Boycott call stirs row in Mansa village

Bathinda, September 16

A call for boycott of Dalits reportedly given by an individual using local gurdwara’s public address system has sparked a row at Khiwa Dayaluwala village in Mansa district.

A video of the announcement being made from the gurdwara has gone viral on social media. The villagers were told not to sell or purchase anything from the Dalits. At the root of the controversy is an accident in which a child from a Dalit family in the village sustained serious injuries. A case in this regard was registered at Bhikhi police station. 

In a complaint addressed to Bhikhi SHO, the victim’s family alleged that they were being intimidated by the accused who were making every effort to force them to withdraw the FIR. The victim’s kin alleged that the call for boycott of Dalits was a part of their pressure tactics.

When contacted, Mansa DC Apneet Riyait said an FIR had been registered against all those involved under relevant sections at Bhikhi police station and further action would be initiated after investigations. — TNS