CPM protests caste abuse of farmer near Krishnagiri

KRISHNAGIRI: CPM members and others held a protest outside the Uthangarai revenue divisional office in Krishnagiri district on Monday demanding legal action against eight people who allegedly used caste-based slurs and obscene words against a farmer belonging to a Scheduled Caste community.V Dharman, a farmer in Perumalnaickanpatti, was allegedly subjected to abuse on April 25 while he was working on his own parcel of land. It is alleged that a group of eight people, including Marappan and his wife Rani from Kattusingiripatti, approached him and asserted that the parcel of land belonged to them. “They used caste-based slurs and obscene words, causing humiliation to Dharman and his family,” said CPM district president Panchalarasan.

He added that though Dharman had filed a complaint at the Kallavi police station on the same day, no action had been taken even after two months. The party leader alleged police were favouring dominant caste groups.The protesters demanded swift proceedings under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act against the eight people. Around 50 people, including CPM members and villagers, participated in the protest that lasted more than an hour. Police assured the protesters that they would look into the issue.