DMK supremo MK Stalin (left), deceased Gomathi (right), images via Hindustan Times and Dinamalar
In a disturbing incident that has sent shockwaves through the community, a woman was mercilessly beaten to death in Pakkrimaniyam, near Srimushnam, in Tamil Nadu’s Cuddalore district, allegedly by supporters of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party. The tragic incident occurred following the Lok Sabha elections, reportedly due to the woman’s choice of voting for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The victim, identified as Gomathi, along with her husband Jayakumar, exercised their voting rights at their assigned polling booth on the morning of April 19. It is reported that Gomathi’s decision to vote for the BJP’s Lotus symbol incited anger among certain residents of the village, purportedly supporters of the DMK party. Subsequently, a group of individuals confronted Gomathi at her residence, questioning her choice of party affiliation.
In the ensuing confrontation, Gomathi was subjected to a brutal assault by the alleged DMK supporters, resulting in severe injuries. Despite efforts to rush her to a nearby hospital, Gomathi succumbed to her injuries, leaving the community in mourning. The assailants, identified as Arul, Arivumani, Pandian, Ravi, Kalaimani, Raja, and Dharmaraj, are reportedly members of the DMK party and remain at large as police intensify efforts to apprehend them.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage among villagers and the wider community, who have condemned the violent attack on a defenseless woman exercising her democratic right to vote. Accusations have been leveled against the ruling DMK party, with some alleging a pattern of intolerance towards individuals expressing political preferences contrary to the party’s agenda.
Villagers gathered to demand swift action from authorities in apprehending the culprits responsible for Gomathi’s untimely demise. Concerns over escalating tensions prompted authorities to deploy additional police personnel to maintain peace and prevent any further untoward incidents in the area.
BJP media wing functionary Karthick Gopinath in his X post said “ The VCK goons have attacked a BJP IT wing functionary because they are certain of a humiliating defeat! We are not averse to shedding blood for the nation but the d gang will be held accountable for every drop of blood spilt !”
https://x.com/karthikgnath/status/1781286391022055521
Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai too denounced the incident and said, “The news that Ms. Gomathi, a resident of Pakirimaniyam village near Srimushnam, Cuddalore district, was beaten to death by the DMK in front of her family on the day of vote registration is very shocking. There have been reports in the media that the DMK did this adverse act because they did not vote for their alliance in the election. It is not known that the DMK government has arrested the DMK members involved in this crime. DMK’s dictatorial tendency to do away with even the basic right of voting given to the citizens by the Constitution is very dangerous for democracy. Chief Minister Stalin, who dreams of saving India, must first look at the task of saving the people of Tamil Nadu from his party members. I urge immediate arrest and strict action against those involved in this crime.”
In a separate incident near Narasingapalayam union Panchyat polling booth in Jayakondam, Ariyalur district, clashes erupted between supporters of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the BJP. The skirmish resulted in injuries to several individuals, including BJP cadre Arun, who sustained severe head injuries and was hospitalised along with three others.
Allegations of electoral malpractice have also surfaced, with accusations levelled against the DMK party of tampering with voter lists in Coimbatore and Central Chennai Lok Sabha constituencies. Concerns over voter manipulation, including the alleged deletion of the names of BJP sympathisers and the distribution of cash to voters, have led to demands for repolling in affected constituencies.
The incident has reignited debates surrounding electoral integrity and the need for stringent measures to safeguard the democratic process. Both the DMK and AIADMK parties have faced scrutiny over their historical involvement in manipulating voter lists, a practice reportedly dating back to the 1970s.
As investigations into the tragic incident continue, calls for accountability and justice echo across Tamil Nadu, emphasising the imperative of upholding democratic principles and ensuring the safety and rights of all citizens, regardless of political affiliation.
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