Vinod M Jain
Allegations of untouchability and caste-based discrimination have surfaced from Machalli village in K.R. Nagar taluk of Mysuru district, where members of the Dalit community claim they were denied entry into the Madeshwara temple and threatened when they questioned the practice.
According to residents,the issue came to light during the annual fair (jatra) of Lord Madeshwara held last week.
Villagers alleged that the deity’s procession,which traditionally passes through all streets in the village,did not enter the Dalit colony this year as well.
Members of the Dalit community alleged that they are not allowed to enter the temple sanctum,touch the deity, or participate equally in temple rituals.
This happens every year.The procession never comes to our street,and we are forced to stand at a distance if we visit the temple,”a resident alleged.
According to complaints submitted by villagers,tensions escalated after Dalit community leaders questioned the alleged discriminatory practices.
They claimed that some upper caste individuals abused them verbally and issued threats.
The complainants alleged they were warned against entering the temple premises and threatened with violence if they attempted to do so.
Lokesh,a resident of the village,questioned the discrimination and stated that members of the Dalit community had also contributed through taxes and labour towards public and religious infrastructure in the village.
The village reportedly has around 60 Dalit families, most of whom work as agricultural labourers.
Community members have now staged a protest demanding action from the authorities and equal access to the temple.
Residents also alleged that officials from the Social Welfare Department and the local administration had not yet visited the village despite repeated appeals.
No official statement has been issued so far by the district administration regarding the allegations.
