In Medak district, Telangana, police arrested 16 people on Tuesday for allegedly enforcing a social boycott on a Dalit family from the Madiga community after they refused to play the Dappu, a traditional percussion instrument used in village ceremonies such as funerals. The family, which includes two postgraduate brothers employed in Hyderabad, declined to continue their hereditary role of playing the Dappu, prompting pressure from some villagers, including members of their own community.
The village’s Upa Sarpanch (deputy head), who is accused of discrimination, reportedly denied the family permission to build a house and access basic utilities like a water connection. On September 10, a village meeting was held, and a resolution was passed to socially ostracize the family. It was decided that anyone who interacted with the family would be fined Rs 5,000. Following this, the family lodged a formal complaint with the police.
A case was registered under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Protection of Civil Rights Act on September 12. Sixteen people were arrested in connection with the social boycott, while the police continue efforts to apprehend 15 others involved.
In response, the Telangana High Court directed the police to provide protection to the family. On Monday, the Medak District Collector and Superintendent of Police visited the village, counselling residents against such discriminatory practices and reinforcing the need to avoid social boycotts.
