Telangana: When a Dalit family refused to play musical instruments, the villagers socially boycotted them, 16 people arrested
The incident occurred after the family refused to play the traditional musical instrument ‘dappu’ during village functions, breaking a long-standing tradition.
Published on: 24 Sep 2024, 4:08 pm
Medak, Telangana: Sixteen people from a village in Medak district have been arrested for allegedly imposing a social boycott on a Dalit family, police said on Tuesday. The incident took place after the family refused to play the traditional musical instrument ‘dappu’ during village functions, breaking a long-standing tradition.
The family, belonging to the Madiga community (classified as a Scheduled Caste), faced boycott from some villagers when they decided not to continue their traditional role of playing the ‘dappu’ during funeral rites.
The two brothers of the family, who are postgraduates working in Hyderabad, were pressured by fellow villagers – including some from their own community – to resume this traditional practice. However, the brothers refused to do so.
According to the police report, apart from social boycott, the village’s deputy sarpanch was accused of blocking the family’s request to build a house and denying them a water connection, further increasing the discrimination.
On September 10, several villagers passed a resolution to socially boycott the family after the brothers refused to participate in their traditional occupation. The resolution also stipulated a fine of Rs 5,000 for those who defied the boycott.
The brothers then lodged a complaint with the police, following which a case was registered on September 12 under sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Civil Rights Act. A senior police officer confirmed that 16 people have been arrested so far while efforts are on to nab 15 others who are still absconding.
The Telangana High Court intervened and directed the police to provide security to the affected family. In response to the escalating situation, the Medak District Collector and Superintendent of Police visited the village on Monday, held meetings with residents and counselled them about the illegal and inhuman nature of social boycott.
