Dalit Community in Vadodara Protests Desecration of Burial Ground During Civic Project
Members of the Dalit community staged a significant protest at the sub-divisional officer's office in Petlad town, located in Anand district of Vadodara, on Wednesday. This demonstration was triggered by the alleged digging up of graves at their traditional community burial ground during a municipal renovation project, an incident that has sparked widespread outrage and demands for accountability.
Incident Details and Historical Context
The distressing event occurred last week as part of the renovation work on Malav Lake, undertaken by the Petlad municipality. During this project, a contractor excavated a drainage channel, known locally as a kanas, to empty the lake. This excavation unfortunately passed through a centuries-old burial ground that has been used by Dalit residents from the Khambhati Bhagol Rohitvas area for generations.
This burial site holds deep historical and cultural significance, serving approximately 150 Dalit families with a population of nearly 500 people. For centuries, community members have buried their deceased loved ones here, with numerous graves marking the sacred space. The excavation work resulted in severe damage to several of these graves, exposing human skeletal remains in a manner that protesters described as deeply disrespectful.
Community Outrage and Personal Accounts
Protesters reported that the skeletal remains were handled without any regard for religious protocols, being carelessly thrown aside, which has caused immense emotional distress. One protester shared a particularly heartbreaking account, revealing that the grave of his father, who passed away just 18 months ago, was among those dug up. Witnessing his father's skeletal remains left him utterly devastated, a sentiment echoed by many other families who reported similar traumatic experiences.
The community's anger stems not only from the physical desecration but also from the perceived lack of sensitivity and respect shown during the excavation. This incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about the preservation of Dalit heritage sites and the need for greater awareness in civic planning processes.
Protest Demands and Official Response
In response to the incident, men and women from the Dalit Rohit community gathered outside the sub-divisional officer's office, raising slogans and demanding strict action against those responsible. They submitted a formal memorandum outlining their key demands, which include:
- Immediate legal action against the contractor and officials involved in the excavation.
- Construction of a compound wall around the burial ground to prevent future encroachment or damage.
- Assurance of respectful handling of any remains and adherence to religious protocols in similar projects.
Municipality officials have acknowledged the issue, stating that the matter is being thoroughly investigated. An official from the Petlad municipality mentioned that after receiving the community's representation, officials visited the site to assess the situation and have taken steps to ensure adequate precautions are implemented moving forward. However, the community remains vigilant, calling for more concrete measures to safeguard their ancestral burial site and prevent such incidents from recurring.
