A coalition of Dalit organisations marched from Kalabhavan to the office of the Superintendent of Police in Dharwad demanding justice for three families subjected to atrocities, on November 3, 2026. | Photo Credit: KIRAN BAKALE A coalition of Dalit organisations staged marched from Kalabhavan to the office of the Superintendent of Police (SP) in Dharwad on November 3 demanding justice for three families allegedly subjected to atrocities and seeking action against police officials for their alleged failure to act promptly.The protesters highlighted three cases involving alleged assault, threats, and sexual abuse in Dharwad district. They alleged that the police had delayed registering complaints but had registered counter-cases against families of the victims, further aggravating their plight.Incident number 1The protesters alleged that Abhishek alias Pirappa Chalavadi of Mishrikoti village in Kalaghatgi taluk was attacked with a knife by a group of men.

He is undergoing treatment at KMC Hospital in Hubballi. They questioned the registration of a counter-case against members of his family.Incident number 2Srikanth Ramappa Chalavadi of Kogilageri village in Alnavar taluk was allegedly assaulted with weapons while selling fruits on the Dharwad–Alnavar road.

The protesters alleged that he sustained serious head injuries but the police registered a complaint three days after the incident. Police also registered a counter-case against three members of his family.Incident number 3The third case involved a 15-year-old girl from Honnapur village in Alnavar taluk, who was allegedly sexually assaulted by a 42-year-old man.

The protesters alleged that attempts were made to threaten the girl and suppress the crime through mediation.Demand of DalitsThe organisations demanded an impartial investigation into the counter-cases, action against the accused, protection for families of the victim, and a speedy investigation into the alleged rape of the minor. They sought a higher-level inquiry into the alleged lapses by the police and demanded the suspension of the police officers concerned.The protesters clarified that the agitation was against injustice and atrocities, and was not directed against any caste or religion.

Published - November 04, 2026 10:26 am IST