Man kills self over 'social boycott' by caste panchayat in Pune

A 48-year-old man allegedly hanged  himself to death at his house here today, apparently as he was  depressed over the jaat panchayat's (community court) decision  to socially ostracise him and his family, police said. 

PUNE: A 48-year-old man allegedly hanged  himself to death at his house here today, apparently as he was  depressed over the jaat panchayat's (community court) decision  to socially ostracise him and his family, police said. 

The victim has been identified as Arun Naikuji, who  belonged to the Gavali community, police said.             

Police said members of the jaat panchayat had allegedly  boycotted Arun and his family as his brother helped his friend  marry a girl from another community.         

"We have booked Vahappa Pailwan, Mankappa Aurange,  Vitthal Pailwan, Kisan Janubas and other members of Veershaiva  Lingayat Gavali Samaj Jaat Panchayat under IPC sections 306  (abetment to suicide) and 34 (common intention)," a police  official from Chandan nagar police station said.           

The deceased and his family were allegedly boycotted by  the jaat panchayat two years ago and they were not allowed to  take part in any functions of the community.  "On Sunday, Arun went to the panchayat members and tried  to seek explanation from them why they were not being  allowed to take part in the functions, where he was insulted.   

"Depressed due to the boycott and reeling under the  insult by the panchayat members, Arun allegedly hanged himself  in his room. The incident came to light today," the officer  said. 

He said that five years back, one a man from Lingayat  Gavali community, had married a girl from other community and  Arun's brother, Appa Naikuji, had helped him and even attended  the wedding in Pandharpur.            

"Two years ago, the jaat panchayat members had come to  know that the girl whom Dheeraj had married belonged to other caste and they boycotted him from the community. "The members learnt that Appa had also helped him in the  marriage, following which they passed an order for the  community to boycott him and his family," he said.    

Further investigation is on.    

Related Stories

No stories found.
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com