In a protest over alleged caste-based discrimination, several Dalit women staged a dharna (sit-in) in front of a temple in Garajanga village, Odisha, on Saturday. The women claimed they were prevented from performing the ritual of offering milk to the deity during the holy month of Kartik at the Siddheswari Ramachandi Shakthi shrine in Kendrapara district.
According to the women, temple priests and a group of upper-caste individuals denied them the right to participate in the religious practice, which they had traditionally been allowed to perform. The protesters lodged a complaint with the Marshaghai police station, demanding action against those who stopped them from completing the ritual.
“We have received a complaint regarding the incident. Efforts are being made to resolve the issue amicably. We are in talks with senior members from both the upper-caste and Dalit communities. The situation is being closely monitored, and police have been deployed in the village to prevent any potential unrest. As of now, the situation is under control,” said Purna Chandra Pattayat, Inspector-In-Charge of Marshaghai police station.
