30 Karwar families are boycotted socially

KARWAR: An incident of eve-teasing involving a girl and boy from different communities a few months ago has resulted in the social boycott of 30 families in Gabithawada in Majali village of Karwar. While most facing the boycott are from the Bhandari community, a few are from the Gabith community. The police and district administration failed to hammer out a solution except for holding a peace meet between the two groups, people alleged. "For the past six months, we've been facing a social boycott in the area," said Raju Kolambkar, a grocery store owner. "A few months ago, the Bhandaris and Gabiths in the area clashed over an eve-teasing incident. Though efforts were made to sort out the problem, it was given a casteist colour. Gabithawada area is dominated by the fisherfolk Gabith community. The eve-teasing led to an attack on the brother of the eve-teaser," he added. Raju, a Gabith, said they still follow their old customs and have to abide by the decision of the Budavanta (community head).Raju said those facing a boycott are not allowed to enter temples or draw water from the wells of the Gabith community, they're not invited to marriages or religious functions and in case of a death, are barred from visiting the house, and being at the last rites. "Those who talk to the rest of us have to pay a fine of Rs 2,000, or will be treated as outcastes," he added. Ramanand Chopdekar, also facing the boycott, said that at a meeting of community heads, the Budavanta ruled that no Gabith should talk, help or have business transactions with the Bhandari community. Dilip Bhandari, a businessman, alleged that some GP members and a ZP member instigated the boycott. "We approached police and other senior officers, but in vain. This angered our community chiefs who have become even tougher," said Jnaneshwar, a youth. Those facing the boycott demanded that the government intervene and take action, before it causes a major strife.

Source - http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mangalore/30-Karwar-families-are-boycotted-socially/articleshow/20839058.cms