Move to shift crematorium in Moodbidri draws flak from Dalits

The members of Dalit community have raised severe objection over the move of the Moodbidri tahsildar to shift the crematorium from the existing location to near the Dalit colony in Jyothinagar.

Raising the issue at the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes monthly grievance meeting at the Police Commissioner’s office on Sunday, Dalit leader Jagadish Pandeshwar alleged the tahsildar of trying to shift the crematorium in a bid to help a builder.

“Though the existing crematorium has been recently developed at a cost of Rs 10 lakh, the local administration has proposed to shift the crematorium near the Dalit colony.

The conspiracy has been hatched reportedly to help a builder who intends to build an apartment house near the existing crematorium. Shifting the crematorium from the present location will increase the demand for the flats in the apartment building,” he said.

Furthermore, he added that the local administration has made the move, despite the deputy commissioner’s order an year ago, directing not to shift the crematorium from the present location. All the nine families in the Dalit colony oppose the move, Jagadish said.

Meanwhile, Lakshman and Nalini couple from Amblamogaru village in Konaje police station limits complained against the Konaje police of threatening and abusing them over a road issue.

Speaking on behalf of them, Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader S P Anand said that people belonging to rich families are attempting to encroach the land belonging to Lakshman and his mother Gangu at Amblamogaru. 

Of the 50 cents belonging to the SC family, the opposition group is trying to encroach a few meters of land to construct a road.

Despite the court ordering in favour of Lakshman and asking to maintain status quo, the court order has been violated, he stated.

Nalini alleged the Konaje SI of threatening and abusing the couple and asking them to give away the land.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Dharmaiah assured of sending Assistant Commissioner of Police for spot inspection and look into the issue.

SP Anand also complained against the police for not taking action against a rowdy sheeter in Kavoor who has been booked in nine criminal cases. Even if he is arrested, the police treat him well in the station and release him soon, Dalit Sangharsh Samiti leader claimed.