Chennai: A DMK Union Secretary ran into a controversy after he verbally abused a Dalit boy for entering a temple maintained by Vanniyars, a dominant caste group, in Salem district on Monday. The incident that took place on January 19 when the boy entered the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department (HR&CE) temple reportedly maintained by Vanniyars community in Thirumalaigiri of Salem district.
According to reports, on Thursday, the Dalit boy reportedly entered Arulmigu Sri Periya Mariamman Temple at Tirumalagiri to pray to the deity.
However, learning about this, Manickam, the DMK union secretary and a panchayat leader, allegedly verbally abused and threatened him. He also repeatedly questioned why the Dalit youth entered the temple.
The incident was also caught on camera and the video has gone viral. Manickam asked, "Who gave permission for you to go there? I’ll break your teeth and your father’s teeth."
Based on a complaint, the Salem police registered a case and arrested him. Salem Police officials said, “DMK functionary T Manickam who allegedly abused a Dalit man for entering a village temple in Salem Kanthampatti has been arrested by the police. He has been booked under the Prevention of Atrocities against the SC/ST Act.”
Following this, DMK suspended the party man over the issue. In a statement, DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan said, “DMK leader from Salem South District D Manickam abused a Dalit boy for entering the temple premises in Salem Kanthampatti. DMK has suspended D Manickam.”