AIKS Welcomes Historic Judgment on Atrocities on Dalits in Marakumbi, Karnataka
The Principal District and Sessions Court in Koppal district of Karnataka on 21st October, 2024 pronounced guilty and on 24th October sentenced 98 people to life imprisonment and 3 others to 5 years in prison for atrocities committed against Dalits in Marukumbi village in 2014. The Judgment was This is a historic judgment reminiscent of the Vachathi Judgment last year as all the perpetrators of the crime who are alive have been punished after a decade long legal and political struggle. AIKS congratulates all those who have fought consistently to ensure justice for the victims of the barbaric attack. It is notable that in 2015 a young Comrade Veeresh Marakumbi an activist of Karnataka Prantha Raitha Sangha (KPRS) affiliated to AIKS, AIAWU and a CPI(M) leader in the region who was a prime witness was killed. He was only 45 years old at the time.
On 28th August, 2014, a violent mob of upper caste people had attacked Dalits in Marukumbi by pelting stones, and assaulted them including women, children and aged with sticks. Huts were also set on fire. Many suffered serious injuries. Even as late as in 2014 the village was witness to untouchability and caste oppression. Dalits were barred from barbershops and tea shops. The KPRS affiliated to AIKS, the All India Agricultural Workers’ Union, the other mass organisations, the CPI(M) as well as Dalit Hakkugala Samiti affiliated to Dalit Shoshan Mukti Manch consistently fought against such discrimination and oppression. The upper caste response was in the form of imposing a social boycott of Dalits in the area which was also resolutely resisted. The verdict comes after a decade of legal and political struggle in the Courts and on the ground by the Left and Dalit Organisations.
AIKS feels that this verdict shall act as a warning to all those who are perpetrating caste discrimination and committing atrocities on Dalits. Along with the historic Vachathi Judgment, the Marakumbi Judgment shall be a milestone in the struggle against social oppression.
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Ashok Dhawale Vijoo Krishnan
President General Secretary
