A local Chitling panchayat in Arur, Dharmapuri district, has found itself embroiled in controversy after it ostracized a family, sparking concerns about social justice and discrimination. The incident is particularly contentious as it occurred in the district represented by DMK Dharmapuri MP Senthil Kumar, who has positioned himself as a champion of social justice.
The dispute dates back thirty years when Chinna Kiriyan, belonging to the Scheduled Tribe, sold three cents of land to Arumuga Kavundar, the son of Varathappa Goundar, who resides in a neighboring garden. The sale was necessary as it provided access to Arumuga Goundar’s garden. However, it is alleged that sixteen years later, Sakthivel Gounder, the son of Arumugam Gounder, fraudulently registered a fake deed claiming ownership of the entire five cents of land.
When Chinna Kiriyan demanded the return of the land that legally did not belong to Sakthivel, the latter, who hails from a numerically dominant community, employed his influence to ostracize Chinna Kiriyan’s entire family. The family has reportedly faced social boycott for nearly five years, making it difficult for the children to attend school and interact with their peers.
In response to their plight, the Scheduled Tribe family has submitted a complaint to the Dharmapuri district collector, urging action against those responsible for their social ostracism and boycott.
Notably, the Member of Parliament representing the Dharmapuri constituency is Dr. Senthil Kumar, who has publicly identified himself as the grandson of Vadivelu ‘Gounder.’ While Senthil Kumar has projected himself as a social justice warrior and advocated for the eradication of caste divisions, critics question whether he will ensure justice for the tribal family allegedly facing social boycott by individuals from his own caste within the same district.
(With inputs from Thanthi Tv)
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