Emblem of the National Commission for Human Rights. File | Photo credit: Special arrangement
The Kula Vivaksha Vyatireka Porata Sangham (KVPS) has demanded an independent and comprehensive inquiry into alleged human rights violations of Dalits in Pedapeta village under Akiveedu in West Godavari district.
In a letter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), KVPS State General Secretary Andra Malyadri expressed concern over the demolition of the locally revered Gonthenamma temple and the circumstances surrounding the incident. He alleged that the demolition was carried out during a night operation amid heavy police deployment, causing fear and unrest among Dalit families in the area.
Mr. Malyadri also alleged that police personnel were deployed around Dalit households and that pressure was put on poor families regarding their residency rights. According to the KVPS, Dalit families have been living on government land in the village for almost eight decades and instead of regularizing their dwellings, attempts were allegedly made to force them off the land.
The KVPS said the development raised serious concerns about the protection of constitutional rights, including the right to shelter, dignity, equality and freedom of religion, and demanded immediate intervention by the NHRC.
The organization also sought to protect and ensure safety for affected families, in addition to a fair and impartial investigation into the role of officials and members of the public allegedly associated with the issue.
Published – May 11, 2026 12:28 PM IST
