In a disturbing incident during the Diwali festival, a group of perpetrators attacked and brutally murdered a young man who refused to remove his turban while riding a bike after purchasing fireworks for the Diwali celebration. This tragic event occurred in Pudukkottai, sparking outrage and concern over caste-based violence and untouchability in the region.
Instances of caste-based violence, discrimination, and untouchability have been increasingly prevalent in and around the Vengaiyur village in Pudukkottai district. Similar incidents have occurred previously during Diwali in nearby regions like Karambakudi. In this context, when a young man named Prakash, belonging to the Crackers (firework) merchant community, went to purchase fireworks, he was confronted by caste-based assailants who forcibly removed his turban as a sign of disrespect. This incident was highlighted by the Neelam Campaign, an organization advocating against caste discrimination.
In the village of Keelathondaiman, a group of individuals associated with caste-based discrimination and their accomplices surrounded Prakash, verbally abused him with casteist slurs, and viciously attacked him in the Diwali market. Shockingly, they assaulted him 15 times on his head, leading to his fatal injuries.
To combat the prevalence of caste-based hatred and crimes against marginalized communities suffering from mental anguish, there is a pressing need for the strict enforcement of the SC/ST Atrocities Act. The Tamil Nadu government, under the leadership of Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, must take stringent measures to curb and prosecute instances of untouchability and caste-based violence that persistently plague the southern districts.
It is crucial to take decisive legal actions to protect the rights and safety of individuals mentioned in the ongoing list in the southern districts, combating untouchability through rigorous legal enforcement.