Pourakarmikas up in arms after alleged assault by residents

NT Correspondent: Bengaluru Around hundred pourakarmikas protested outside the headquarters of the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) on Wednesday demanding justice for five workers who were allegedly subjected to an assault and hurled casteist slurs by two city residents on September 11 in Byadarahalli. One of the victims alleged that one Chandru and his mother in BEL Layout had assaulted them while hurling casteist slurs. They allegedly destroyed a mobile phone worth Rs. 33,000 owned by another victim, the pourakarmikas claimed. The duo are now facing a case filed under sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Ordinance, 2014 and the Bhartiya Nyay Samhita, 2023.

The protestors called for a 'safety and dignity policy' by the Palike to make sure conditions are safe for all pourakarmikas. Chief Commissioner of BBMP Tushar Girinath heard out the protestors and assured them that the case is looked into comprehensively. He also said a policy is on the anvil to combat caste-based violence. The BBMP's Solid Waste Management officials also took cognizance of the issue and promised that the accused would face action.