CHENNAI: Even as the Tambaram city police ruled out an honour killing angle in the murder of a 23-year-old citing that the victim and the accused belonged to the same community, the VCK and Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) on Sunday (August 23) demanded a separate law against honour killings.
Praveenkumar, son of Karunakaran of Chinnamma Nagar in Thayaur near Kelambakkam, was attacked by a gang near his house on August 16.
He suffered severe injuries to his head, hands, and back and died at the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital on August 21. The police have arrested five people, including his girlfriend’s father and his brothers.
VCK president Thol Thirumavalavan said Praveenkumar's mother had told him that the killing was a case of honour killing. "His mother told me that it was a love affair and an honour killing. We will bring the issue to the attention of the Tamil Nadu government," he said.
He said Praveenkumar's mother had told him that her son left home after receiving a phone call and was attacked within 10 minutes.
Thirumavalavan demanded compensation for the family and referring to the allegations that one of those involved in the killing was associated with TVK, he said stringent action against everyone involved, irrespective of political affiliation.
Thirumavalavan said he had raised the need for an anti-honour killing law with Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay during a meeting two days ago and would reiterate the demand with the government.
TNUEF State president T Chellakannu and general secretary P Sugandhi also condemned the killing and sought a special law against honour killings.
They said the case highlighted that economic inequality could also trigger such violence even when the victim and accused belonged to the same community.
The organisation also demanded adequate compensation, protection and rehabilitation assistance for Praveenkumar's family.
It said choosing a life partner was an individual's personal right and that violence based on economic status, social standing or caste-based attitudes could not be justified.