Dalits barred from offering bonam', clashes ensue

HYDERABAD: Communal tension brewed in Vattinagulapally village on Wednesday evening after a group of Dalits was allegedly barred from offering ‘bonam’ to a stone deity (Bodrai) by upper-caste members, leading to clashes among the two groups.

The police said they stepped up security in the village, set up a picket and increased patrolling as a precautionary measure.

According to police, the Bodrai festival has been going on for the past three days, but on the last day, members of other communities objected to Dalits and drove them away.

Gachibowli police station house officer B. Jemes Babu said that they registered a case and started an investigation. “The situation is now under control,” he said.

A few persons were also detained for questioning.

Meanwhile, members of the Dalit community staged a protest on the Vattinagulapally main road, demanding immediate arrest of those involved in the attack. “We also demand protection for our members from such casteist attacks,” said Korani Dayanand, a protester.