According to the reports, the incident took place in the midst of the "Jatara," a local folk festival and a group of Dalit devotees aspired to take part in the religious event at the temple. (Representational Image/By Arrangement)

TIRUPATI: A controversial incident took place at the Polakshamma temple near Gollapalli village in Puttur mandal of Tirupati district. Reports said a group of Dalit devotees were barred entry to the temple premises during a local folk festival.

The incident, which occurred on Saturday, has sparked outrage among sections of the local inhabitants.

According to the reports, the incident took place in the midst of the "Jatara," a local folk festival and a group of Dalit devotees aspired to take part in the religious event at the temple. They were stopped at the temple gates. Temple priests and a group of locals from upper castes obstructed the Dalits’ entry and locked the temple doors.

The group of Dalits then prepared Pongal and extended their offerings from outside the temple premises. They also organised a demonstration, calling on the district officials to intervene and put an end to this caste-based prejudice.

Members of the local SC colony, who were among those denied entry, said the temple had seven trustees. All of them banned Dalit devotees' entry to the temple, and specifically kept the Harizanawada community at a distance.

"We have brought this to the attention of local government officials, including the district collector, but the issue remains unresolved. We are persistently denied entry and can only offer worship from outside the temple," Mahesh, district vice president of Dalita Hakkula Samithi stated.

Some political leaders criticised the action of the temple trustees. Murali Mohan, Telugu Desam representative from Puthalapattu constituency, flayed the authorities for their inaction. He urged the state government to promptly address the issue and restore the dignity and self-respect of the Dalit community by ensuring them free access to the temple.