Infant Succumbs to Injuries Following Alleged Caste-Based Temple Assault in Nagarkurnool
A tragic incident has shaken the community in Nagarkurnool, Telangana, where a two-month-old baby girl lost her life after her family was allegedly subjected to brutal manhandling by a group of upper-caste men during the Kummera jatara temple festival. The victim's family, hailing from Kummera village in Nagarkurnool mandal and belonging to the Chakali community—classified as backward classes—was reportedly targeted when they refused to pay an unauthorized entry fee of Rs 100 to access the temple premises.
Details of the Harrowing Incident and Family's Account
In a formal complaint filed with the authorities, Chilukeshwaram Chandrakala, a family member, detailed the horrifying events. According to her statement, the family was verbally abused with casteist slurs, labeled as "lower caste," and physically assaulted after they declined to pay the fee, emphasizing that temple entry is traditionally free for all devotees. The situation escalated dramatically when Chandrakala's daughter-in-law, in a desperate plea for mercy, placed the infant at the feet of the accused, begging them to stop beating her husband, Ganesh—Chandrakala's younger son. Tragically, the baby sustained injuries during this altercation.
The assault occurred on February 18, and despite medical attention, the infant succumbed to her injuries on February 21. In the aftermath, the grieving family, supported by members of the Dharma Samaj Party (DSP), staged a protest demanding justice for the child. V Shiva Maharaj of the DSP alleged that the family was targeted not only for refusing the entry fee but also because they had previously resisted working as bonded laborers and faced harassment from upper-caste individuals.
Police Response and Legal Actions Taken
Nagarkurnool police have confirmed that an FIR has been filed in the case, leading to the arrest of three individuals. A police official stated, "We initially booked a case under Section 194 of the BNSS (suspicious death) and Sections 115 (voluntarily causing hurt), 352 read with 3(5) (intentional insult meant to provoke a breach of peace), and 174 (relating to non-cognisable offence procedures, among other sections) of the BNS, against the accused. Now, it has come to light that Ganesh's wife, Mounika, belongs to the SC community. Accordingly, we have also registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, along with attempt to murder."
Further investigation is ongoing, with a post-mortem examination conducted on the deceased infant. The official added, "Based on the PME, we will decide on further investigation of the case." In a twist, police revealed that a counter case was filed against Chandrakala's family based on a complaint from the opposing party, alleging that Ganesh caused hurt using an instrument under Sections 118(1) and 352 read with 3(5) of the BNS.
Family's Allegations of Ongoing Threats and Loss
Chandrakala provided chilling details of the assault, claiming that the accused men pulled them by the hair and threw them in front of the crowd. She alleged, "My younger son, Ganesh, was attacked by four people using a metal rod meant for breaking coconuts. As my son tried to defend himself, one person from the opposite group got injured after accidentally hitting the wall." The family also reported that their belongings, including gold earrings, silver bangles, and a phone, were stolen during the incident.
Fearing for their safety, the family has taken refuge in Nagarkurnool, as Chandrakala stated in her complaint, "They threatened to harm us if we returned to Kummera village and to demolish our house." This case highlights deep-seated caste tensions and raises serious concerns about social justice and protection for marginalized communities in the region.
