SC activists targeted by dominant communities in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, says NGO

MADURAI Dominant caste Hindus and communities in Tamil Nadu appear to be targeting Scheduled Caste (SC) activists and whistle-blowers, especially in southern districts, according to a Madurai-based non-governmental organisation. A. Kathir, executive director. Evidence, on Wednesday threw light on the ordeals faced by victims in the hands of dominant caste/communities.

For instance, Balamurugan, 42, who lived at Sottaiyan Thoppu, Gandhi Nagar, in Thoothukudi district, was a functionary in Viduthulai Chiruthai Katchi (VCK). He owned a small vegetable shop and also acted as a driver of goods vehicles in the locality. On November 1, Balamurugan was closely followed by four men in two-wheelers when he was approaching a petrol pump around 6 a.m.. The gang members surrounded him and attacked with deadly weapons.

He died on the spot. Thalamuthu Nagar police station registered a case under various sections under the BNS and SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act against six suspects and arrested five of them.