Dalits still living in fear in Karnataka village
http://www.indiapress.org/gen/news.php/The_Hindu/400x60/0 Staff Correspondent MYSORE: Fear has gripped the Dalits of Chikka Ankanahalli village in Srirangapatna taluk in Mandya district, who were targeted by "upper castes" on Friday. Eerie silence An eerie silence prevailed in the Dalit colony, and despite the presence of police platoons the fear among the victims is palpable. The deployment of forces has not helped in banishing fear among the Dalits, who say the culprits are freely roaming in the village and that the police are only promising that the accused would be arrested soon. So far, the police have arrested only nine persons. The persons who were injured have returned to the village, after treatment at K.R. Hospital in Mysore. Speaking to The Hindu, Superintendent of Police, Mandya, Seemanth Kumar Singh, said the situation was fully under control. Two cases had been registered against the "upper castes" for throwing stones at the police and attacking the Dalit colony. According to Mandya Deputy Commissioner Manjunatha Prasad, the district administration has given compensation of Rs. 10,000 each for 10 Dalits injured in the incident and repair of houses damaged has commenced. "Because of the 'tension' in the village, Dalits do not want to pass through the area dominated by 'upper castes' to procure foodgrains. In view of this, they will be given 25 kg of rice on Monday," he said.
