Several Dalit organisations will participate in a “Dhikkar rally” in Bhandara on September 29 to mark the first anniversary of the murder of four members of a Dalit family at Khairlanji village in the district.Surekha Bhotmange, her sons Sudhir and Roshan and daughter Priyanka were murdered by a group of villagers on September 29, last year. Surekha and Priyanka had testified before the police against some villagers who had assaulted Rajan Gajbhiye, a family friend of the Bhotmnanges. Bhiyyalal, the head of the family, had managed to escape when his family was attacked. The killings had led to nationwide protests.A number of Dalit organisations will hold a rally in Bhandara for which about 30,000 people from all over the state are expected to gather, sources told The Indian Express. The main organiser of the rally is said to be a leader of a Dalit cultural front from Mumbai. Participation by various Dalit bodies assume significance against the backdrop of the foundation day of the Republican Party of India (RPI) coming up on October 3. The RPI is currently divided into several groups. The Khairlanji incident had galvanised a process of unity among the various Dalit groups.Post-Khairlanji protests had raised security concerns as Naxalites took keen interest and even issued threats to deliver justice to the perpetrators of the crime. The case is being heard by a fast-track court in Bhandara.Bhandara district, incidentally, falls in the Naxalite belt of Maharashtra. Collector S M Sarkunde, however, said he has no idea of any proposed rally. “We get to know about it only through newspapers. Protests may be held, but we do not think there is any reason for additional security,” he said.SP S J Sagar, however, said: “We are going to keep a tight vigil. Though we have not yet been approached for permission, we have information that some local Dalit bodies are planning rallies on the day.”
