20 families ostracized in Madhya Pradesh village for taking ‘prasad’ from Dalit

BHOPAL: Around 20 families are allegedly being ostracized for eating ‘prasad’ from the hands of a Dalit man in a village in Chhatarpur district of Madhya Pradesh.
The families have approached SP Agam Jain, alleging that it was the sarpanch who gave this diktat. The SP said he has received complaints from both sides. “We are looking into the matter. Senior officers have been deployed,” he said.
The alleged incident happened in Atrar village, around 20km from the district headquarters and 320km from Bhopal. On Aug 20, 2024, Jagat Ahirwar, who distributes prasad at the Talaiya Hanuman Temple, offered a special bhog of ‘Magaj Laddu’ after his wish was fulfilled.
This prasad was shared with over 20 villagers from various castes, including Brahmins and other upper castes. Once word spread that upper-caste individuals had accepted prasad from a Dalit, the sarpanch allegedly ordered a social boycott of all these families.
According to those affected, they have been excluded from social events, such as weddings, and other ceremonies since then. They approached the district authorities and filed a complaint with the SP. Despite recent mediation by local authorities, the situation remains tense.
Locals say a tussle between the sarpanch and a former sarpanch may have also played a part in the conflict.