BELLARY: Prohibitory orders under Section 144 have been clamped in Yerrangli village for five days from Wednesday, and police have been deployed in strength, following the murder of a Dalit.

Harijan Thippanna, 45, a hamal, was dragged out 25 feet from a KSRTC bus on Tuesday and attacked with choppers by members of the Nayaka community. He died on the spot, following which the assailants fled.

Thippanna was on his way from Bellary to Yerrangli and was hauled out near Somasamudra Cross by four persons, who were joined by 19 others.

Horrified, the bus driver and conductor fled. Later, they took the bus to Yerrangli and lodged a police complaint. A search is on for the accused.

Some prominent Dalit villagers recalled a bullock cart race a few days back, which Naika community people interrupted when a Dalit's cart was leading.