A newly married Dalit couple was allegedly denied entry into a Hanuman temple in Khargone district, triggering tension in the village and raising concerns over caste-based discrimination.
According to the couple, they had gone to the temple on Friday to offer prayers, but found it locked and were asked by members of other communities to pray from outside.
“I went to the Hanuman Temple with my wife to offer prayers, but we were not allowed entry and were told to pray from outside,” said Nirmal Kanade, the groom. He added, “After we informed the police, we were allowed to enter and perform prayers.”
Social Boycott Announced by Panchayat
Hours after the couple offered prayers, a panchayat involving members of other communities reportedly announced a social boycott against the couple’s family and two other Scheduled Caste families linked to them.
The decision included restrictions on social and economic interactions. It was declared that anyone engaging with these families or selling goods to them would face a penalty of Rs 11,000.
Kanade said in a video, “No one is doing any transaction with our family and two others. I appeal to people to share this so that we get justice.”
Police Intervention and Resolution
Following the escalation, police stepped in and held multiple rounds of discussions with both sides over the next two days.
A senior police official confirmed that the matter has now been resolved. “The issue has been settled after talks between both sides. The restrictions imposed on the three families have been lifted and normalcy has returned,” the officer said.
Superintendent of Police Ravindra Verma also stated that both communities agreed to end the dispute and resume normal relations.
Different Versions Emerge
While the couple alleged discrimination, some local sources claimed the temple is usually closed during afternoon hours due to security reasons, including past thefts.
They also alleged that tensions increased after members of the affected families used objectionable language, which led to resentment among other villagers and the subsequent boycott call.
Police, however, focused on restoring peace and did not confirm these claims officially.
