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Another Dalit, Gummalla Nandiraju, from West Godavari district in the state of Andhra Pradesh, southern India, told the conference participants that his father Kannaiah—who worked at the office-residence of an upper-caste sarpanch (village head)—was beaten to death in July 1999 by a relative of the sarpanch because he had mistakenly put on the sandals of the relative when he left the residence.

"Though my father apologized, they did not listen to him," said Nandiraju, adding that "one of the assailants was a teacher."

Nor was the ordeal over, Gummalla Nandiraju said. His father's alleged killers, released on bail, had attacked Gummalla's brothers in public, abusing them for "daring to challenge upper castes."

"I myself have come here risking my life," Nandiraju told ENI after addressing the conference. "They might attack me once they come to know that I have publicized these incidents at this conference."

Copyright © 2001 ENI.

Churches Angry that Indian Census Ignores 14 Million Christian Dalits | Only Hindu, Sikh, and Buddhist members of "untouchable" caste being counted. (Mar. 2, 2001)

Justice Delayed for Dalits | Christian untouchable is murdered, but police stall investigation. (Oct. 19, 2000)

Study of Indian Clergy Exposes Inequalities in Church Leadership | Many low-caste and rural Indians are Christians, but few have positions of influence within the church. (Oct. 9, 2000)

Thousands Mourn Death of 'India's Father' | Evangelist Bakht Singh led a fruitful life of teaching and founding churches (Sept. 22, 2000)

India's First Dalit Archbishop Holds 'No Grudge' Over Predecessor's Attack | Once "untouchable" Dalits make up bulk of country's Christians (May 11, 2000)

Hindu 'Untouchables' Threaten Mass Conversion in December | Two hundred families using Christianity as political pressure tactic (Dec. 1, 1999)

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March (Web-only) 2001, Vol. 45