Dalit woman alleges social boycott in Bajpe village

MANGALORE: Dalit widow, who live in a makeshift hut at Bonkrigudde in Kenjar near Bajpe, has alleged that she and her daughter have been subjected to social boycott and torture from neighbours.
Chennamma, who lost her husband Jayanna more than 11 years ago, complained at the SC/ST grievance meet chaired by city police commissioner R Hitendra that she has been denied access to public water supply by her neighbours.Chennamma said that she and 10 other families live in huts constructed on a government land at Bonkrigudde.
"My neighbours and youth from surrounding areas assault me, use abusive words against me and my daughter. They prevent me from using public water tap and do everything possible to drive me out of the place. They have damaged my hut and stolen utensils and other items I kept in my house. They have also tortured our pet dogs by sealing its mouth using quick adhesives," Chennamma narrated her grievances at the meet.
Chennamma's daughter Durgashree (11), a class VI student, too said that neighbours threaten her.
In fact, Chennamma had filed a complaint against four of her neighbours to the city police commissioner through Human Rights Federation of India, an NGO, on February 7. In her complaint, Chennamma has alleged that she is facing atrocities from her neighbours Ramanna (45), Saraswathi (40), Baby Poojari and Rakesh Poojari. She alleged that Bajpe police has not responded to her complaint.
Poice commissioner Hitendra said that the case will be inquired by an ACP. "You need not go to police station again. They will come for your help," the commissioner said.