Dalit leader accused of harassing poor Dalits

Educationist Mahesh Rampure has urged the police to take legal action against Dalit leader Rajkumar Mulabharathi, whom he accused of harassing poor Dalits and creating social discord in Hamilapur village of Bidar taluk.

Addressing a press conference in Bidar on Saturday, Mr. Rampure alleged that Mr. Mulabharathi had been creating animosity between different communities in the village and causing social unrest. He said a complaint had already been submitted to the police against Mr. Mulabharathi and his son Avinash in connection with the allegations.

Mr. Rampure alleged that Mr. Mulabharathi had been threatening officials and attempting to blackmail them through false complaints. He also alleged that his son Avinash was involved in unlawful activities and sought a comprehensive inquiry by the Criminal Investigation Department.

Expressing dissatisfaction with the endorsement earlier issued by Bidar Rural Police Station inspector Mallikarjun Yathanur, Mr. Rampure alleged that action had been taken in a one-sided manner without properly questioning the complainants and on the basis of confusion over dates. He sought a review of the matter by a senior police officer.

Seeking an impartial inquiry into the allegations against Mr. Mulabharathi, Mr. Rampure also urged the police to provide protection to him and other village leaders to maintain peace and communal harmony in the village.

Taluk Guarantee Schemes vice-president Maruti Bhangare and Hamilapur residents Sharadabai, Kasturi, Ghalemma, Shivraj, Wilson, Ravi, Mahesh, Laxman Kamble, Eeramma and Chitramma, among others, were present at the press conference.