The marriage of an inter-caste couple in Telangana’s Nizamabad has led to the social boycott of around 82 families belonging to one community.
The families belonging to the Reddika community, a Most Backward Caste, have allegedly being excluded by the Munnuru Kappu, a dominant caste group, in Doodgam of Mendora in Armoor subdivision.
As per reports, P Rajashekar and Archana, both belonging to the two different Backward Class communities, were married in April after running away from home as Archana’s family did not approve of the same.
However, after they began living at Rajashekar’s residence, they informed police of threats and harassment from Archana’s family and the Munnuru Kappu community. According to Rajashekar’s family, he was allegedly threatened and told that he would face consequences if he did not leave Archana.
Rajasheker’s father, Sudharshan, said, “They threatened my son and told him to leave her. They could not accept that the girl wished to stay with him. They were waiting for an opportunity to take out their disapproval on the whole community.”
According to those belonging to the Reddika community, the Munnuru Kapu community allegedly began to socially boycott them because of the marriage. “Diktats were passed banning selling and buying vegetables and milk from us or to us. Tractors are also not being given to our community,” Sudharshan said.
The social boycott comes as many communities are reeling from the economic effects of the nationwide lockdown that shuttered business, agricultural work and industry for over a month.
However, Revenue Divisional Officer (RDO) Armoor, Srinivasulu, said that he will initiate a probe into the allegations of social boycott and take action accordingly.
