The Dalits living in Peepalsana village have handed over a letter to SSP Moradabad saying that the Salmani community continues to treat them as untouchables
Representational picture
Moradabad: The Dalits in the village of Bhojpur in Uttar Pradesh's Moradabad district have complained to officials, saying the Salmani community among Muslims, earlier known as 'Hajjam', refuses to cut the hair of Dalits or give them a shave.
The Dalits living in Peepalsana village have handed over a letter to SSP Moradabad saying that the Salmani community continues to treat them as untouchables. Rakesh Kumar, a Dalit from the village said, "This has been going on for decades but now we have decided to raise our voice against this practice which amounts to promoting untouchability." He added, "Times have changed and we are going to raise our voice against this."
ADVERTISEMENT
Rakesh said his father and his forefathers had to travel to Bhojpur or the city for a haircut because "the Salmani community would not touch us".
Meanwhile, the Salmani community kept their shops closed on Friday in protest against the complaint to the SSP. Moradabad Senior Superintendent of Police Amit Pathak said that he had received the complaint and had ordered an investigation into the matter. "We will take strict action if the allegations are found to be correct," he said.
Edited by mid-day online desk with inputs from IANS
Catch up on all the latest Crime, National, International and Hatke news here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
