Rejection of Dalits' Funds for Ram Mandir Celebrations in Rajasthan Sparks Outrage

Jhalawar- Rajasthan's Jhalawar is witnessing a controversial incident involving the collection of funds from Dalits for the upcoming celebration of the consecration of Lord Ram's idol at Ram Temple in Ayodhya on January 22. In Mundla village under the Khanpur police station area, Dalit residents were initially approached to contribute towards the festivities, including processions, kalash yatras, and distribution of prasad (sacramental food).

However, a disturbing turn occurred when those collecting contributions reportedly returned the funds, allegedly stating that the money from Dalits would not be accepted for the temple rituals, and the prasad made with their donations would be considered impure. This act, deemed as an insult to the Dalit community, has led to a formal complaint filed with the Jhalawar district administration, accusing bias and discrimination.

The Mooknayak spoke with Mukesh Meghwal, a resident of Mundla village, regarding an incident where various communities, including those from the Scheduled Caste category, were approached for contributions. Some individuals collected cash contributions from Dalits. However, on the following day, they returned the money.

Mukesh said , "On the night of January 9 around 9 PM, these individuals approached the locality of our Scheduled Caste community. They called us outside our homes. Ramswaroop, son of Khemraj Dhakad, Chhotulal alias Chandraprakash, Jagdish, son of Bhairulal Ghakad, and Mahaveer, son of Hemraj Dhakad, insulted us using caste-based slurs. They claimed that the money collected from us would not be accepted as an offering to God, and even the prasad prepared with that money would be considered impure. Consequently, they returned the funds they had collected. " Subsequently, a complaint was lodged in this regard. However, Mukesh claimed that the police are now pressuring them to withdraw the complaint, and officials are visiting the village, creating a tense atmosphere.

Mukesh emphasized that the police are allegedly trying to force them to retract their statements and are not registering a formal case. In response, the Dalit community has refused to cooperate, stating that they will provide their statements but are hesitant to go before the accused individuals. If the police fail to file a case, the Dalit community plans to stage a demonstration at the Jhalawar district headquarters on Monday. This development comes after individuals associated with the Dalit community submitted a formal complaint to the Jhalawar district administration on January 11, expressing their grievances about the biased treatment they received during the collection of funds for the temple celebration."

Following allegations of pressuring the SC community to withdraw the complaint, the Mooknayak communicated with Ramkishan Godara, SHO, Khanpur Police Station. The officer said that the accusations of forcing for complaint withdrawal are baseless. He assured that the Dy.SP himself visited the village to speak with impartial witnesses. The administration aims to maintain public trust, and a fair investigation into the entire matter will be conducted by the police."

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