Case filed against 28 for ‘boycotting’ Dalits in Chamoli village

Dehradun: There was a major row followed by tension in Subhai-Chanchdi village of Chamoli district after two instances of harassment of some SC community members were reported in three months. It led to the panchayat ordering a “boycott of the SCs”, along with a “ban on the use of jal, jangal, zameen (water, forest and land) by them”.

A cash fine had been also slapped against a man from the SC community and the entire community was asked not to use natural drinking water resources. After the matter was brought to the notice of Karnprayag police, a case under SC/ST Act was registered against “28 residents”.

Around six SC families reside in the village and as a part of traditional rituals they play ‘dhol’ (drum) in religious, social and cultural events in the village and nearby areas. In May, one Pushkar Lal could not play ‘dhol’ at an event as he was “unwell”. Later, a panchayat was called and a cash penalty of Rs 5,000 was slapped on him. Though Lal paid the penalty, the matter continued to simmer. The second such incident was reported during a religious event on July 13.

CO Pramod Shah, the investigating officer in the case, told TOI: “They played ‘dhol’ for some time but as per belief, the deity did not descend upon earth. Following which the SC members played the dhol for a longer duration but nothing changed. Thereafter, they got tired and refused to play ‘dhol’. According to initial reports, a panchayat was called on July 14 and the restrictions were imposed on the SC families. On July 16, a case was registered against 28 accused.”

Shah said, “All actions taken were mentioned in the panchayat register. Hence, as per the initial probe, the allegations seem to be true.”

Meanwhile, members of the SC community met at Joshimath on Thursday. According to sources, upper caste members went to the protest site for a compromise on the matter.

The complaint under the SC/ST Act stated: “First decision taken in the meeting…was to chase away those people who refused to play drums. Second decision was that each SC individual would have to pay Rs 5,000 in three days and also clear all the debts of shops in the area…” According to the complaint, the third decision of the meeting was to ban

SCs from entering temple, using water of natural resources, farming, use of vehicles for movement and other social works.

Courtesy : TOI

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