Dalit Couple Denied Temple Entry in Karnataka; Accused Arrested and Peace Meeting Held

In Tumakuru district, Karnataka, a newly-wed Dalit couple was denied entry to the Arasamma Devi temple on February 19 by an upper-caste man who claimed to be possessed by a deity. The man, Narayanappa, was arrested under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Following the incident, police and revenue officials convened a peace meeting and personally escorted the couple back to the temple to perform prayers, emphasizing legal action against caste-based discrimination and urging communal harmony.