Dalit Writer Assaulted, Warned That Fingers Will be Chopped Off

Author of book ‘Odala Kichchu’ and Dalit activist, Huchangi Prasad attacked and threatened.

Writers protests against MM Kalburgi’s murder and the rising intolerance in the country. (Photo: AP)

Huchangi Prasad, a young Dalit activist and writer, was allegedly attacked by unidentified men who warned him to stop writing or have his fingers chopped off, on Wednesday in Davanagere, central Karnataka.

The incident has occurred in the light of MM Kalburgi, a Kannada rationalist’s murder and the protests by his followers and fellow writers against the rising intolerance in the country.

Writers tied black cloth over their mouths as a sign of protest in Delhi on October 23. (Photo: AP)

The student of journalism has authored a book, Odala Kichchu, which speaks against the caste system.

<p>On October 21, late night, a group of eight to nine persons came to SC/ST hostel where I reside and told me that my mother was unwell. Worried I followed them. They took me to a place and started threatening and assaulting me for writing against Hinduism and caste system. </p>

<p><b>Huchangi Prasad, Student of Journalism and Author of Odala Kichchu</b></p>

Prasad, a journalism student, received some minor injuries in the attack.

A case has been registered against unidentified persons at RMC Yard Police Station in this regard. Police said they are on a lookout for the eight to ten people involved in the attack.

<p>They also smeared kumkum on my face and threatened to cut my fingers for my writings.They (the attackers) said I’m born as Dalit, because of sins I had committed in my previous life. From their words it was almost clear that they are from some right wing group but I’m not completely sure.</p>

<p><b>Huchangi Prasad, Student of Journalism and Author of Odala Kichchu</b></p>

Kannada rationalist and writer, KS Bhagwan, also received threats from right-wing groups for what they believe to be “offensive” remarks against Hindu gods.

Around 35 writers have returned their Sahitya Akademi awards to protest against the rising intolerance in the country.

The writers facing threats have been provided security after the killing of Kalburgi who was shot dead at point blank range by two men, who are still at large, in August.

Writers protests in Delhi on October 23. (Photo: AP)

(With PTI inputs.)