DHARMAPURI: A Dalit DMK functionary has filed a complaint against another office-bearer of the party, alleging that he was subjected to caste-based abuse, while police are yet to register a case on the matter.

Arumugam, deputy secretary of the DMK in Dharmapuri district, submitted a petition at the office of the district police superintendent on Sunday, alleging that Mallamuthu, secretary of the Nallampalli central union, had used derogatory caste slurs against him.

Arumugam belongs to the Scheduled Caste community.In his complaint, Arumugam said the issue arose after flex banners were erected in villages following the appointment of Dharmapuri MP A Mani as secretary of the Dharmapuri East district unit. He alleged that Mallamuthu questioned local functionaries about who had authorised the banners and claimed that he alone would decide whose photographs should be displayed, besides issuing threats.

Arumugam stated that when he contacted Mallamuthu over the phone to question him, an argument broke out. He further alleged that Mallamuthu later spoke to others over the phone and made caste-based derogatory remarks against him.

He claimed to have audio recordings to support the allegation.The complainant also alleged that a fabricated audio clip portraying him as speaking under the influence of alcohol was circulated on social media, and that the content was mimicked and shared in a manner that could incite caste tension.

He requested the police to verify the audio and take action against him if any substance was found. Otherwise, he sought action against Mallamuthu under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Police sources said no case has been registered so far in connection with the complaint.