Roundtable Meet Demands Vigilance Meetings, Action Against Caste-based Violence

Amalapuram – Andhra Pradesh (Before It’s News – IC): In response to a spate of caste-based attacks against Dalits, a roundtable meeting was held by the Anti-Caste Discrimination Struggle Committee (KVPS) in Amalapuram, Konaseema District. The meeting, led by KVPS District Convener Shettibattula Tulsi Rao, demanded swift action and regular Vigilance Monitoring Committee meetings to address the rising violence against Dalit and tribal communities in Andhra Pradesh.

• Call for vigilance monitoring meetings across all levels 

At the CITU office in Amalapuram, KVPS members, along with leaders from various organizations, highlighted the need for SC/ST Vigilance Monitoring Committee meetings at the state, district, and sub-divisional levels. KVPS State General Secretary Andra Malyadri stressed that these meetings are crucial to prevent caste violence and protect Dalit and tribal communities. “The lack of consistent meetings undermines efforts to tackle these injustices,” he said.

• Incidents of violence against Dalits in Mandapet

The recent attack on Dalits in Mandapet village was a focal point of the meeting. The attendees condemned the brutal assault in which several Dalit youths were bound, humiliated, and assaulted by members of dominant castes. Civil Rights Leader Ajanadas Baburao called for swift arrests and strict punishment for those responsible, while leaders urged authorities to review CCTV footage of the incident that circulated on social media.

• Details of the Mandapet attack 

According to local reports, Dalit sanitation worker Botsa Mohan Kiran, Kolli Chanti and Palaparti Chandrasekhar were assaulted after a minor altercation regarding a damaged vehicle at a cinema hall. Following the dispute, Kiran and his relatives were taken to a Ganesha temple in Edida village, where they were tied up, insulted with casteist slurs, and beaten by a group of around 40 people. KVPS leaders have demanded justice for the victims, calling for severe legal action against the attackers.

• Demands for accountability and protection for Dalits 

During the roundtable, leaders called on authorities to implement strong protective measures for Dalits and tribals. They emphasized that the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act should be strictly enforced and that attacks on marginalized communities should carry severe consequences. Lawyer Y Satyanarayana advocated for the perpetrators to be made aware of the legal repercussions of caste-based violence, adding that “there should be no place for caste discrimination in a modern society.”

• Representation from various organizations 

The meeting included a range of community leaders and representatives, including Agriculture Labor Union State Secretary Karem Venkatesh, BSP Senior Leader Jithuka Satyanarayana, BSP Constituency In-charge Polamuri Mohana Babu, PDSU State Vice Presidents Revu Tirupati, and Malamahanadu leaders Gella Rajender, Gidla Shyam, Rajesh, Srinivas, and Dorababu.

• Police response and demand for medical aid 

Local police confirmed that cases have been registered under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act against eight suspects, with more individuals under investigation. Rural CI Dora Raju indicated that a comprehensive probe is underway, with demands for the immediate arrest of all involved. The KVPS urged authorities to ensure proper medical treatment for the injured Dalit youths, including those transferred to Kakinada Hospital for further care.

• Need for regular committee meetings 

KVPS leaders and participants strongly advocated for regular meetings of SC/ST Vigilance Monitoring Committees at the state, district, and local levels. “The government needs to assure us that the law stands with the marginalized,” emphasized KVPS leaders. They warned of a broader movement if their demands are not met, calling for urgent action to uphold the rights of Dalits and prevent further caste-based violence. 

(Source: IAIJ/BIN/DPJB)