Daijiworld Media Network - Davanagere (SP)

Davanagere, Jan 29: 'Sidi', the practice of hanging people through ropes tied to raised poll, the other end of which is hooked to the person's back with iron hooks, was performed without any hitch at Kenchikoppa village in Nyamathi taluk in the district on Tuesday January 28.

The people follow this practice to appease the gods.

'Sidi' was performed as part of the annual festival of Kenchikoppa village presiding deity. A Dalit woman was tied to a poll and hanged in the air. Political secretary to the chief minister and MLA, M P Renukacharya and former MLA, D G Shanthana Gowda, inaugurated the festival.

The leaders said that this is not a bad practice as the villagers come together to celebrate it.

District superintendent of police, Hanumantharaya, said that report would be obtained and further action as may be necessary would be taken in the matter as Sidi has been banned by law.