Condemning the alleged violence against Dalits in K. Alampatti village near Checkanoorani near here on Sunday, Evidence, a Madurai-based non-governmental organisation, has demanded adequate compensation to the affected households and quashing of the case filed under “unreasonable Sections” against Dalits.
In a statement issued here, A. Kathir, Executive Director, Evidence, also wanted the police to swiftly arrest all the caste Hindus who indulged in violence.
Presenting the findings of a team from Evidence that visited the village, the statement said that the issue allegedly started with a caste Hindu man verbally abusing a few Dalit youngsters without any provocation from them. A tussle broke out between the two groups subsequently when the caste Hindus allegedly tried to remove the flagpole erected by Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi.
According to Evidence, the caste Hindu man also went to Checkanoorani police station and “falsely reported” that they were attacked by Dalits. Later in the evening, a group of around 30 caste Hindus entered the area where Dalits resided and indulged in violence in which at least 11 houses were damaged, Evidence claimed. The report also alleged that a Dalit woman was verbally abused and assaulted in a manner that outraged her modesty.
Despite Dalits being the victims, Mr. Kathir alleged that the police had booked cases against both the sides under stringent provisions, including attempt to murder, and sought the withdrawal of the case against Dalits.
He demanded that the caste Hindus be booked under stringent Sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for the assault on the woman.
Pointing out that three Dalit youngsters had been hospitalised after the attack, Evidence demanded a compensation of ₹3 lakh for the trio and ₹5 lakh for the woman who was attacked.
