Bantwal: A family that came to Bantwal and started living in a rented accommodation has now registered a complaint against house owners of harassing them by imposing restrictions on visiting a local temple.

In his complaint, H T Devaiah has said that the owners of his house- Bhagirath and his wife Mamatha, residents of Mogarnadu of Narikombu village have been pressurising Devaiah and his family to stay away from temple and holy temple tree because the tenants are Dalits.

Devaiah, a Corporation Bank employee has said in his complaint that he, along with his wife and two daughters had come to Bantwal from Madikeri and occupied the house on September 2 following his transfer to Panemangaluru bank branch.

He has stated that after living in harmony with neighbours and with the owners of the house, only recently Mamatha had objected to Devaiah’s older daughter Poornima going to a nearby temple and also visiting the Ashwatha Katte (holy tree).

“She had later summoned me and specifically told me that since I am a Dalit, we as a family must refrain from visiting the temple,” said Devaiah in his complaint.

Case has been registered in this regard.