The Hindu: Protest by Dalits demanding arrest of Bajrang Dal activist for cow vigilantism in Sakleshpur

The protesters wanted the police to arrest the accused immediately and warn Bajrang Dal activists against cow vigilantism in Sakleshpur taluk of Hassan district in Karnataka

A file photo of Sakleshpur town where pro-Dalit activists faced off with Bajrang Dal activists over cow vigilantism. | Photo Credit: SHAMASUNDER

By G T Sathish / The Hindu

Hundreds of people staged a protest in Sakleshpur on August 22 demanding the arrest of a Bajrang Dal activist for allegedly assaulting a Dalit who was transporting cattle for rearing.

The protesters, under the banner of Dalit Sangharsha Samiti and other pro-Dalit organisations, wanted the police to arrest the accused immediately and warn Bajrang Dal activists against cow vigilantism in the taluk.

Deputy Superintendent of Police Muralidhar and other officers spoke to the protesters.

Deepu, a Bajrang Dal activist, allegedly assaulted Manjunath, a former gram panchayat president of Halasulige, on August 20. Manjunath had purchased cattle from a farmer at Janekere. He was transporting the animals in a goods vehicle when the Deepu allegedly stopped the vehicle near the KSRTC bus stand in Sakleshpur and enquired if he had taken necessary permits to transport the cattle.

This led to an argument between the two.

This story was originally published in thehindu.com . Read the full story here

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