Mysuru: Looks like its checkmate over the appointment of a dalit cook at the CM’s alma mater in Kuppegala village with caste Hindus refusing to budge from their stand of not allowing their children to partake of the mid day meals cooked by her.

For the last eight days children belonging to upper castes at this government run primary school are refusing to partake of the food prepared for the mid -day meal by a dalit cook.

Dalits from the village say that this is a case of indirect untouchability but the district administration has failed to act even as the school is 2 kms from the CM’s native village Siddaramaiahna Hundi.

Chief minister, who visited his Varuna constituency on Tuesday failed to intervene and resolve the issue amicably.

The CM had in fact visited his constiunency and met with the villagers. Instead of issuing directions however, he directed officials to settle the issue peacefully without ruffling the feelings of both the rival groups.

Social welfare minister Anjaneya taking a cue from him, is not pursuing the matter to a logical conclusion.  Officials, earlier eager to enforce the law have now reportedly backtracked. Though they booked a case against two villagers, they have not proceeded further. On Thursday children of a particular community refused to eat the bisioota prepared at the school, an official disclosed.

Meanwhile, dalit youths from the village approached the DC and SP and told them of threat to their life from upper caste people. Both the officials promised the youths giving protection to them and taking stringent action against those who violate the law.

District in charge minister V Srinivasa Prasadm on the other hand, who summoned the officials of revenue, social welfare and police department suggested to them not to exhibit any laxity on the issue and resolve it on priority basis. ” You will be held responsible if the things went haywire in the village” he warned, asking the officials to visit the village and settle it before Saturday.

On the other hand the officials are in a quandary over the issue with chief minister asking them to act prudently.” What we have to do if the chief minister himself tells like this” asked a senior officer, adding that they are caught between a devil and deep sea .

It was also disclosed that members of Scheduled caste commission from New Delhi is visiting the village on Monday.