In a disheartening incident that once again brings attention to the persistence of caste discrimination, recent events in Dharmapuri have raised concerns about the effectiveness of the Dravida model’s social justice government in Tamil Nadu. Despite the government’s claims of being a champion of social justice and a casteless society, these incidents highlight the prevalence of caste discrimination and social injustice faced by members of the Scheduled Caste community.
On May 12, the police arrested Chinnaiyan and his son, Yogeswaran, residents of Keeraipatty, in connection with an incident at their salon. The father-son duo was taken into custody and charged under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act of 2015. They are currently held in jail, awaiting further legal proceedings. According to the police, on May 9th, a 17-year-old boy from the Kelaparai Dalit colony visited the salon for a haircut. Shockingly, Yogeswaran, the hairstylist, refused to provide his services based solely on the boy’s caste.
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This incident prompted several other Dalit community members to come forward, sharing their own experiences of facing similar discriminatory treatment at the same salon. In an act of courage, the 17-year-old victim lodged a complaint with the Harur police on May 11, providing a video recording of his conversation with Chinnaiyan and Yogeswaran as evidence.
In a distressing incident highlighting the persistent issue of caste discrimination, Gauri Maharajan, a woman belonging to the Scheduled Caste community, has come forward with allegations of discriminatory treatment based on her caste. Gauri Maharajan, originally from Muthuvanthidal near Thirupuvanam in Sivagangai District, holds the position of head in the Panchayat Council. Meanwhile, Rajkumar, a member of the backward class within the same panchayat, serves as the secretary.
The allegations revolve around an incident that took place during a general meeting of the Panchayat Council. It is claimed that Rajkumar prevented Gauri Maharajan from occupying the chair designated for the council chairman, purportedly due to her caste background. This discriminatory act has deeply hurt and affected Gauri Maharajan, prompting her to lodge a complaint with the District Collector, urging swift action against Rajkumar. Expressing her disappointment and frustration, Gauri Maharajan has stated her intention to step down from her position if no action is taken against Rajkumar.
பட்டியலின ஊராட்சித் தலைவரை இருக்கையில் அமரவிடாமல் மிரட்டல் விடுத்ததாக புகார்! pic.twitter.com/lqDEXMhBbU
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Rajkumar, the former Panchayat Secretary of Muthuvanthidal, faced accusations which he vehemently denied, labeling them as baseless. However, amidst the controversy, Rajkumar was transferred, paving the way for Maharajan to assume the position.
The situation escalated further when Gauri Maharajan, accompanied by 50 villagers, lodged a formal complaint at the district collector’s office, urging appropriate action against Rajkumar. Simultaneously, in Thirunalur Panchayat Council, affiliated with DMK, tensions erupted during the construction of a 50-year-old panchayat office building.
Manimuthu, the council’s president, found himself embroiled in a confrontation with Thennalur Palaniappan, the Deputy Secretary of the DMK Literary wing in Pudukkottai District. Allegedly, Palaniappan hurled derogatory remarks questioning Manimuthu’s legitimacy to lead in their vicinity. Verbal altercations ensued, escalating to caste-based insults between Manimuthu, Palaniappan, and their supporters.
Despite filing a complaint at the Iluppur Police Station, no action was taken, prompting Manimuthu to seek redress from the District Collector and District Superintendent of Police. However, their petition was allegedly refused by the District Collector. In response, Manimuthu, along with other community leaders, demanded immediate government intervention to address the situation and ensure justice and accountability prevail.
In a recent incident of alleged political vandalism, Malarkodi Srinivasan, the Chairman of the Kadichambadi Panchayat Council under AIADMK affiliation, lodged a complaint at the Swamimalai police station on May 9th. She demanded action against individuals responsible for removing her name from a plaque displayed on the newly constructed Panchayat Council office, inaugurated on August 10, 2023.
Malarkodi’s name had initially been prominently featured on the office facade after its inauguration, in accordance with model code rules, temporarily concealed during elections, and subsequently unveiled by Malarkodi herself. However, upon inspection, it was discovered that her name had been tampered with.
Malarkodi pointed fingers at N. Sivabalan, the Vice President of the Panchayat affiliated with the PMK, and M. Selvakumar, a former Panchayat Council President affiliated with the DMK. She accused them of circulating derogatory messages about her on WhatsApp, tarnishing her reputation.
While these incidents have come to light, Malarkodi expressed frustration, suggesting that such occurrences receive more attention if they were to happen in BJP-ruled states, implying a lack of media coverage due to the ruling DMK party’s influence in Tamil Nadu.
A journalist echoed similar sentiments, suggesting a reluctance in the media to criticize the ruling party, potentially out of fear.
