Panel finds fault with police over Dalit-Muslim clash

L.Murugan of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes during a meeting in Coimbatore.

L.Murugan of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes during a meeting in Coimbatore.  

‘Incident could have been averted had they been alert’

Outsiders were involved in the clash between Muslims and Dalits in Bomminaickanpatti village near Theni [on May 5], and an alert police force would have prevented the clash, L. Murugan, vice-chairman of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, said here on Friday.

He made the remarks while addressing mediapersons ahead of a review meeting with officials of the Coimbatore Corporation.

The police, who had [received] inputs regarding the possibility of clashes breaking out, could have prevented the violence, had they not acted indifferently, he said.

The commission wants the State government to replace the investigation officer with an official in the rank of an Additional Superintendent of Police, as the police have thus far arrested only six of the 20 accused.

“The government should immediately disburse compensation to the affected Dalits,” Mr. Murugan added.

He claimed that the government had disconnected the supply of power and water to the Dalit families, and that the commission had to intervene to restore the connections.

Title deeds

Mr. Murugan said the commission had directed the State government to expedite the process of providing free title deeds to members of Scheduled Caste communities. It had also held a meeting with the Chief Secretary in this regard. But citing the high cost of land, the government had told the commission that it was finding it difficult to implement the scheme.

The commission directed the Coimbatore Corporation to ensure that conservancy workers employed on a contractual basis were paid ₹350 a day as promised and provided with safety gear like gloves and boots, and that their ATM cards were not in the illegal possession of usurious money lenders.

It also asked the Corporation to expedite the construction of new dwelling units for the workers, as their houses were in a dilapidated state.

To a query on the death of Anitha, a student from Ariyalur, Mr. Murugan said the commission's inquiry was on, and he would be able to comment only after it concluded.