Archive · 24 Jul 2026
Yadgir Court Sentences 17 to Life for 2014 Dalit Murder
In 2014, a Dalit man named Devendrappa was killed in a caste-related clash in Shahapur taluk, Yadgir.
The fight started when banners with pictures of Dalit and upper-caste leaders were torn during a festival.
The next day, the accused insulted Devendrappa using filthy language and referring to his caste.
They then chased and assaulted him, causing severe injuries that led to his death.
The court recently sentenced 17 people to life imprisonment and three others to varying jail terms for this crime.
The court also ordered a fine of Rs 4.25 lakh to be paid to the victim's family.
17 persons sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a Dalit man, Devendrappa, in a 2014 caste-related clash in Shahapur taluk, Yadgir.
Three other accused received varying jail terms: one sentenced to 7 years, two to 6 months.
The court imposed a total fine of Rs 4.25 lakh on the convicted persons.
The incident began after banners with photographs of Dalit and upper-caste leaders were torn during festivities, leading to a dispute.
The accused insulted Devendrappa using filthy language and referring to his caste, then chased and assaulted him, causing fatal injuries.
- Who
- 17 persons sentenced to life imprisonment, 3 others to varying jail terms for the murder of a Dalit man, Devendrappa
- What
- Caste-related clash leading to the murder of Devendrappa
- When
- Incident occurred on January 17, 2014; judgment delivered on Thursday
- Where
- Shahapur taluk, Yadgir
- Why
- Tension began after banners carrying photographs of Dalit and upper-caste leaders were torn during festivities, leading to a dispute and subsequent murder
Prosecution
Defense
Guilt of the Accused
Prosecution
The prosecution successfully proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt, leading to their conviction under various sections of the IPC and the SC/ST Act.
Defense
The defense likely argued that the evidence was insufficient or circumstantial, and that the accused were not guilty of the charges.
- Date of Incident
- January 17, 2014
- Location
- Shahapur taluk, Yadgir
- Victim
- Devendrappa (Dalit man)
- Number of Convicts
- 20
- Life Imprisonment Sentences
- 17
- Other Sentences
- 1 sentenced to 7 years, 2 sentenced to 6 months
- Total Fine Imposed
- Rs 4.25 lakh
- Legal Representation
- Gurulingappa Shrimant Teli