DEHRADUN: In a short span of 45 days, the second instance of dalits being allegedly thrashed for entering a temple in Gabela village in the outskirts of Dehradun has been reported. However, this time the victim includes a pregnant woman, who along with her father and husband had gone to the renowned Kukarshi Maharaj temple to seek blessings for the child.

The matter was reported to revenue police and on the complaint a case under sections 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of IPC has been registered against the accused.

A resident of Mallawala village Tikam Singh along with his wife Kavita and father-in-law Daultu Ram went to Gabela village to offer prayers in the temple on November 18. While Daultu preferred to remain outside, Kavita and Tikam entered the temple. Some locals identified Daultu and thrashed the trio. As per the allegations, the locals instructed them to give a goat for sacrifice. However, after a payment of Rs 501, which had been slapped as cash penalty on them and a warning to never enter the temple again, the three were given permission to leave the temple.

A similar scenario had been witnessed in the village on October 5, when a group of dalits led by Daulat Kunwar were denied permission to enter the temple. After days of protest and fast, the dalit group was made to offer prayers in the temple in the presence of police and administrative team on October 12.

When contacted SDM Chakrata Prem Lal told TOI, “We have received the complaint and an FIR has been registered. In the next few days, we will record the state of the victim and the probe would be taken to the next level.” He pointed out that the complainants have identified three residents of Gabela village. “Once we question them on the issue, we will proceed further in the matter and if required arrest the accused,” he added.

Kavita told the district authorities that she and her family members had been publicly humiliated. She maintained that the entire family was “terrified” after the instance and was looking forward for justice in the matter.

This is not for the first time when such allegations have been made in Gabela, which is about 130kms from Dehradun and has the temples of two villages gods – Mahasu devta and Kukarshi.

On October 5, Quansi resident Daulat Kumar under the aegis of his organization Aaradhna Gramin Vikas Kendra took out a 10 day procession for “the welfare of dalits.” He first reached Quanu village where he was reportedly denied an opportunity to address a gathering following which he reached Gabela village on Monday evening.

A high voltage drama was witnessed at the village as “a group of locals under the influence of village god” did not permit them to enter the temple. Hundreds of villagers gathered at the spot claiming that the almighty did not want them to enter the “holy place.”

First Kunwar held a protest at Gabela and thereafter shifted it to Dehradun. After much hue and cry, he and his team offered prayers at the temple in presence of police and district officials.