Dakshina Kannada Superintendent of Police A.S. Rao on Sunday told activists of the Dalit Sangharsha Samiti to lodge a complaint with police regarding Dalits not being allowed to enter the post office at Melanthabettu village in Belthangady taluk.
He was responding to DSS leader S.P. Anand when the latter brought up the issue during the monthly grievance reddress meeting of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes people conducted by the district police.
Mr. Rao said the Deputy Commissioner had initiated action. He added that the police would take action under the SC/ST Act if the activists filed complaints.
An officer of the police station concerned said he had visited the spot and the postmaster said that the post office was a part of his house. The members of the DSS, including several Dalits from Melanthabettu, objected to this.
Mr. Rao said he was yet to obtain clarification from postal department about what qualified as a post office.
Mr. Anand brought up the issue of a murder of Rajappa in Bantwal taluk in 2008. Mr. Anand said even after three years, the case had not been solved.
Mr. Rao said the case was still open and sought the help of activists who might have more information.
A unique feature of the meeting on Sunday was the special number set up for persons from the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to phone-in and speak to the officials.
Several callers used the helpline, which had been started after a gap of a few years.
Other issues that were brought up during the meeting included the issue of showcasing “bhootaradhane” as entertainment.
