BERHAMPUR: AS many as 11 Dalit families including that of an elected Ward member of Lunguri village under Humma panchayat of Ganjam block have been ostracised for raising their voice against upper caste members of the village. The decision to ostracise them was taken in a kangaroo court on July 27.Ward Member Santosh Das said difference between the Dalits and upper caste families had started in January this year over a dispute on cleaning of utensils. He said following a feast, upper caste families had directed the Dalits to wash the utensils.
When the Dalits refused, the upper caste people ostracised them in a kangaroo court. The victims sought the intervention of Ganjam Collector who directed Rambha Police to settle the case. Police convened a meeting of both the groups and restrictions on Dalits were lifted. A few months later, some upper caste persons made some casteist remarks at Dalit youths and the matter was again settled following the intervention of the police. Last week, casteist remarks were again made by the upper caste members and apprehending law and order situation this time, Das informed the police.
This time also, the upper caste families convened a kangaroo court on July 27 and ostracised 11 Dalit families. The Dalits were not allowed to draw water from the village tubewell and buy grocery from shops. Contacted, Rambha IIC Namita Nayak said both the groups have been asked to hold a meeting for amicable settlement of the issue. If the meeting fails, action will be initiated against the accused as per law.