An eerie silence prevailed at Markumbi village of Gangavati taluk in Koppal district after a clash between upper castes and Dalits on Thursday evening. As many as 21 persons, including women and children, were injured and a Dalit’s house was set on fire. Many upper caste people have fled the village fearing arrest. As many as 51 persons have been taken into custody in connection with the incident.
A couple of months ago there was a row over giving haircut for Dalits, and the issue was later sorted out. According to the police, on Thursday, a few upper caste youths from the village had gone to watch a film. There was a minor skirmish between them and a group of Dalit youths while purchasing tickets.
When the news about the incident spread, a mob of upper caste peeople attacked the Dalits at Markumbi, holding them responsible for the incident.
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The police rushed to the village and brought the situation under control. A case has been registered against 96 persons, the police said.
The injured have been admitted to the government hospital in Gangavati.
Suresh Kunhi Mohammed, Inspector-General of Police (Western Range), and T.D. Pawar, Superintendent of Police, visited.
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