By DCD Reporter
Raghul, a 22-year Dalit youth was brutally on Feb 1 attacked by three men for asking to pay the salary.
This incident went on viral on social media and shocked many.
He is from a village called Poondi which comes under Ammapettai police station in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, south India.
As many as ten men attacked Raghul and then dragged him to a grove where he was attacked continuously. The perpetrators took turns to attack him.
The boy’s eyes were tied by a cloth and tied in a tree. He was beaten with a stick repeatedly. One of the perpetrators sat on his head and the other one lashed him violently.
He pleaded for life, begging them to stop beating but the heartless men did not stop.
Raghul was already under medication due to a blood clot in his brain. Knowing his illness, the perpetrators accused him of stealing the money.
“I have watched so many videos on the attacks of Dalits which make me angry and painful but I am devastated to see this heinous act in Tamil Nadu,” says Joseph Edward, a social activist.
Raghul is found with a lot of injuries and attempted suicide. He is now admitted to the government hospital of Thanjavur. Thol. Thirumavalavan, President of Vidudalai Chiruthaigal Katchi tweeted saying Raghul, a Dalit youth, is attacked by the dominant caste men.
Tamil Nadu is called the soil of E.V. Ramasamy who is fondly called Thanthai (father) Periyar. He is known for social justice and started the Self-Respect Movement. He is also known as the ‘Father of Dravidian Movement’.
It is said that it is because of him the poor and marginalized and women found a place in society.
“It is painful to see that the Dalits are attacked every day for no reason. This makes me not believe in humanity and the judiciary of our country. Hatred against the Dalits and minorities ruin the peace and harmony of society,” says Jesindha Dharmaraj, a social worker.
India is known for non-violence but the dominant caste attitude makes no place for the vulnerable in this country, he decries.
Evidence Kathir, a lawyer and a social activist, has also posted on his social media page on this issue. Narrating the incident he poses a question to the audience—if the boy was found stealing why wasn’t he brought to the police station?
As many as seven perpetrators were arrested and the case has been filed on eight people. This kind of incident should be stopped, says Kathir.
