A two-month-old infant died days after her family was allegedly assaulted during the Mallanna Jatara in Kummera village of Nagarkurnool district, Telangana, on 18 February. The child’s family, belonging to the Chakali (Backward Class) community, claimed they were attacked and abused with casteist slurs after refusing to pay a Rs 100 entry fee at a temple.
The baby succumbed on 21 February. Police have registered a case under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and arrested three accused. However, the initial post-mortem examination reportedly found no external or internal injuries on the infant, and forensic results are awaited.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has sought a detailed report from district authorities, while protests by community groups and political leaders continue, demanding justice and transparency.
Allegations Of Assault During Temple Festival
The incident reportedly took place during the annual Mallanna Jatara at a temple in Kummera village, where large numbers of devotees gather. According to the complaint filed by Chilukeshwaram Chandrakala, the infant’s grandmother, the family was stopped at the entrance and asked to pay Rs 100 as an entry fee. Chandrakala alleged that when they questioned the demand claiming that entry to the temple is usually free they were abused and referred to as “lower caste”.
She further alleged that the situation escalated when her younger son, Ganesh, objected to the treatment. Chandrakala claimed that he was assaulted with a metal rod typically used for breaking coconuts during rituals, and that women in the family were dragged by their hair and thrown to the ground in front of the crowd. In her complaint, she stated that her daughter-in-law, Mounika, placed the two-month-old infant at the feet of the alleged attackers and pleaded with them to stop beating Ganesh. Amid the chaos, the baby was reportedly injured.
The child was later taken for medical treatment but died on 21 February, three days after the incident. The family also alleged that their gold earrings, silver bangles and mobile phone were taken during the scuffle. They further claimed that the accused threatened to demolish their home and harm them if they returned to the village. Fearing for their safety, the family has reportedly taken refuge in Nagarkurnool town.
Police Investigation, Forensic Findings And Counter-Claims
Nagarkurnool police confirmed that an FIR was initially registered under Section 194 of the BNSS (suspicious death) and relevant sections of the BNS, including voluntarily causing hurt and intentional insult meant to provoke breach of peace. Following further inquiry and the revelation that Mounika belongs to the Scheduled Caste community, additional charges under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and attempt to murder were added. Three accused have been arrested so far, and further investigation is underway.
A senior police official stated that a post-mortem examination was conducted on the infant’s body. According to preliminary findings, no external or internal injuries were found. Samples have been sent to a Regional Forensic Science Laboratory for detailed analysis, and authorities said further action will depend on the final forensic report. Police sources also noted that the infant was reportedly born prematurely and may have had prior health complications, though the exact cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
At the same time, a counter-case has been filed against Chandrakala’s family based on a complaint by members of the opposing group, indicating that both sides have accused each other of initiating the altercation. Officials have stated that they are examining CCTV footage, witness testimonies and medical evidence to establish the sequence of events.
Protests, Political Reactions And Human Rights Intervention
The infant’s death triggered protests by the family along with members of the Dharma Samaj Party (DSP) and several BC, SC and ST organisations. Demonstrations were held demanding strict action against the accused and compensation for the bereaved family. DSP leader V Shiva Maharaj alleged that the family had been targeted earlier as well and claimed they were pressured to work as bonded labourers allegations that, if proven, would point to deeper social tensions in the village.
Political leaders across parties have responded strongly. Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K T Rama Rao condemned the incident and demanded stringent charges and compensation for the family. Meanwhile, other community leaders have accused the administration of acting slowly and failing to prevent caste-based discrimination at public religious events.
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken cognisance of the reports and issued notices to the district Collector and Superintendent of Police, seeking a detailed action taken report within a stipulated time. The Telangana BC Commission has also reportedly sought information regarding the arrangements and management of the festival.
As the investigation progresses, the case has become a focal point in discussions around caste discrimination, law enforcement response, and the need for safeguards at public gatherings.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The death of a two-month-old child under such distressing circumstances has shaken many and understandably sparked anguish and anger. At the heart of this case lie serious allegations of caste-based abuse, but also unanswered medical and forensic questions that must be addressed transparently and without prejudice. Justice demands both empathy for the grieving family and a careful, evidence-based investigation that establishes the truth beyond doubt.
Incidents like this remind us that despite legal protections, caste discrimination continues to cast a long shadow over many communities. At the same time, due process and responsible reporting are crucial to prevent misinformation or escalation. Faith spaces and community festivals should unite people in shared celebration not become arenas of humiliation or conflict.
