Tamil Nadu Dalit Student Brutally Attacked On Way To Exam, Fingers Cut Off
Devendran, a Class 11 student and the son of daily wage laborer Thanga Ganesh, was traveling to his school in Palayamkottai on Monday morning when the attack took place.
An act of violence unfolded in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district when a Dalit student was ambushed by a group of assailants while on his way to an exam. The attackers severed his fingers and inflicted grave injuries, sparking widespread outrage over caste-based violence.
Brutal Attack On Young Student
Devendran, a Class 11 student and the son of daily wage laborer Thanga Ganesh, was traveling to his school in Palayamkottai on Monday morning when the attack took place. Around 8:30 AM, a gang of three individuals allegedly intercepted the bus at Kettiaymmalpuram, forcibly pulling him out, as per a report on DT Next. The assailants then assaulted him with machetes, leaving him with severe injuries to his head, back, and left hand. His father, who attempted to intervene, was also attacked and sustained deep wounds.
Eyewitnesses reported that the attackers fled the scene when bystanders attempted to intervene, reported India Today. Commuters rushed Devendran to Srivaikundam Government Hospital before he was transferred to Tirunelveli Government Hospital for advanced medical care.
Eight-Hour Surgery to Save His Fingers
A team of over 20 doctors from seven different medical departments performed a complex eight-hour-long surgery in an attempt to reattach Devendran’s severed fingers.
Doctors have confirmed that he remains under close observation, and his recovery will require extensive monitoring.
Family Alleges Caste-Based Retaliation
Devendran’s family has alleged that the attack was a targeted act of revenge stemming from a recent Kabaddi match. The student, known for his exceptional Kabaddi skills, had played a crucial role in defeating a team comprising caste Hindu players, as per reports. The family believes this victory may have triggered the attack. A few other reports alleged that the student reportedly teased a caste Hindu girl.
However, authorities have detained three minors in connection with the crime. Further investigations are underway.
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