In July 2023, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issued summons to farmers Kanniyan and Krishnan, residents of Ramanayakkanpalayam village near Aathur in Salem district. The summons were sent to the address that included the caste name of the farmers, and required them to appear at the ED office in Chennai on July 5, 2023.
The farmers, who are illiterate and belong to a Scheduled Caste, appeared at the ED office in Chennai on July 5, 2023, with their Aadhaar cards and bank account passbooks. They alleged that they were threatened and harassed by ED officials during the questioning.
A lawyer named Praveena filed a complaint with the Nungambakkam police on behalf of the farmers. The police reportedly initiated an investigation into the complaint.
Meanwhile, it is alleged that Salem district BJP leader Gunasekaran had been threatening and intimidating the farmers in order to acquire their 6.5-acre agricultural land. It is believed that the ED summons were issued following these threats.
The farmers and other organizations condemned the ED for issuing summons that included the caste name of the farmers.
On January 2, 2024, the farmers submitted a complaint to the Salem district Superintendent of Police (SP) demanding action against the ED officials who issued the summons. In the complaint, they also requested action against Gunasekaran for trying to acquire their land.
In the wake of the strong opposition to the ED’s action, it is reported that the ED has decided to withdraw the case against the farmers.