Protest march by Malekudiyas to condemn brutal attack on community member

Mangalore Today News Network

Belthangady, Aug 4, 2015: The brutal attack on Sunder Malekudiya  by his landlord in Neriya village recently, triggered a protest by members of the Malekudiya community in Neriya village on August 3, Monday under the aegis of the Malekudiyas Association.

The incident had taken place on July 26 when Sunder Malekudiya, a farm labourer was allegedly brutally attacked by landlord Gopala Gowda with a weed cutting machine thereby severely injuring his hands.

The protestors demanded that the accused Gopal Gowda who is absconding be arrested immediately.

Speaking on the occasion, Yelyanna Malekudiya Kolody, former president of the  Association said Malekudiyas who were bonded labourers of their landlords  for many years were freed from  virtual slavery only a few years ago.

Still there are some landlords like Gopal Gowda who are continuing to harass poor Malekudiyas, he alleged.

B.M.Bhat, Belthangady taluk unit Secretary of CPI(M) said steps need to be taken to acquire land which has been illegally acquired by the accused Gopal Gowda.

Shekhar Laila, President of Dalita Hakkugala Horata Samithi warned of severe protest if the accused Gopal Gowda was not arrested.

Meanwhile, Puttur Assistant Commissioner Basavaraj along with revenue officials paid a visit to Kataje in Neriya village where  the brutal attack took place. The AC also visited some places wherein the victim Sunder Malekudiya and other members of his community had applied for regularisation of land under Akrama Sakrama. The AC also stated that a joint survey of the land would be conducted by Revenue and Forest Departments.