Bengaluru, May 9 -- The barber shops in Koppal district were re-opened on Thursday after almost three months when a social boycott was called by the leaders of Muddaballi village after a dispute between a barber and a member of Dalit community over payment.

"In February, a barber abused a member of the Dalit community after the latter did not pay for the haircut. After the incident, on March 1 the Muddaballi village leaders announced the decision to boycott the Dalit community. No complaint was filed by anyone," Koppal tahsildar Vitthal Chowgali said.

On Wednesday, the tahsildar along with taluk panchayat executive officer Dundappa Turadi, and deputy superintendent of police Muttanna Sarvagol visited the village to address the issue dir...