc. etc.”

The villagers also warned the brothers they would also be externed from the village if they continued to defy their orders.

Fearing physical attacks, the brothers lodged a complaint with the Medak District SP, Collector and also moved the High Court, which directed the police to provide them protection and rehabilitation.