A Day of Devotion Turns to Grief as Baby Dies at Nagarkurnool Fair

The death of a two-month-old infant following violence at the Kummera Mallanna Jatara in Telangana’s Nagarkurnool district has sparked widespread grief, anger, and demands for justice. The incident, which occurred during the February 18 village fair, is alleged to have stemmed from caste-based discrimination , though authorities say the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

According to the infant’s family, Chakali Ganesh and his wife Mounika attended the jatara with relatives and their newborn daughter when a dispute broke out near the temple premises. They allege that a group of villagers verbally abused them using caste slurs and physically assaulted them. The confrontation reportedly escalated amid the crowded fair atmosphere, creating panic and tension at the site. The family later claimed that the infant suffered injuries during the attack, fell critically ill, and eventually died.

Later that evening, tensions intensified when another villager filed a counter-complaint alleging that Ganesh and his associates attacked him with stones, indicating that the clash involved rival groups and competing claims. The cross-complaints contributed to a tense atmosphere in the village in the days following the fair.

On February 21, the child’s mother approached police, alleging that the assault during the jatara directly led to her daughter’s death. She stated that the attackers humiliated the family on caste grounds and carried out the assault with intent to cause harm. The family has demanded that the accused be booked under serious charges, including provisions addressing caste discrimination and culpable homicide .

Police officials confirmed that multiple FIRs have been registered based on complaints from both sides and that a comprehensive investigation is underway. Authorities said medical evidence and post-mortem findings will play a crucial role in determining the precise cause of death. Security was tightened at the Nagarkurnool Government Hospital after protests by community members and local organisations seeking justice for the infant.

The incident has drawn political attention, with Telangana Jagruthi president Kalvakuntla Kavitha expressing shock and speaking to the bereaved family to convey condolences. She urged police officials to ensure a fair investigation and to invoke stringent legal provisions if caste-based violence is confirmed. Community groups and local leaders have also staged protests, alleging attempts to dilute the case and calling for accountability.

Beyond the immediate tragedy, the episode has reignited concerns about caste discrimination , social exclusion , and safety at religious gatherings in rural India. Activists note that while laws prohibit caste-based discrimination and violence, enforcement challenges and entrenched social hierarchies continue to fuel such conflicts.

Police have assured that the investigation will be impartial and that those responsible will face strict legal action . Meanwhile, residents, rights groups, and public representatives continue to demand a transparent probe and swift justice for the grieving family.