Tussle over Poll Booth Representation Triggers Attack on Dalits; 14 Booked

THANJAVUR: Total of 14 persons were booked for assaulting Dalit youth near Papanasam over a tussle during the polling day.

According to police, a group of Dalit youth of Veerancherry questioned the non-inclusion of members of their community in the work being carried out at a booth set up by DMK alliance parties beyond 200 metres of the polling station. It was objected by the dominant community members. As the polling was on, the issue was settled then. However, on Friday when Dalit youth Ilayaraja, Prasath and eight others were at a tea shop, 14 members of a dominant community questioned the Dalit youth act on the polling day. The gang also threw stones at them.

Ten persons were injured. Of them Ilayaraja, Sathyamurthy, Arivazhagan were admitted to Kumbakonam Government hospital. Based on a complaint by T Murugan, the brother of the injured Ilayaraja, Kabisthalam police have registered a case against 14 persons including J Baskar of Pudutheru, A Suresh and M Satheesh, belonging to dominant community. They were booked under sections 147 (rioting), 324 (causing hurt with dangerous weapons) of Indian Penal code and under sections 3 (i)(x) of SC, ST (Prevention of atrocities) Act.

The police also booked a case against the 13 Dalit youths including Ilayayaraja of Keezhatheru and Saravanan under various sections including 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 307 (attempt to murder) and 392 (robbery) of Indian penal code based on a complaint filed by J Baskar of the dominant community.

It is said in the complaint that seven persons including Kunjammal, Tamilselvi and Marimuthu of the dominant community were attacked and injured by the Dalit youth.

Source: www.newindianexpress.com