In Bachimatti village in Hunasagi taluk, Karnataka, a Gram Panchayat member allegedly abused and threatened a school headmistress after Dalit community members were seated on the stage during a Republic Day event. The accused, Basanagowda Kenchareddy, is currently on the run, and police have launched a search operation to apprehend him.
According to the complaint filed by Nirmala Dange, the in-charge headmistress of Bachimatti Government Higher Primary School, she received an abusive phone call from Kenchareddy on January 26. The complaint states that Kenchareddy was upset because Dalits had been seated on the stage alongside other guests during the Republic Day ceremony. Nirmala had invited various community members, including School Development and Monitoring Committee (SDMC) members, Gram Panchayat representatives, ASHA workers, Anganwadi staff, and parents as chief guests for the event on January 25.
Speaking to Kannada Prabha, Nirmala recalled, “Everyone, including Basanagowda, was invited in advance. On Republic Day, we followed the seating arrangements properly, allowing all guests, including Dalit members, to sit on the stage. But he was furious over it and started hurling abuses.”
After the event, Nirmala received a call from Kenchareddy who verbally abused her and even threatened her life. He also insulted her husband during the call. “When I tried to calm him down, he became more aggressive, using obscene language,” Nirmala added.
This incident has raised alarm among teachers, parents, and the local community, as just months ago, a similar case of caste-based discrimination occurred in Hunasagi taluk, where a family was expelled after filing a POCSO complaint.
Local Dalit leader Siddanna Melimani condemned the incident, saying, “No matter how powerful the accused are, strict action must be taken against those who spread caste hatred and issue threats. Only then can we ensure equality in society.”
Surapura DySP Javed Inamdar confirmed that a police team has been formed to arrest the absconding accused. “We are investigating the case, and the accused will be arrested soon,” he said.
