Caste Discrimination In Tumakuru: Man Arrested For Barring Dalit Couple From Temple

TUMAKURU, KARNATAKA — Law enforcement authorities have taken swift action following a blatant act of untouchability in Turuvekere taluk. The victims, identified as Puneeth and Pankaja, were visiting the temple to seek blessings following their wedding ceremony when they were intercepted and humiliated.

Details of the Confrontation

• The Alleged Act: A local man identified as Narayanappa reportedly blocked the couple at the temple entrance. Witnesses and video evidence suggest Narayanappa “pretended to be possessed by a deity” to give his discriminatory commands a religious veneer.
• The Viral Video: In a video clip circulating on social media, Narayanappa is purportedly heard shouting, “Dalits cannot enter the temple. You go and perform your pooja elsewhere. Leave immediately.”
• Police Action: Following a complaint filed by Pankaja’s brother, Jagadish, the Turuvekere police registered an FIR under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Narayanappa was taken into custody immediately.

Community and Official Response

The incident has caused significant tension in the village, prompting a high-level intervention by local administration:

• Peace Meeting: Tahasildar NA Kunhi Ahmed and Deputy SP Omprakash organized a “peace committee” meeting on Sunday evening. The session brought together Dalit residents and other villagers to address the friction and reiterate that untouchability is a constitutional crime.
• Ongoing Investigation: While Narayanappa is the primary accused, the FIR also names several other individuals who reportedly supported his actions. Police are currently conducting raids to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Caste-Based Discrimination Laws in India