In a disturbing incident of social ostracism, seven families in Hunasikatti village of Jamakhandi taluk in Bagalkot district were allegedly boycotted by fellow villagers for not contributing Rs 600 each towards the Hanuman Okuli Jatra, it emerged on Friday.
Details of the Boycott
The affected families are headed by Yallappa Chagannavar, a railway employee, Annappa Kadapattil, Siddappa Enni, Kareppa Enni, Yallappa, Mallappa Batakurki and Ramappa. The families were reportedly ostracised after they declined to pay the donation for the jatra, which was held on April 2.
Chagannavar alleged that villagers publicly announced the boycott by ringing a bell, declaring that priests should not visit their homes for auspicious ceremonies and that local provision stores should not sell them essential commodities. "This amounts to public humiliation. Officials did visit the village and tried to pacify the situation, but who will take responsibility for the insult our families were made to suffer?" he asked.
Complaint Filed
He said complaints have been submitted to the Bagalkot deputy commissioner and the Jamakhandi assistant commissioner. Shweta M Beedikar, assistant commissioner, Jamakhandi, told TOI that she received a complaint via email on Friday. "We were not aware of the issue earlier. The deputy commissioner has directed us to verify the incident. Officials from the tahsildar's office, social welfare department and other departments have been asked to visit Hunasikatti on Saturday and take appropriate action," she said.
