Caste discrimination alleged during Bathukamma celebrations

Athmakur (M)(Yadadri-Bhongir): An incident during the Bathukamma festival in T Repaka village of Atmakur (M) mandal in Yadadri-Bhongir district has sparked controversy over alleged discrimination against Dalit women.

According to the allegations, the incident occurred on Saturday evening when women were celebrating Bathukamma on a raised platform in the village. Dalit women alleged that some people belonging to the Reddy community objected to them placing Bathukammas beside theirs and participating in the celebrations together. Following the objection, the Reddy community women reportedly took their Bathukammas and left the spot.

Expressing anguish over the alleged caste discrimination, Dalit women staged a protest in front of the Atmakur (M) police station, demanding justice.

The women questioned why they were being discriminated against during a festival when they were involved in various kinds of work in the village alongside members of other communities. They expressed their distress over what they described as humiliating treatment during a cultural celebration that is meant to bring people together.

The Dalit women urged the authorities to intervene, take appropriate action and ensure justice. They also lodged a complaint with the Atmakur (M) Sub-Inspector of Police over the incident.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Deekonda Ravi Shankar

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