Fight to save 190 acres of land: Petitioner beaten by miscreants, enraged by High Court order; NCSC orders strict action
Madurai: National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) Director S. Ravivarman visited the Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH) in Madurai on Monday. He met the Dalit youth who was allegedly brutally beaten by miscreants. The victim’s only fault was that he had approached the court to remove illegal encroachment on Panchami land in Melur taluk.
What is the whole matter?
The petitioner, S. Muthuraja, filed a case in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. He told the court that approximately 190 acres of Panchami land in the Keeranur Panchayat of Melur had been illegally occupied by members of an influential community. Muthuraja is an earth mover by profession.
Hearing the case, the court delivered a historic verdict on November 7th, ordering the administration to remove the encroachment and restore the land. However, just 10 days after the court’s order, the petitioner had to pay a heavy price.
Attack with Sharp Weapons
Recalling the incident, Muthuraja, who is hospitalized, said, “I learned a few months ago that members of the dominant community were using 190 acres of protected Panchami land for farming and other activities. When the court ruled against them on November 7th, they became furious and began threatening to kill me.”
He further explained that on November 18th, members of the dominant community surrounded him. The attackers first hurled caste-related slurs at him and then attacked him with sharp weapons. Muthuraja suffered serious injuries to his hand, nearly severing it. Fortunately, locals intervened and rescued him and rushed him to the hospital.
Compensation and Security Assurance
NCSC Director S. Ravivarman, who arrived at the hospital on Monday, inquired about Muthuraja’s condition from doctors and officials. He issued strict instructions to officials to ensure the victim’s safety, compensation, and rehabilitation.
Ravivarman said, “The compensation for the victim will be announced within the next few days. If the victim suffers any physical disability (incapacitation) even after surgery or medical treatment, they will also be provided additional compensation.”
Police Action
Taking the matter seriously, the Melur police have registered a case against nine members of the Unruly community under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Police have arrested four attackers, while searches are ongoing to find other suspects.
Rajan Chaudhary
Courtesy: Hindi News