NEW DELHI — A two-month-old infant died from injuries suffered in a violent caste clash at a temple in southern India’s Telangana state, prompting the National Human Rights Commission to launch an investigation.

The NHRC registered the case this week based on a complaint from Hyderabad lawyer Rama Rao. It details an attack on a family from the Chakali community, classified as Other Backward Class, during the Mallanna Jatara festival on February 21 in Kummera village, Nagarkurnool district.

Chakali Chandrakala, her son Sakali Ganesh, daughter-in-law Mounika and other relatives arrived at the temple for darshan, a ritual viewing of the deity. Organizers blocked them at the entrance, the complaint states. Names listed among the assailants include Sarpanch Tukaram Reddy, Undyala Srinivas Reddy, Srikant Reddy, Satish Reddy Kannireddy and Kufender Reddy.

The family protested the denial of entry. That’s when the abuse started. Organizers hurled caste slurs and turned physical. Amid the scuffle, someone kicked the infant the family was carrying. The child hit the ground hard, suffering severe injuries.

They rushed the baby to a local hospital. Doctors fought to save the tiny life. Efforts failed. The infant succumbed soon after.

Rama Rao’s filing accuses police of ignoring the family’s pleas for justice. No arrests followed the assault, he claims. State authorities also stayed silent, allowing caste discrimination to claim a life. The lawyer demands a thorough probe, action against the perpetrators and compensation for the grieving family.

The NHRC notice went out to Telangana’s chief secretary and police chief in Nagarkurnool. Officials must submit a detailed report within two weeks. They face questions on why entry to the temple hinged on caste during a public festival. The commission wants evidence of any inquiry into the organizers’ conduct.

Local leaders from dominant castes often control access to village temples in Telangana. Rights groups say such barriers persist despite laws banning caste discrimination. The Mallanna Jatara draws thousands to Kummera each year. This year’s event turned deadly.

Chandrakala’s family belongs to the Chakali caste, traditionally weavers. They say temple rules barred them that day. Organizers, mostly from Reddy and other forward communities, enforced the restriction violently.

Police records from Nagarkurnool show no FIR was filed immediately after the assault. The family claims officers dismissed their account. Only after the infant’s death did they approach higher authorities—and then the NHRC.

Telangana reported 1,247 caste atrocity cases last year, per state data. Activists call the infant’s death a stark reminder of rural India’s caste fault lines. NHRC probes have led to convictions in past temple entry disputes.

The commission’s move signals scrutiny on festival organizers. Sarpanch Tukaram Reddy holds sway in Kummera. Other named men serve as local influencers. None has commented publicly.

Family members told investigators they fear retaliation. Ganesh and Mounika now care for Chandrakala amid the tragedy. The infant was their first grandchild.

NHRC officials declined immediate comment beyond confirming the case registration. Telangana authorities have yet to respond.