Dalit Groups Seek Judicial Probe Into Akiveedu Temple Demolition
Srinivasa Rao demanded that the government immediately withdraw the restrictions and reconstruct the temple with the participation of local residents
VIJAYAWADA: Dalit and civil rights organisations on Saturday staged a protest near Ambedkar Smriti Vanam in Vijayawada, demanding a judicial probe into the alleged repression of Dalits in Pedapeta of
Akiveedu in West Godavari district following the demolition of the Hindu Gonthenamma temple.
Dalit Soshan Mukthi Manch national leader V. Srinivasa Rao alleged that the temple was demolished illegally at midnight without conducting a proper panchanama, despite constitutional provisions that disputed religious structures should not be disturbed. He demanded a judicial inquiry into the incident.
The protesters further alleged that severe restrictions had been imposed in the Dalit locality, with surveillance cameras installed and youth being harassed by police seeking Aadhaar details of residents and visitors. They claimed that outsiders were being prevented from entering the colony, creating fear among Dalits.
Srinivasa Rao demanded that the government immediately withdraw the restrictions and reconstruct the temple with the participation of local residents. He also accused RSS and Vishwa Hindu Parishad activists of creating tension in the area with police support.
KVPS state general secretary Andra Malyadri termed the demolition “a blow to democracy” and warned of intensified protests if action was not taken.
Courtesy : Deccan Chronicle
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