NGO demands action against those who attacked SC people

Condemning the ‘inaction’ of police department against the perpetrators belonging to caste Hindu community who attacked the members of a Scheduled Caste during a temple festival at Deevattipatti village in Salem district, Kathir of ‘Evidence,’ organisation based in Madurai, has released a press statement demanding strict action against those who were responsible for the violence.

In his statement, he said that it was revealed during his visit to the village that the SC people were attacked by the members of the intermediary castes.

He said that even police personnel, in the name of investigation, had entered houses of SC people and attacked them.

False cases had also been foisted against them with vested interests, he added.

Government o£cials held talks with the intermediary caste members who prevented SC people from entering the temple and attacked them but did not initiate action against them.

Hence, they should be subjected to departmental action.

Pointing out Pattali Makkal Katchi functionary Venkatesan’s alleged role in the attack, he said, he was not arrested yet.

“He should be arrested and remanded immediately,” he added.

He added that the National Human Rights Commission should take cognisance of the issue and investigate the matter.

Above all, he said, o£cials of the Mariyamman Temple, which is under the control of Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department, should ensure that SC people are allowed entry into the temple.

Those who act against their rights should be immediately arrested and punished, he demanded.