A family in Yelandur taluk, Chamarajanagara district, has accused influential members of the Lingayat community of imposing a social boycott on them. The family, belonging to the Vokkaliga community, claims they have been ostracized since renting their house to a Scheduled Caste (SC) family 10 months ago.
The complainant, BN Suresh, who resides in the Lingayat colony of Agara village, stated that the boycott began three months ago. “We are excluded from religious gatherings and denied access to local temples,” he alleged. Suresh also mentioned mental and physical harassment, making their life in the village unbearable.
In a complaint filed on December 21, Suresh urged authorities to register an FIR against those responsible. However, the tahsildar, B Jaya Prakash, dismissed the allegations after an initial inquiry. “We found no evidence of discrimination. Suresh’s father, Veeranna, claimed they are not facing any such issues,” he said.
Community leaders also denied imposing a boycott, attributing Suresh’s accusations to an old rivalry. “A meeting was held with local leaders, and no evidence supported the claims. Still, if future investigations prove otherwise, necessary action will follow,” Prakash assured.
The incident has drawn attention to the sensitive issue of caste discrimination and community conflicts. Authorities promise further investigation if new evidence emerges.
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