Collect Rs 3L from caste Hindus who attacked Dalits: NGO

The incident happened on Thursday evening when Dalits were attacked by caste Hindus of the village due to a dispute in using a public water tap. In the incident, Dalits were attacked and their houses were torched. A team from Evidence carried out investigations at the spot. Kathir, Executive Director, Evidence, said that caste Hindus and Dalit families residing in the village had different timings for using the public tap. 

When some of the Dalit family members went to fill water at the time allotted for the other case, it was opposed by the caste Hindus. It is said that some of the caste Hindus had sexually and verbally abused Dalit women by calling their caste name. 

Pandi, a Dalit youth who questioned the caste Hindus was beaten with wooden and iron rods. Soon another section destroyed Dalit properties. Three houses were completely torched and 29 others were damaged using stones and wooden logs. In the incident 19 Dalits were injured and 15 were hospitalised. 

Kathir pointed out that though 100 caste Hindus were involved in the riot, only 26 had been arrested. “Remaining people should be arrested and Rs 3 lakhs as fine should be collected as fine from the caste Hindus. This would compensate for damaging Dalits properties,” said Kathir.