Belagavi police have registered a case against nine individuals in connection with the alleged social boycott of a family belonging to the Kuruba community by members of the same community over personal issues and a dispute related to temple worship.
Details of the Complaint
According to the complaint, village elders from Kondusakoppa village in Belagavi taluk allegedly declared that no one in the village should maintain any contact with the family of Narasoba Kareppa Sambrekara. The boycott was reportedly enforced through threats of financial penalties. Renuka Sambrekara, who filed the complaint, named Mallappa, Vitthal, Baganna, Ramesh, Maling, Gangappa, Vaiju, Piraji, and Yallappa as the accused.
Fines and Rewards Imposed
The complaint states that village elders had announced a fine of Rs 5,000 on anyone found interacting with members of the Narasoba family. Additionally, a reward of Rs 1,000 would be given to those who kept the village elders informed about individuals maintaining contact with the family.
Alleged Delay in FIR Registration
Although Renuka had filed the complaint on April 6 itself, it was alleged that police registered an FIR only after the issue was highlighted in the media. The case has drawn attention to the practice of social ostracism in rural areas and the role of village elders in enforcing such boycotts.
