The Dalit community in the Malligere village of Karnataka has raised serious allegations of discrimination by local authorities regarding water supply. According to them, while water was provided to the entire village, their colony, which comprises over 300 Dalit families, was deliberately excluded from this service.
Local residents assert that they had been deprived of water supply despite repeated requests and complaints. The situation escalated when tensions arose between the Dalit villagers and residents of other colonies, who allegedly resorted to casteist insults during an altercation over water access.
In response to these allegations, Panchayat Development Officers (PDO) denied any discriminatory practices and claimed that the water supply issue was due to technical problems. They explained that one of the borewells serving the Dalit colony had dried up, leading to disruptions in water supply.
However, following protests by the Dalit community and the altercation with residents from other colonies, the water supply was reportedly restored. Villagers took matters into their own hands by attempting to access water from taps in other colonies after feeling neglected and marginalized.
Efforts to obtain a response from higher authorities, including the Deputy Commissioner and District Magistrate of Tumkur, regarding these allegations were unsuccessful as they were not available for comment.
This incident highlights the enduring challenges faced by marginalized communities, such as Dalits, in accessing basic amenities and services, and underscores the need for equitable distribution and fair treatment by local authorities.
