BENGALURU: Radhamma, a cook at the higher primary school in Kagganahalli, Kolar district, was surprised and happy to receive her new-found brother in BJP Rajya Sabha member Tarun Vijay, at her residence on Friday.
Radhamma has been in the news for quite some time now after students of her school, particularly those belonging to the upper castes, reportedly refused to consume the food prepared by her as she belongs to the Scheduled Caste.
After reading about her in a section of the media, Tarun Vijay came all the way from Uttarakhand to meet and see her plight. On coming to know of this, Radhamma was visibly happy and emotional as she called him her brother. She also put tika on his forehead as part of Bhai Dooj and offered him sweets.
“I have no brother. God has gifted me a brother in you today... how lucky I am,” Radhamma told him as tears rolled down her cheeks.
Tarun Vijay visited her school and spoke to her at length. Later, he met headmaster Y V Venkatachalapathi to know what led to the boycot of Radhamma. The headmaster blamed Radhamma’s relatives for the problems. According to him, her relatives had filed cases against the villagers under the prevention of atrocities against SCs Act, which led to Radhamma’s boycott.
Tarun Vijay, later speaking to the media, expressed shock over the inaction of the district administration and police.
“It is shocking to know that no one has spoken to or warned the erring villagers. The complete lack of any administrative support surprises me, as none named by Radhamma has been arrested or questioned,” Tarun Vijay said.
“The complaints of Radhamma were lying with the district administration since September 9. Why has the DC and local SP not been questioned and transferred so far for not attending to her complaints till it was picked up by Indian Express and other media?” he asked.
He also criticised the state government for being insensitive and rude to the plight of a Dalit woman. “I have promised her that I will raise the issue during Parliament’s winter session starting November 26. I will try to get her justice,” he added.