Complaint against misuse of ST Act

'A petty issue was blown out of proportion by Dalit assns.'

Condemning the misuse of The Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act during the communal clash that was reported from Ragimuddanahalli recently, residents of the vilage and members of Swabhimani Vokkaligara Sangha staged a protest in front of DC’s office, in Mandya, on Wednesday.

It is said that residents belonging to one community, majority of them women, took part in the protest. They submitted a memorandum at the DC’s office.

The protesters demanded the Police department and district administration take steps to solve the issue or warned of intensifying the protests.

Addressing a press meet earlier, Naganna Banaswadi of Swabhimani Vokkaigara Seva Trust complained that a petty issue between a Dalit and two persons belonging to an upper caste, was blown out of proportion by Dalit organisations. “The Act, which was implemented in an effort to protect the people of the community, is being misused.

Dalit organisations, utilising the benefits under the Act, have been trying to lodge cases against innocent people. This has created fear and anxiety among the residents of the village.” He demanded probe into the issue.

He also alleged that Dalit youths have been abusing the girls and women of the upper castes, and a complaint would be lodged with the police in this regard, he added.