Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has opened the State’s first government-run barber shop in Gadag district after a Dalit man was allegedly denied service by local barbers in Shingatalur village, triggering tensions and protests in the area.
The shop was inaugurated by the Social Welfare Department on February 26, following weeks of unrest that began when a barber reportedly refused to cut the hair of a Dalit customer. Other barbers in the village subsequently shut their establishments in solidarity, leaving Dalit residents without access to basic grooming services.
Residents said the situation escalated as barbers defended their refusal, citing religious beliefs. According to local accounts, they claimed that during the period of Mahanavami, the deity Veerabhadreshwara Swamy visits the homes of the Hadapada community each year. The barbers argued that cutting the hair of Dalits during this time would bring misfortune.
A government official confirmed that authorities attempted to counsel the barbers and persuade them to resume services for all customers. However, the warnings were ignored. The administration later issued a notice to the shop where the initial refusal took place. In response, other barbers in the area shut down shops, intensifying difficulties faced by Dalit residents.
Following petitions from affected villagers, the Social Welfare Department, in coordination with the Taluk administration and the Taluk panchayat, moved to establish an alternative facility. The initiative was also supported by a collective of Dalit organisations and representatives of the Shivasharana Hadapada Appanna community.
The newly opened shop has been allotted to Basavaraj Hadapada from neighbouring Tippapur village.
Officials said the move was undertaken as part of an untouchability eradication awareness and harmonious living programme, aimed at promoting social harmony and ensuring equal access to essential services.