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Dalit Girl Alleges Assault By DMK MLA Karunanithi’s Son

January 18, 2024
The Commune

An 18-year-old Dalit girl, employed in the household of Pallavaram (Chennai) DMK MLA Karunanithi’s son, was admitted to Ulundurpet Government Hospital with severe injuries. She had cigarette burns and injuries on her face and body. The young girl alleged that the MLA’s son and daughter-in-law had assaulted her.

Medical attention for the girl was only sought when she visited her mother during the Pongal festival, and her mother noticed the extent of her injuries and took her to the hospital. The Ulundurpet Hospital recorded multiple injuries and contusions on the victim’s body, prompting the hospital management to notify the police. The Ulundurpet police then informed the Thiruvanmiyur Police Station since the incident occurred in Chennai.

The New Indian Express reported that the Ulundurpet hospital informed the Neelankarai police when she came for treatment and the hospital authorities observed brand/cigarette marks on her. The report states that the police are yet to register a case, and investigations are ongoing. It was also reported that MLA Karunanithi denied the allegations.

The reported assault occurred at the residence of the MLA’s son in Thiruvanmiyur. The victim, originally from Ulundurpet, had been employed as a domestic helper at the residence since May 2023. Her mother is a domestic helper, and her father works as a driver – it is noted that the family belonged to Paraiyar community. Due to financial constraints, the mother permitted the victim to take on domestic work in the Thiruvanmiyur residence with the assurance that her daughter would pursue higher education in return.

The victim aspired to study medicine and took the job to save money for NEET coaching. Despite being promised a monthly salary of ₹16,000, she was only paid ₹5,000.

Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai responded strongly on his official X handle, urging for a prompt and thorough investigation to be carried out and called for swift action to be taken against the perpetrators under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.

He stated “The news that an 18-year-old Scheduled Caste girl, who worked at Chennai Pallavaram assembly member Karunanithi’s son’s house, was severely beaten and burned with cigarettes by the son and daughter-in-law of assembly member Karunanithi is very shocking. It shows the arrogance of the DMK to attack a young woman who came to work as a domestic worker because of the fact that it will help her for her medical education and because of her family situation. It is also revealed that after agreeing to pay ₹.16,000 per month, they have paid only ₹5,000 for all these months. I urge on behalf of @BJP4Tamilnadu that an immediate, speedy investigation be conducted and action be taken against the culprits under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.”

Confirming the occurrence, YouTuber Savukku Shankar mentioned on his official X handle that the incident is entirely accurate. The girl’s family was reluctant to disclose the truth due to alleged threats from the MLA and authorities. Shankar further stated that the Dravidian model was designed to shield individuals like Karunanithi, whom he referred to as sadists.

Another netizen remarked whether Thirumavalavan of Viduthalai Siruthaigal Katchi would take notice of this incident or allow it to go unaddressed.

Referencing a previous tweet from Udhayanidhi Stalin, the Sports Minister in the cabinet of Tamil Nadu government and son of CM Stalin, another netizen remarked indirectly that he had pledged to comment on any atrocity against the scheduled caste to uphold social justice. “Where is he now?”

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