The southern districts of Tamil Nadu have been plunged into turmoil as caste conflicts and attacks on whistleblowers continue unabated. One such harrowing incident unfolded on May 4, 2024, when 36-year-old social activist and whistleblower D. Ferdin Rayan was savagely assaulted with a sharp-edged weapon in Tirunelveli.
Rayan, hailing from Samathanapuram, was targeted while en route to the badminton court at the Anna Stadium complex in Palayamkottai. The assailant, who remains unidentified, launched a vicious attack on Rayan, inflicting severe injuries before fleeing the scene. Despite Rayan’s cries for help, the attacker managed to escape before bystanders could intervene.
Activist Ferdin Rayan was hacked by unidentified persons in Tirunelveli. He has been admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital with severe injuries. pic.twitter.com/ORsVg6UcsU
— Thinakaran Rajamani (@thinak_) May 4, 2024
Rayan sustained grievous wounds and was promptly rushed to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital for urgent medical attention. Thankfully, doctors have confirmed that his condition is stable, and he is currently out of danger.
Authorities suspect that the assault on Rayan may be a repercussion of his relentless whistleblowing activities. Rayan has been actively involved in filing complaints against illegal construction within Tirunelveli city and unauthorised stone mining in the district. His courageous actions in exposing scams and corrupt practices within the mines department, Corporation, Electricity Board, and other governmental bodies have earned him both acclaim and enmity.
Notably, Rayan has been a vocal opponent of the exploitation of natural resources, particularly illegal quarries. His unwavering commitment to public welfare and transparency has made him a thorn in the side of those involved in illicit activities.
On the day of the attack, Rayan had left his residence around 5:40 AM to visit the badminton club behind the Corporation building in his car. However, unidentified individuals on a motorcycle intercepted his vehicle near the Corporation building and launched a brutal assault on him with machetes, targeting his head, back, and arms.
Despite sustaining severe injuries and profuse bleeding, Rayan managed to drive his car into the Corporation compound. Passersby rushed to his aid upon hearing his cries for help, but the assailants fled the scene before they could be apprehended.
D. Ferdin Rayan, a native of Kadalpuram in Thoothukudi and a prominent member of the fishermen community, has been at the forefront of exposing corruption and malpractices in Tirunelveli district. As the state president of the Bharathavar Association, Rayan has fearlessly utilized the Right to Information (RTI) Act to uncover misdeeds of officials and file cases to seek justice for grievances.
Rayan’s efforts have led to significant revelations, including the appalling conditions of a hospital near Sarah Tucker College, which lacked basic facilities and infrastructure. With evidence in hand, he approached the Madras High Bench in Madurai, resulting in the court ordering the sealing of the hospital.
Additionally, Rayan has exposed numerous illegal constructions, revealing that over 122 buildings were erected without proper approvals, depriving the government of significant revenue. He also brought to light a fraudulent road-laying contract and the illegal operation of stone quarries, despite the district’s denial of permission following a fatal accident involving a North Indian boy.
In his pursuit of justice, Rayan challenged the implementation of a Rs. 1,000 crore Smart City project in Tirunelveli district, alleging that works were undertaken without proper approvals. However, his activism has not gone without consequences, as he has faced threats warning him against interfering in such matters.
The attack on Rayan on May 4 underscores the dangerous environment faced by activists in Tirunelveli, a district notorious for caste conflicts. The close nexus between police and caste outfits further exacerbates the situation, with officers often siding with dominant castes.
During the 1990s, due to heightened caste conflicts, a directive was issued barring top police officers from these three caste groups from being posted in Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, and Tenkasi districts. However, in recent years, this rule has been flouted, allowing caste-based officials to operate with impunity.
Moreover, intelligence officials, stationed in the district for over a decade, monitor activities closely and report any abnormalities to higher authorities. This scrutiny often results in attacks on social activists being mischaracterized as extortion or personal disputes, diverting attention from the underlying issues.
The presence of stagnant Special Branch police personnel further exacerbates the situation, as they remain stationed in the district without transfers for extended periods.
Wave of Attacks on Whistleblowers and Activists Unveils Dark Reality in Tamil Nadu
Recent weeks have seen a disturbing surge in attacks on whistleblowers and activists in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu, shedding light on the perilous environment faced by those daring to expose corruption and illegal activities. The latest victim, Congress district functionary KPK Jayakumar Dhansigh, was found charred days after being reported missing, his assailant still at large, shrouding the circumstances of his demise in mystery.
Advocate Brahma of Tirunelveli, known for filing cases against errant hospitals and hotels, became the target of an attack, highlighting the risks associated with seeking accountability through legal channels. Similarly, Balakrishnan, a tenth standard-educated villager from Agram village in Thoothukudi, faced threats to his life after reporting illegal sand mining in the Murappanadu-Tamirabarani river. The swift intervention of judges Kirubakaran and Pugalendi from the Madurai bench ensured Balakrishnan’s safety, with armed police now providing him with round-the-clock protection.
Tragically, these attacks are not isolated incidents. VAO Lourdsamy met a gruesome fate in his office, hacked to death for daring to raise complaints against illegal sand quarrying. Despite repeated instances of violence and loss of life, authorities have failed to take decisive action against sand and stone quarry miners, allowing the menace of illegal mining and smuggling to persist unchecked.
The alarming trend extends beyond attacks on individuals. Those who seek information through RTI are increasingly becoming targets, as evidenced by the growing number of assaults on activists like D. Ferdin Rayan and others who dare to challenge the status quo. Such attacks not only endanger the lives of brave individuals but also erode the foundations of democracy and accountability.
In stark contrast, the administration in Thoothukudi has managed to contain caste conflicts and apprehend anti-social elements and drug peddlers, showcasing the potential for effective governance when law enforcement agencies prioritise public safety and welfare. However, in Tirunelveli district, cases of robbery and property disputes often go unregistered, leaving victims vulnerable and justice elusive.
As the wave of attacks continues unabated, there is an urgent need for authorities to prioritise the safety and security of whistleblowers, activists, and citizens seeking justice.
Comments