VHP and Bajrang Dal members allegedly manhandle the Dalit headmaster in Ranga Reddy district
Team Clarion
HYDERABAD – Government school headmasters across Telangana have issued a warning to the authorities threatening mass protests if swift action is not taken against those involved in the attack on a Dalit headmaster in Maheshwaram mandal in Ranga Reddy district.
The attack on the headmaster occurred ten days ago and has sparked outrage among various Dalit organisations and educators.
According to a report in The Siasat Daily, P Ramulu, a 60-year-old headmaster of the Government High School in Thukkuguda Mandal, was assaulted by a mob after an incident involving a Class VIII student performing the Hindu ritual of Ayyappa Deeksha.
The ritual is carried out by upper-caste Hindus when they are touched, even though inadvertently, by a person of low caste. It is about following Brahmacharyam strictly which includes pooja twice a day, a strict diet and no entertainment etc.
It all happened when the headmaster asked to recite mathematical tables on December 21. However, the student later alleged that the headmaster kicked him, leading to a wave of anger among local devotees.
The situation escalated when a message about the incident was circulated on WhatsApp. On the next working day, a mob of over 50 individuals, many reportedly affiliated with VHP and Bajrang Dal, entered the school premises. Dressed in Ayyappa Swamy attire, they manhandled the headmaster, tore his clothes, and allegedly forced him to apologise to the student. School staff managed to intervene and rescue Ramulu, who later filed a police complaint. A case was registered under various sections of the SC/ST Act and the BNS Act.
Outrage over the attack continued to grow, with Dalit organistions and advocates demanding stringent action. High Court advocate P. Vishnu condemned the incident, stating, “A 60-year-old Dalit headmaster was attacked and humiliated in an unprecedented manner. Forcing him to touch the feet of a student is not only degrading but also a grave violation of dignity. The police must file attempt-to-murder charges against the attackers.”
Headmasters across the state have rallied in support of Ramulu, calling for justice and emphasising that such incidents undermine the authority and safety of educators. If the authorities fail to act promptly, they warn, protests will be launched to ensure accountability and protection for school staff.
