In a shocking incident that has rattled Tamil Nadu, a Class 11 student named T. Devendran aged 16 from Ariyanayagipuram was viciously attacked by a three-member gang near Srivaikuntam in Thoothukudi belongs to upper castes on March 10. The assault, believed to be linked to a previous “Kabaddi” match rivalry, has reignited concerns about caste-based violence in the region.
The Attack
Devendran was on his way to school in Tirunelveli when the harrowing attack occurred. Upon reaching Kettiammalpuram, he noticed three individuals waiting for him. Realizing the imminent threat, Devendran attempted to flee by bus, but the assailants pursued him relentlessly. They dragged him off the bus and assaulted him with sharp weapons, inflicting severe injuries on his head, back, neck, and hands. Tragically, both of his hands were mutilated, with four fingers severed — one of which remains missing. The attackers also inflicted six deep cuts on his head, causing skull damage, while his back sustained multiple lacerations.
Immediate Response and Medical Treatment
Following the brutal assault, alarmed bus passengers promptly alerted the authorities. Srivaikuntam Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Ramakrishnan and his team arrived swiftly, first transferring Devendran to Srivaikuntam Government Hospital. He was later moved to Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital, where he remains in critical condition. Surgeons are currently attempting to reattach his severed fingers, though one remains unaccounted for.
Police Investigation and Charges
The Srivaikuntam police have arrested three individuals, including two minors, suspected of carrying out the attack. The police have registered a case under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 294(b), 126, 118(1), and 351(3), which address offenses such as public obscenity, wrongful restraint, grievous hurt, and criminal intimidation. Furthermore, sections 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked to address the caste-related nature of the crime.
Caste-Related Motive
Devendran’s family firmly believes the assault was motivated by caste tensions. According to his father, Thanga Ganesh, Devendran played a pivotal role in his team’s victory against a rival team from Kettiyammalpuram, composed of individuals from the Thevar community. The family alleges that the attackers targeted Devendran in retaliation for this defeat, amplifying caste-related hostilities in the area.
Political Reactions and Demands
The brutal attack has sparked widespread condemnation, notably from the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK). VCK president and Chidambaram MP Thol Thirumavalavan denounced the violence, urging the Tamil Nadu government to establish a special police intelligence unit to prevent further caste-based atrocities. Thirumavalavan emphasized the need for systemic reforms to combat caste discrimination and called for stringent measures to ensure swift justice for victims.
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“Caste-based violence and killings are persistently occurring in the southern districts, particularly in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi. The Tamil Nadu government must take decisive action by forming a specialized intelligence task force to curb such incidents,” Thirumavalavan state. Caste based violence increased very much and the ineffective legal mechanism also boosting the incidents uncountably.
As Devendran continues to fight for his life, his family and community are demanding justice and stronger protective measures for marginalized groups. This distressing episode underscores the urgent need to address caste-based violence in Tamil Nadu and safeguard the rights of vulnerable communities.
*दलित टाइम्स उन करोड़ो लोगो की आवाज़ है जिन्हें हाशिए पर रखा गया है। *
महिला, दलित और आदिवासियों के मुद्दों पर केंद्रित पत्रकारिता करने और मुख्यधारा की मीडिया में इनका प्रतिनिधित्व करने के लिए हमें आर्थिक सहयोग करें।
