Caste shows its ugly face again by snuffing out 2 loving lives

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: On June 27, 2023, two young people from Bodagurki village in Karnataka died under tragic circumstances.

Keerthi, a 20-year-old woman from the Golla community, was killed by her father, allegedly because she was in love with and wanted to marry Gangadhara, a 23-year-old man from the Madiga community.

Gangadhara, who reportedly was devastated by the death of the woman he had chosen to live the rest of his life with, committed suicide by throwing himself under a moving train.

The deaths of Keerthi and Gangadhara have brought the spotlight on the issue of caste-based discrimination in India.

Both Keerthi and Gangadhara were victims of this discrimination, and their deaths are a reminder of the violence that can be inflicted on those who dare to cross caste lines.

A fact-finding report submitted in the aftermath of the deaths has found that there is a deep-rooted prejudice against the Madiga community in Bodagurki village. This prejudice is evident in the way people of the Madiga community are treated by other villagers, as well as in the way they are denied access to certain resources and opportunities.

The report also reveals that the police were not adequately responsive to the incident. The cops initially refused to register a case of murder, which they did only after pressure from the public.

The fact-finding team also found that the police did not investigate the incident adequately, and they failed to collect important evidence. The deaths of Keerthi and Gangadhara are a tragedy, but they also provide an opportunity to bring in change.

The incident has brought attention to the issue of castebased discrimination, and it has sparked a conversation about how to address this problem. There are a number of things that can be done to prevent future tragedies like this one.

First, it is important to raise awareness about caste-based discrimination. This can be done through education, public awareness campaigns, and by challenging stereotypes and prejudices. Second, it is important to strengthen the legal framework that protects people from caste-based discrimination.

This includes ensuring that there are adequate laws in place, and that these laws are effectively implemented.

Finally, it is important to change the social and cultural norms that perpetuate caste-based discrimination. This can be done through dialogue, education and promoting positive role models. The deaths of Keerthi and Gangadhara are a reminder of the challenges that still exist in India.

However, they also show that there is a growing movement for change. With continued effort, it is possible to create a society where everyone is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their caste.