Jugul Village Rudrabhoomi Issue: Dalit Community Denied Access, Seeks district Minister’s Help

Belagavi: A serious injustice has surfaced in Jugul village, where the Dalit community has been blocked from using a government cremation ground that they’ve been using for over 60 years. The 2-acre land, damaged during recent heavy rains and floods, was cleaned and restored by Dalit residents but now people from other castes have allegedly taken control and closed access.

With no separate cremation space allocated to them, Dalit families had long used this government land for last rites.We cleaned it ourselves after the floods. But now, they have locked it. We are left with no place for cremation,said one resident.

The community has made several appeals to authorities including MLA Raju Kage, the PDO, and others, but no action has been taken. Frustrated by the inaction, they met District In-charge Minister Satish Jarkiholi and submitted a formal request.

We are only asking for our right to cremate our loved ones with dignity. This land is government owned. No one has the authority to fence it off,said the Dalit leaders.

They warned that continued neglect by officials could lead to serious unrest in the village and urged immediate intervention to ensure justice and equality.