‘Arrest perpetrators of caste atrocities’

Madurai: Charging that caste crimes are increasing each year in Tamil Nadu, victims and panellists at a public hearing on caste atrocities, called for the state govt to take active steps to prevent caste atrocities and also ensure victims of caste crimes get justice by not letting the perpetrators get away.
M Chinnadurai, a dalit student from Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, who scored 469/600 in the Class XII state board exams, even after being subjected to caste violence by his schoolmates, emphasised that only education will uplift anyone.
“When I was hospitalised after being attacked, my teachers supported me throughout by helping me study and I was able to get good marks. Continuing education was important to me as only then I can work and uplift my family. I’m happy to be able to go to college. I hope even those who attacked me also study well. Then they too can learn and come up in life,” he said.
Another prominent instance of caste crime that was discussed was the Vengaivayal incident wherein human faeces was found dumped into the overhead water tank supplying water to SC villagers. Continued inaction against those involved in the incident was condemned.
The jury panellists, comprising advocate B B Mohan, advocate Santhanam, Prof Semmalar, and A Kathir, executive director, Evidence, put forth various recommendations, including for the state police to avoid filing counter FIRs against victims of caste crimes and speed up pending court cases involving caste atrocities.
The public hearing was organised by Evidence, a Madurai-based NGO working for dalit rights, on Saturday in Madurai. Around 30 victims of caste atrocities took part in it.