Dalit woman sexually abused in Ariyalur dist, action sought

Sources said the incident happened when Latha (name changed), a mother of two children, went to buy commodities at the shop on February 27. She was stopped and assaulted by G Gopi (25) for coming into the village. He then dragged her to a nearby bush and sexually assaulted the woman. Latha, who attempted to flee the spot, sustained injuries after falling.

A case was later registered by the Ariyalur all women police under various sections of the IPC and the prevention of atrocities (SC/ST) Act. Subsequently, police arrested Gopi and produced him in the Jayankondam court, which remanded him in judicial custody. Latha is currently undergoing treatment in the Ariyalur Government Hospital.

Evidence, the Madurai-based organisation working for the rights of Dalits, investigated the issue and found Latha’s claims to be true.

It has recommended the State government to detain Gopi under the Goondas Act, without giving him bail until his prison term gets completed. The organisation has also demanded a compensation of Rs 25 lakh and pension of Rs 10,000 per month to the victim. It has also urged the National Commission for Women to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.