NGO demands strict action against perpetrators of Deevattipatti attack on Dalit community members

Kathir of Evidence, a Madurai-based organization, has issued a press release condemning the police’s “inaction” against the perpetrators belonging to the Hindu caste community and members of the Dalit community during a temple festival in Deevattipatti village of Salem district issued a statement demanding strict action against those responsible for the violence.

In his statement, he said that during his visit to the village, it came to light that the villagers belonging to the Dalit community were attacked by members of the intermediate castes. He said that even police officers entered houses of the Dalit community and attacked them in the name of investigation.

False cases were also filed against members of the Dalit community with vested interests, he added.

Government officials held talks with the intermediate castes who prevented members of the Dalit community from entering the temple and attacked them, but did not take any action against them. Therefore, they should be subject to departmental measures.

He pointed to the alleged role of Pattali Makkal Katchi official Venkatesan in the attack and said he has not been arrested yet. “He should be arrested immediately and remanded in custody,” he added.

He added that the National Human Rights Commission should take note and investigate the matter. Above all, he said, officials at the Mariyamman Temple, which is under the control of the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, should ensure that members of the Dalit community are allowed entry into the temple. Anyone who violates their rights must be arrested and punished immediately, he demanded.