9 booked for ostracising 6 Dalit families after row over fish pond in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari

RAJAHMUNDRY: A case has been registered against nine people for allegedly ostracising six Dalit families following a row over construction of an aquaculture pond, at Nelapudi village in Penugonda mandal of West Godavari district, on Tuesday.

Tension prevailed in the area as news of the social boycott of six families spread like wildfire.

Police beefed up security in the village and formed a peace committee to maintain law and order.

Police swung into action after a member of one of the ostracised families lodged a complaint, alleging that six Dalit families have been socially boycotted at Nelapudi village.

Those booked by the police also include people from the backward communities.

The boycott began after Rokkala Vijay Gandhi, who belongs to a Dalit community, started digging a fish pond in the village after obtaining permission from the government.

The villagers, including Dalits and other communities, opposed the fish tank citing that it has no drainage facility.

As the matter escalated, Vijay Gandhi lodged a complaint with the police alleging that his family was denied provisions and logistics by the villagers.

Narsapuram DSP Ravi Manoharachari, who visited the village, told TOI that police have booked a case against nine people based on the complaint. Vijay Gandhi also produced evidence of the excommunication.

The DSP said police are investigating whether any other family was subjected to excommunication in the village.

A peace committee has been formed to ensure that such incidents do not take place.

West Godavari SP U Ravi Prakash said a case been booked against nine persons under sections 447, 352 and 506, read with section 34 IPC, and SC/ST Atrocities (Prevention) Act.

Courtesy : TOI

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