The student attempted suicide after being subjected to caste-based abuse; father questions police investigation, department offers 6 lakh rupees in aid
Villupuram: A heartbreaking case of alleged caste-based discrimination has come to light in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu. An 18-year-old Dalit student, who attempted suicide after being humiliated by caste-based abuse and assault, died in hospital on Tuesday. The deceased student had been battling for life in the ICU for the past 10 days.
The deceased has been identified as S. Gajini, a resident of Vadakuchipalayam. He was a first-year history student at the Government Arignar Anna Arts College.
What was the full story?
According to sources, the incident occurred on November 6th. Gajini was returning home from a hotel. Meanwhile, three men from the Vanniyar community, who were allegedly intoxicated and riding on the same bike, hit Ghazni’s two-wheeler.
The collision led to an altercation. It is alleged that upon learning that Ghazni belonged to the Dalit community, they began hurling casteist slurs at him and physically assaulted him. Sources say that when Ghazni’s father tried to intervene, the three accused fled the scene.
Horrified by the humiliation, Ghazni took a drastic step.
Three days after the incident, Ghazni attempted suicide at his home. His family immediately rescued him and admitted him to the Government Medical College and Hospital in Mundiyambakkam. He was admitted to the Intensive Critical Care Unit (ICU). After 10 days of treatment, he succumbed to his injuries early Tuesday morning.
Questions about the police investigation
The Villupuram Taluk police have registered a case under the SC/ST Act against three unidentified men based on the complaint. Police sources say the student was unable to confirm the identity of the accused, making it difficult to trace the suspects. However, the family claims that Ghazni had identified at least one of the attackers.
“My son is gone, we want justice.”
The deceased’s father, P. Semmeneri, has questioned the administration’s actions. He said, “How difficult is it for the police to track the mobile tower signal at the scene? The police are not conducting a proper investigation because my son is no longer alive. We want justice.”
He also demanded that Dalit residents on the route to the bus stop be ensured of safety.
Compensation announced: Amidst this tragic incident, the District Adi Dravidar Welfare Department has approved a compensation of ₹6 lakh for the victim’s family. The student’s death has left the area in mourning, and the family is pleading for justice.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News