TN Assault Horror: Dalit Youth Stripped, Humiliated And Robbed

Two young Dalit men, S Manoj Kumar (21) and S Mariappan (19) were targets of a horrific act committed by six people in Tirunelveli, Tamil Nadu. The attackers put the duo through a gruesome ordeal that included stripping them naked, urinating on them, and eventually robbing them of their items, including cash and cell phones. This heinous conduct has sparked widespread outrage and sparked a heated debate about the place of Dalits in our society.

On Monday, the two young men ventured to the Thamirabarani riverbed at approximately 7:30 pm intending to take a simple bath. A group of individuals descended upon them and initiated an attack. The situation escalated when the assailants discovered the survivors' Dalit background, leading to a brutal intensification of the assault. The assailants demanded that the two strip and then subjected them to the degrading act of urination. Adding to their misery, the attackers also forcibly took away their silver jewellery and mobile phones, leaving them in a state of helplessness and emotional distress.

The Brutal Assault

The torment inflicted on these Dalit youths stretched on for over five harrowing hours, commencing at 7:45 PM and continuing until 1 AM. During this period, the attackers demanded a ransom of Rs. 5,000. In response, one of the two reached out to his employer, pleading for financial assistance. After the money was transferred, one accused used the survivor's bike to reach a nearby ATM and withdraw the demanded sum.

A Narrow Escape

After enduring unspeakable suffering, the two managed to escape and finally reached the safety of their homes late at night. Subsequently, the Thatchanallur police stepped in, registering cases against the alleged culprits, namely Ponmani, Nallamuthu, Aayiram, Ramar, Lakshmanan, and Siva from Tirunelveli. The charges brought against the assailants include various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 2015.

Allegations and Investigations

This disturbing incident has sparked outrage within the community and among concerned individuals who are demanding justice for the survivors. Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi district secretary MC Sekar and local functionary Murugan Kannan have raised allegations that the police are attempting to downplay the severity of the incident, categorizing it as a simple robbery. In contrast, Tirunelveli City Police Commissioner C. Mageswari has asserted that a thorough and impartial investigation is underway to ensure justice is served.

The horrifying incident in Tirunelveli is a stark reminder of the deeply entrenched caste-based discrimination and violence that continue to plague our society. It highlights the urgent need for a comprehensive overhaul of attitudes, laws, and policies to protect the rights and dignity of Dalits and other marginalised communities in the country.

Suggested reading: 3 Arrested For Sexually Assaulting Two Bangladeshi Men In Delhi: Police