Although we live in the 21st century and claim to be modern and up-to-the-minute, we regularly come across such incidents of discrimination that shatter this idea and pride. The recent addition in this connection is no exception and quite clearly proves that people make a distinction on the basis of cast even today.
It so happened that around 50 Dalit kanwariyas lodged an FIR as they denied entering a Bareilly temple for offering Ganga jal.
This incident took place in Chaudhary Talab region. FIR has been registered against Gauri Shankar temple’s priest Gopal Mishra as well as his son.
According to a Dalit devotee, “When we tried to protest, they snatched our kanwars and threw them away.”
SP Sameer Saurabh also speaks about it, “It is a serious complaint. I have ordered a probe and sought a report within 24 hours.”
But the priest claims of the charges being false, “It is a false allegation that I or my son stopped them from offering prayers or ganga jal at the temple.”
Nevertheless, as per another Dalit devotee, “They have kept insulting us for many years now, but we didn’t know that they will stop us at the gate of the temple.”
What do you think about it? Share your views about the incident in the comments section below.