Madhya Pradesh: Upper caste villagers pour kerosene in Dalits’ well
Bhopal: Upper caste villagers pour kerosene oil into Dalits’ well because a band was invited instead of ‘Dhol’.
Chander Meghwal had invited a band to his daughter’s wedding despite warnings by upper caste villagers. It is a tradition in their Mana village that the groom is welcomed with a Dhol, India Today reported.
The upper caste members gave a warning of boycotting them if they invited a band, but Meghwal being threatened, invited them. On receiving several threats, Meghwal informed the Police, and the marriage ceremony was conducted under security.
To take revenge for inviting the band, kerosene was poured into the well used by Dalits.
The Dalits found an alternative route to get water and dug a hole on the banks of Kalisindh River, they also used pumps to separate the kerosene from the water.
Superintended of Police R.S. Meena along with district collector D.V. Singh visited the village and drank the water from the well and assured the villagers of it being safe to consume. They also spoke with the members of the upper caste.
Singh announced borewells for Dalits so that they do not encounter such problems in the future. However, the police are investigating the matter.
