A team from National Commission for Scheduled Castes, on Friday, visited the family of P. Kachammal (55), a Dalit woman who was murdered allegedly by a caste Hindu last week.
Two investigation officers enquired about the circumstances that led to the murder and checked whether the family received government assistance. S. Lister and A. Inian, the senior investigation officers, visited the rented house of the family in Vettukaliamman Koil Street in Anna Nagar.
The murder took place last Saturday when the accused Irulandi, who was also a tenant in the same building, picked up a quarrel with Kachammal, a conservancy worker in a private hospital, and her husband K. Pandi (65). Irulandi reportedly attacked them with an iron hook used to lift gunny bags and a log. The couple were admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital where Kachammal died the following day.
K. Selvi, the couple’s daughter, alleged that Irulandi, a daily wager, did not like the family belonging to Arunthathiyar community residing in the same building. “Ever since my parents moved to this house, he picked up quarrels unnecessarily and hurled casteist abuses,” she said.
Officials from Department of Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfarehanded rice and other provisions to meet temporary needs of the family as stipulated by the Scheduled Castes Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. While the officials informed the NCSC team that steps were being taken to provide pension to Kachammal’s husband K. Pandi (65), the family confirmed that they did receive the cheque for initial instalment of compensation as per the SC ST (PoA) Act.The family, however, expressed their concern that the city police were yet to arrest Irulandi. The police officials informed the NCSC team that the accused was a proclaimed offender due to his involvement in few other cases and assured that he will be arrested soon.
The team later visited GRH where Pandi is recuperating. B. Pandiaraja, Member, Madurai district Vigilance and Monitoring Committee for SC ST (PoA) Act, was present.
