Team Herald
PONDA: The federation Gauda Kunbi Velip Dangar (GAKUVED), led by President Satyawan Gaonkar, along with a group of tribals from Bethora, gathered at the Bethora Panchayat office to protest against a casteist remark allegedly made by Sarpanch Madu Khandeparkar. The protesters demanded that action be taken under the SC/ST Atrocities Act and called for the Sarpanch’s immediate removal from office.
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According to Gaonkar, the incident occurred when tribal member Uchaari Gaude visited the Bethora Panchayat office. Gaonkar alleged that Khandeparkar made casteist remarks against Gaude, which led to a police complaint. While the police have registered an offence, Gaonkar accused them of not taking any action and claimed that the authorities were working under pressure. He warned that if the police failed to act, the tribals would stage a morcha at the police station.
“We demand that the Sarpanch be disqualified and removed from his post for insulting tribals,” Gaonkar stated. He also mentioned that a formal complaint had been filed with the Tribal Commissioner. Gaonkar emphasised that such incidents of insult against tribals have been on the rise and needed immediate intervention by the police.
Furthermore, Gaonkar condemned another casteist incident involving Orville Vales, the Sancoale panchayat secretary. Vales allegedly made a derogatory remark against Rama Kankonkar, prompting GAKUVED to demand disciplinary action against him. Gaonkar called for Vales’ suspension and, if necessary, his termination from service.
In response to the allegations against him, Bethora Sarpanch Madu Khandeparkar denied any wrongdoing. “The accusations are baseless. I have never made casteist remarks against any tribal member. Some people are misusing the provisions of the Constitution against me,” Khandeparkar said. He maintained that he treats all citizens equally and condemned the allegations as politically motivated.
The police confirmed that an offence had been registered against the Sarpanch last week, and the investigation is currently ongoing.
