Dalits protest after being barred from religious procession in Karnataka
Last Updated: January 19, 2026
Chikkaballapur: Tension gripped Chikkaballapur district in the Indian state of Karnataka after Dalit youths staged a protest when upper-caste Hindus denied them permission to lift the palanquin of the village Goddess during a religious procession.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the incident occurred during the procession despite donations having been collected from all sections of the village, including members of the Dalit community. When Dalit youths demanded equal participation in carrying the palanquin, the request was rejected, triggering arguments and a clash between the two groups.
The idol of the Goddess was reportedly left abandoned on the road following the confrontation.
The incident has once again highlighted persistent caste-based discrimination in India, where Dalits continue to face exclusion even from religious practices.
