Tumakuru, Karnataka – In a disturbing incident highlighting caste tensions, a priest from the Rangaswamy Temple in Taliyabetta, Kunigal taluk, has been arrested for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing a security staffer. The altercation occurred after the staffer, Partharaju, touched the temple’s hundi (donation box), prompting the priest, Rakesh, to react violently.
The incident came to light following a formal complaint lodged by Partharaju against Rakesh under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act. According to the security staffer, Rakesh not only verbally berated him but also physically assaulted him by striking him with a stick on the day of the incident.
A video of the confrontation has been circulating on social media, showing Rakesh confronting Partharaju and demanding that he leave the government-managed temple premises. In the footage, Rakesh questions Partharaju’s presence in the temple and orders him to move out, citing caste-based prejudices as the underlying motive.
Reacting to the growing outrage, the Kunigal Police acted swiftly upon reviewing the video evidence and the formal complaint, leading to Rakesh’s immediate arrest. Authorities have emphasized that caste-based discrimination and violence are serious offenses and assured the public of strict action against such misconduct.
The Rangaswamy Temple administration has condemned the priest’s actions, stating that the incident does not reflect the temple’s values or its commitment to inclusivity and respect for all individuals, regardless of caste. They have pledged to cooperate fully with the investigation and ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future.
This case has sparked a broader conversation about caste discrimination in religious institutions and the need for stringent measures to prevent such incidents. Advocacy groups are calling for more rigorous enforcement of anti-discrimination laws and increased awareness to combat caste-based prejudices in all sectors of society.
As the legal proceedings against Rakesh unfold, the community remains vigilant, demanding accountability and justice for Partharaju. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the persistent caste issues that continue to plague various facets of Indian society.
