460 DR. BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR : WRITINGS AND SPEECHES
right side were shaved, their bodies besmeared with soot mixed in oil and also with dirt, garlands made of old shoes were put around their necks, and one of them was asked to hold a broom in his hand and the other to hold a placard on which it was written that the punishment was metted out to the culprits for venturing to touch high caste people. The Mahar Brothers were taken in procession consisting of about
75 people, a drum being beaten in the front.
A complaint has been lodged with the Police by the said two Mahar brothers. The accused in their statement have admitted that Damoo and Laxman were treated in the alleged manner, but pleaded that the complainants had willingly agreed to undergo the punishment. Obviously Damoo and Laxman were helpless when they were abused, assaulted and threatened with severe punishment and actually subjected to barbarous indignities. This case has created a great sensation among the people belonging to the so-called Untouchable castes and efforts are being made to give proper legal aid to the complainants.” [1]
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1 : The Bombay Chronicle, dated 25th February 1928.