The situation is tense but under control at Marampally village of Nandipet mandal, following the isolation of 80 Scheduled Caste (Mala) families by the village development committee (VDC) from Wednesday last.
Trouble began when the Mala community people decided to construct Ambedkar Bhavan on a piece of land near a local irrigation tank a month ago. When they approached the persons concerned for permission, it was denied. However, they wanted to go ahead with the construction, which led to their isolation.
The VDC, an extra-constitutional politically appointed entity, which calls the shots in spite of the formally elected gram panchayat, issued a fatwa (order) to the residents belonging to other communities, including Madigas, not to speak to the Malas and not cooperate with them in other activities. The VDC members also asked the villagers not to send tractors or lend other implements used in cultivation to them.
Case registered
This led the Malas to complain to the police after which Armoor Assistant Commissioner of Police Ande Ramulu registered a case against 22 VDC members and three others under Section 384, read with Section 31 CrPC, and launched an investigation.
According to sub-inspector of police P. Raghavender: “Cases have been registered against VDC members Srinivas, Chinna Reddy and Suman and others. Patrolling has been intensified and police are maintaining a strict vigil in the village.” Though the situation was under control, both communities were firm, refusing to compromise, he said.
The VDC members argue that the land in question was earmarked for construction of double bedroom houses and other public purposes and that they had not outright rejected the plea for building the Ambedkar Bhavan. Since it was government land, the Malas are likely to get their due share after the land was allotted for different purposes, said a VDC member, pleading anonymity.
