Representative image showing a hair cut under way.
Credit: iStock Photo
Koppal: In a fresh case of discrimination against Dalits, all barber shops in Muddaballi, around 7km from Koppal district headquarters, were closed down after members of Dalit communities in the village sought service at these establishments.
Reports of barbers refusing service to Dalit men had surfaced two months ago. It was only when police threatened barbers with punishment for ‘untouchability’ that they yielded, and agreed to serve Dalit customers. It is now being reported that the barbers are deliberately shunning Dalits, while visiting homes of customers from other communities.
The Dalit men of Muddaballi are forced to travel all the way to Koppal city for a shave or a haircut.
President of BJP’s Koppal district unit Basavaraj Dadesaguru questioned the state government’s apathy towards the plight of Dalits.