New Delhi: As many as 20 families have reportedly been ostracised in a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district for accepting ‘prasad’ offered by a Dalit man. The families have got in touch with the district administration and SP Agam Jain, while alleging that the sarpanch issued the order for their social boycott, a Times of India report said.
After the families approached Jain, the SP stated that he has received complaints from both parties. “We are investigating the matter, and senior officers have been assigned the job,” he said.
The incident reportedly occurred in Atrar village, which is located around 20km from the district headquarters and 320km from Bhopal. On August 20 last year, Jagat Ahirwar, who distributes ‘prasad’ at the Talaiya Hanuman Temple, offered a special bhog of ‘Magaj Laddu’ and other items after his wish was met.
‘Prasad’ distributed to over 20 villagers from different castes
The ‘prasad’ was distributed to over 20 villagers from different castes, including Brahmins and other upper castes. On learning that upper-caste persons had accepted ‘prasad’ from a Dalit, the sarpanch allegedly ordered a social boycott of all the families involved.
The affected persons claimed that they have been boycotted from social events like weddings, and other ceremonies since the incident unfolded. The affected families approached the district authorities and lodged a complaint with the SP. Even though local authorities carried out mediation, tension continues. Locals suggest that a dispute between the current sarpanch and a former sarpanch may have also contributed to the conflict.
Similar incident in Haryana village
In 2019, in a Haryana village, Dalit community members had approached the Supreme Court against the ‘social boycott’ they were facing for over two years due to a dispute with the ‘dominant’ community over drawing water from a hand-pump. Dubbing the issue as “serious”, the top court had said it is a matter related to social boycott and atrocity and the police have to take action.
