Case Transferred to Another Court without Consideration of Caste Angle
Special Court Transfers Case Involving Human Excreta in Drinking Water
The shocking incident that occurred in Vengavayil village in Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu, where human excreta was found mixed with drinking water, has taken a new turn. Two years after the incident, a special court has transferred the case to a regular court based on the report submitted by the Tamil Nadu police’s CB CID wing.
Background of the Case
In December 2022, several children in Vengavayil village fell ill with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea. Upon investigation, it was discovered that human excreta had been maliciously thrown into an overhead tank in the area predominantly inhabited by the Scheduled Caste Arunthathiyar community. The incident sparked outrage and allegations of caste-based discrimination and untouchability.
CB CID Investigation Report
The CB CID investigation report revealed that three individuals, including a police officer, were responsible for the heinous act. The report stated that the motive behind the crime was retaliation for the suspension of a tank operator by a local panchayat chief. Surprisingly, the report ruled out any caste atrocity angle to the crime, as the accused and the victims belonged to the same caste.
Transfer of the Case
Due to the sensitivity and gravity of the case, it was initially handed over to the CB CID for further investigation. However, following the submission of the report, the special court in Pudukkottai has decided to transfer the matter to the district magistrate’s court for further proceedings.
Protests and Allegations
The findings of the CB CID investigation have sparked protests and allegations of a cover-up. Various groups, including the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), an ally of the ruling DMK party, have raised concerns and demanded that the case be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough and unbiased investigation. However, their plea to not accept the CB CID chargesheet was rejected by the court.
Moving Forward
As the case progresses in the regular court, it remains to be seen how justice will be served in this disturbing incident that shook the Vengavayil village community. The demand for transparency, accountability, and swift action to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice is echoed by all those affected by this appalling crime.