NCSC promises government job to kin of Dalit murdered in Bodi

The murder happened on October 29, on the day of Deepavali, when Parthiban, a mason, who went to drink tea at Bodi Old bus stand. At the tea shop, there was dispute between a Dalit man and Nallathambi, a caste Hindu and a history-sheeter. Parthiban intervened and tried to diffuse the situation. This angered Nallathambi. By abusing him with his caste name Nallathambi took a log and hit Parthiban on his head. The nail in the wooden log pierced his head and affected his brain. Parthiban died on the spot and Bodinayakanur police booked a murder case and arrested Nallathambi. However, there was delay in giving compensation to the family. The Revenue department did not try to give a government job for Parthiban’s wife Eswari. Following this, women members of local NGO took steps and informed NCSC about the issue. Immediately the NCSC members visited Bodinayakanur on Friday. 

Senior investigators Lister and Rama Prabhu along with Pandirajan, Member, Vigilance and Monitoring Committee, Madurai district, held talks with officials about the murder case and the monetary relief distributed to the family. During the meeting officials informed NCSC that preliminary monetary compensation was distributed to the family but the NGO members alleged that the monetary distribution was given only after the officials knew about the NCSC visit to victim’s house. Then the NCSC members visited the house of Parthiban and interacted with the family members. They also interacted with Eswari and promised her a government job and immediate disbursal of rest of the monetary relief. During the interaction, the kin claimed that Parthiban was a shy person and interacted with anybody unnecessarily. But Nallathambi, who murdered him, was against Dalits and during the attack he had abused Parthiban with his caste name several times claimed the kin. NCSC members promised that all necessary action would be taken in the case.

Functionaries attached to the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katci (VCK) levelled allegations against the officials of Theni district claiming that the officials are favouring the caste Hindus and are threatening them when they go to file complaints at the police stations.

VCK functionaries met the NCSC members and submitted several petitions. During the meeting, they claimed that whenever they approach the police station with a complaint the policemen threaten them with counter case and owing to it Dalits are afraid to file complaints. They also quoted the example of a sanitary worker Gopi who was forced to do manual scavenging. Even though they complained with a video proof, the policemen did not file a case but in turn threatened Gopi. Owing to it, Gopi did not come forward to file a complaint against the officials who ill-treated him. When officials of the Revenue department were informed, they did not take any action and even the district Collector did not respond. Officials are acting against the Dalits claimed the VCK functionaries. They further alleged that at more than 25 village surrounding Andipatti, the two tumbler system still prevails. Though the officials are aware of it, they do not take action taken against the Caste Hindus alleged VCK functionaries.

Mariammal, State Secretary, SC/ST People Federation, the informed NCSC members that the residential areas of Dalits lack basic amenities. She claimed that no proper roads, drinking water facilities are provided to their area. Dalit people were always kept in the dark by officials and despite several petitions basic amenities were not arranged for them claimed Mariammal.