Raichur, 10 September

A video from Eechanala village in Lingasugur taluk of Raichur district has gone viral on social media, showing a hotel owner allegedly practising untouchability by refusing to give a customer drinking water in a glass and instead pouring water into his cupped hands.

Following the circulation of the video, villagers alleged that customers are made to sit separately in hotels based on their caste and that separate glasses are provided to some people. They also alleged that caste discrimination exists in barber shops, where some people are given haircuts inside the shop, while others are made to get their hair cut outside the village.

Social Welfare Department Assistant Director Ravindra Uppara told Salar News, "Officials visited the village after watching the video, in which hotel owner Shivappa Sharanappa Hadapada of Eechanala is seen pouring water from a height to Mariyappa Kattimani. Locals informed that the incident took place 3 months ago."

Based on his complaint, Lingasugur police have registered a case under Section 3(1)(za)(D) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act 2015, and under Section (4) of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955, against Shivappa and others concerned. 

Speaking about the video, Raichur Deputy Commissioner Poovitha S told Salar News, "A special camp will be conducted soon to create awareness among the villagers."

Madiga Dandora State President Narasappa told Salar News, "The incident reflects the failure and negligence of the district administration and the government. Even 79 years after India gained independence, several social evils continue to persist. Among them, untouchability remains a deeply rooted problem."