A fact-finding team has demanded the suspension of police personnel in Villupuram for not taking prompt action against all those named in a suicide note of a 29-year-old differently abled Dalit conservancy worker.
Ayyaru, a conservancy worker in Asanur village panchayat in Ulundurpet sub-division, was allegedly harassed by panchayat president Shanthi’s husband Selvaraj. According to a member of the team sent by Madurai-based non-governmental organisation ‘Evidence,’ taking advantage of Ayyaru’s ignorance, Selvaraj had not only abused him to clean toilets in his house, but also withheld his paltry salary of Rs. 2,040 per month.
When Ayyaru complained about this to his brother Harikrishnan, the latter questioned Selvaraj about it. Angered over this, Selvaraj had intimidated Ayyaru quite often. In a note, Ayyaru had held Selvaraj responsible for driving him to commit suicide.
While Selvaraj was arrested, the police have not acted against others named in the suicide note.
“Edaikal police personnel who had shown scant respect for Ayyaru’s complaint initially should be suspended. Panchayat president Shanthi should also be arrested. The State government should immediately release Rs. 10 lakh to the family members of Ayyaru,” the team said.
