http://www.thestatesman.net/page.news.php?clid=9&theme=&usrsess=1&id=208515
Dalits ostracized by the upper castes in Naugaon JAGATSINGHPUR, June 16: Members of 10 dalit families of Osakana village under Naugaon polices station have been allegedly ostracized by the upper caste people of the village for last 20 days for some trivial political issue. The ostracizing led to an altercation between two groups, sources said. While seven members of the family of Gagan Sahoo were injured in the clash, four of them were rushed to the SCB medical college and hospital, Cuttack in a critical condition. Sources said over some past political rivalry, some villagers had allegedly ostracized the family members of Gagan Sahoo some 20 days ago and forbade other villagers to mix with Gagan's family members. They were even denied water from the public tube well. They were also debarred from attending the community religious function performed at Trinath temple recently. However, most of the villagers had to depend on the private land of Gagan for daily living. Gagan, in retaliation, prevented the villagers from using his land. A clash followed and some upper caste members including Sahdev Mohanty, Jhari Mohanty and Prakash Mohanty allegedly attacked Gagan's family members with sharp weapons and lathi. Four from Gagan's family had to be admitted in SCB medical college and hospital, Cuttack. Later, Gagan lodged an FIR at Naugaon police and cases were registered against about 30 accused. Police rushed to the spot but failed to nab them. n SNS
