Madgi women in Bothli allege caste insult; groups set November 5 deadline for police action

The alleged caste-based insult to women of the Madgi community in Bothli village of Saoli taluka has become a heated issue. The Samata Sangharsh Samaj Parivartan Sanghatana, Maharashtra State, and several other social organisations have turned aggressive over the matter. They allege that no firm action has been taken even though a complaint was lodged at Saoli police station on October 27.

The affected women say they were treated insultingly on the basis of caste during the Sharadotsav of the Shri Sanyukta Sharada Mahila Mandal in Bothli. A written complaint was submitted to Saoli police station on October 27, 2026. The women have voiced their displeasure that the expected legal action was not taken despite the complaint.

It is alleged that on October 29, casteist and insulting remarks were again made about Madgi community women in a public place. The affected women say the remarks were made by Shivani Swapnil Nirudwar, a member of the Sharada Mandal. They said a man was also present at the time. The memorandum says the alleged incident is causing the women mental distress. This second complaint has given the case a new turn.

Taking serious note of the matter, a memorandum was submitted on November 3 under the leadership of Maya Tai Mohurle, state women's president of the Samata Sangharsh Samaj Parivartan Sanghatana. It was presented to the District Collector, the Superintendent of Police of Chandrapur and the Sub-Divisional Police Officer at Mul. It demands justice for the affected women, an impartial inquiry into both complaints and strict legal action against those concerned if guilt is established.

The main demands in the memorandum are: immediate action on the original complaint of October 27; a separate record of the alleged October 29 incident and an inquiry into it; recording of statements of the affected women and eyewitnesses; and examination of available audio-visual recordings and other evidence. It also says that if the inquiry finds substance, action should be taken under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, and other applicable laws. It further demands protective measures so that the affected women and their families face no pressure or threats.

The administration has been given until November 5, 2026 to begin firm legal action. The memorandum warns that if nothing is done within this period, Madgi community members will hold a peaceful sit-in protest, by constitutional means, in front of Saoli police station under the leadership of the Samata Sangharsh Samaj Parivartan Sanghatana.

The organisation has spelt out its position: "Our fight is not against any community but against caste discrimination, injustice and the insult to women. The fight will continue by legal and constitutional means until the affected women get justice."

The Samata Sangharsh Samaj Parivartan Sanghatana and various social organisations have demanded that, to uphold the dignity of women, social equality and constitutional values, the administration conduct an impartial inquiry and take appropriate legal action.