Raj: 250 Dalit families convert to Buddhism

Baran: Hurt by being beaten up by the people of the upper caste community, 250 Dalit families, converted to Buddhism in Baran district of Rajasthan. These people immersed the idols and pictures of gods and goddesses from their homes in the Baithli river. They also expressed their anger against the state government and alleged that two youths of the Dalit community were assaulted by the upper castes for performing aarti of Goddess Durga a fortnight ago. The society pleaded for justice from President to the district administration, but no action was taken against the accused.

Alleging assault by the upper caste men for performing Durga aarti, 250 Dalit families in Baran have converted to Buddhism

The community said that they appealed to the police administration, Chief Minister, Prime Minister and the President for justice, but when no action was taken, they collectively decided to convert. On Friday, a protest rally was taken out in the village where idols and pictures of the deities were immersed in the river.

Balmukand Bairwa warned that if the main accused is not arrested soon, there will be a demonstration at Chhabra SDM office. He said that the law and order situation in the state had gone for a toss and atrocities against Dalits were increasing.

DSP Pooja Nagar said that the victim had lodged an FIR at the police station, but the name of the sarpanch representative was not mentioned. The Dalit family reportedly took the step of conversion after they failed to get the name of the sarpanch’s husband incorporated as an accused in the assault case, the police said.