Chennai: A 20-year-old Dalit youth ended his life after he was allegedly assaulted by members of Vanniyar community at Soorapattu near Keda in Villupuram district. The issue started after the Dalit youth from Paraiyar community tried to help an elderly person from the dominant Vanniyar community.
According to a report on The News Minute, Raja, a resident of Surapattu in Villupuram, was found dead at his house on December 23.
On December 21, Raja and his friends went to have dinner at a place dominated by Vanniyar population. While returning, Raja saw an elderly man from the dominant community knocking on a door to get water.
On seeing this, Raja allegedly helped the man fetch some water. However, the son-in-law of the elderly man who saw this immediately unleashed casteist slurs against Raja.
This resulted in an altercation between Raja and the members of Vanniyar community identified as Moorthy, Mohan and Suresh. While they were having a heated argument, the trio attacked Raja, said the report.
Raja's friend who accompanied him rushed him to Mundiyampakkam government hospital where Raja was administered eight stitches on the face and body.
Following this, Raja's relatives alleged that Vanniyar men gave a false bike theft case against Raja and his associates at Kedar police station.
Based on a complaint, police registered a case under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Superintendent of Police N. Shreenatha denied reports that the police picked up the victim for questioning in a theft case.
(If anyone faces mental health issues or knows anyone having suicidal feelings, they can seek emotional support with helpline numbers from suicide prevention organizations in the state.
Tamil Nadu: The State Health Department's Suicide Helpline is 104.
Sneha Suicide Prevention Centre: 044 24640050)