Dalit assaulted, Ostracised http://www.newindpress.com/NewsItems.asp?ID=IET20071003032111&Page=T&Headline=Dalit+assaulted%2C+Ostracised&Title=Southern+News+-+Tamil+Nadu&Topic=0
Wednesday October 3 2007 13:42 IST ENS PERAMBALUR: A Dalit was allegedly assaulted and ostracised for taking bath in the village pond at Vadakadal in Udayarpalayalam taluk of Perambalur district. According to sources, Duraiswamy, a 58-year-old Dalit was attacked by Rajendran, a caste Hindu of the same village, for taking bath in the pond meant for caste Hindus on Wednesday last. Alarmed at the treatment meted out to him, Duraiswamy took up the issue with the village heads but in vain. Adding insult to injury, another Dalit was also assaulted, when he came in support of Duraiswamy. Subsequently, they preferred a complaint with the police, who took into custody Rajendran, though after three days. Duraiswamy was also threatened to withdraw the complaint or face dire consequences. Meanwhile, caste Hindus who convened a meeting headed by Samithurai, president of the adjacent Pookollai panchayat, decided to ostracise Duraiswamy, sources said. The Dalits were also told that they would not be able to board buses if the complaint was not withdrawn. Police are investigating.
