Caste-based differences re-emerge in Kuppegala

Caste based differences erupted in Kuppegala, near here, on Monday, as caste Hindus allegedly prevented the funeral of a dalit woman in the burial ground sanctioned by the government. Officials of Mysuru taluk administration quickly intervened and a survey of the burial ground was conducted in the presence of leaders from both communities.

Devamma, a dalit woman had died on Monday and preparations were on for the funeral at the burial ground, recently sanctioned by the government. However, few caste Hindus opposed the burial at the venue, resulting in a heated atmosphere. Few persons were also assaulted during the process.

Intervention
Mysuru Tahsildar Naveen Joseph, along with the police quickly rushed to the venue and held a peace meet at the village. A survey was also conducted to identify the land allotted for the burial ground. The funeral was allowed after caste Hindus were convinced that the burial was taking place in the allotted land.

School controversy
It can be recalled that a controversy had erupted in the village, over a patch of land used as burial grounds by the dalit community. The issue had resulted in students of higher primary school at Kuppegala, belonging to upper caste communities, boycotting the food cooked by a dalit cook at the school.

Following the issue, 1.2 acre of land in the banks of River Kapila was sanctioned as burial ground for dalits. However, delay in compensating for the acquired land, had led to the controversy.