The caste atrocity incident in Pudukottai has created a sensation across Tamil Nadu. In this situation, many important decisions were taken in the peace meeting held at the Ilupur District Collector’s office. Key conclusions drawn therein:
- 26 people representatives from 3 communities living in Thayoor village participated in the meeting. The police have found the people who mixed faeces in the drinking water tank and are taking action
- Allowing Scheduled Tribes to worship in Thayoor Ayyanar Temple without discrimination.
- Decision to ensure equal living of all communities without double cup system in tea shop
What happened?
A large number of Scheduled Caste people are living in Venkai Wayal Street of Thaoyoor village under Muttukkadu Panchayat Union of Annavasal Panchayat Union. After a long struggle led by the people who were suffering without drinking water facility for many years, a reservoir tank with a capacity of 10,000 liters was constructed in Vengai field in 2016-17. In this case, some of the boys and girls from that area suddenly fell ill a few days ago.
Excrement mixed in the drinking tank:
Subsequently they were admitted to Pudukottai Government Medical College Hospital for treatment. After examining them, the doctors said that there might be some problem with the drinking water that the children drank. Subsequently, on the suspicion of the people of the area, when the reservoir tank was inspected, it was found that the drinking water was mixed with faeces. The people of the area informed the Kandarvakot Constituency Legislative Assembly Member M. Chinnadurai and the authorities about this.
A planned conspiracy?
Accordingly, MLA M. Chinnadurai, Kulathur District Collector Sakthivel and the police came to the spot and conducted an investigation. Based on the complaint filed by the village panchayat president regarding the incident, the police registered a case and continued the investigation regarding the contamination of the water tank in Venkaivyal area. The victims also alleged that they suspected that some people were involved in this act.
Complaint about not being allowed inside the temple:
In this situation, Pudukottai District Collector Kavita Ramu and District S.P. Vandita Pandey came to Vengai field area. At that time, the district collector inquired about the incident from the panchayat president and the affected people regarding the mixing of faeces in the drinking water tank. At that time, the people of Patti who spoke reported that they were not allowed in the Ayyanar temple there. In this regard, when we inquired from the villagers, they explained that we do not show any caste discrimination and that only the people of Patti do not enter the temple.
District Collector action:
After that, the district collector who asked for the key of the temple, took the people from Patti into the temple and made them have darshan of Swami. Talking about this, Pattiyalana said that we have been living in Vengai Wayal village for the past 3 generations, but now we are coming to this temple for the first time. I don’t understand how they consider us inferior. He said with pain that we have also started studying and progressing in the society.
After hearing the demand of the villagers, District Collector Kavita Ramu assured that appropriate action will be taken regarding them and the matter of faeces in the drinking water tank.