Days after Sivanadiyar Saravanan’s suicide, the National Commission for Protection Of Child Rights has taken cognizance of the matter and has issued instructions to Salem’s District Superintendent Police to investigate and report within 7 days.
The complaint filed by Legal Rights Observatory sought an FIR against the police officer under the Juvenile Justice Act. The son and daughter of the Sadhu had told local media that their father was beaten mercilessly in front of them.
The Commission has taken cognizance of the matter, and necessary instructions have been issued to the District Superintendent of Police for investigation and report within 7 days. pic.twitter.com/IghVEXJGE8
— प्रियंक कानूनगो Priyank Kanoongo (@KanoongoPriyank) August 24, 2020
Sivanadiyar Saravanan hailing from Kundangal Kaadu near Sangagiri in Salem district was harassed by Sub Inspector Anthony Michael of Thevoor police station on August 14.
An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva he made his living by offering occult services like tying amulets, etc and also by performing rituals and poojas.
Inspector Anthony Michael had come from Thevoor Police Station to Sivanadiyar Saravanan’s home reportedly after receiving a complaint that alleged the latter of creating nuisance.
Saravanan was thrashed and beaten up in front his children by SI Anthony Michael. Feeling traumatized and humiliated, Saravanan had not spoken a word for the rest of the day.
On Saturday morning, he had left his house to never return. His body was recovered from a forest area on August 20. A cell phone recovered from the spot had a video recording of Saravanan’s suicide note.
In the video, Sivanadiyar Saravanan accuses SI Anthony Michael for his death. “I was subject to humiliation by SI Anthony Michael. For this extreme step of mine, nobody else is responsible other than Anthony Michael. Don’t think you can do all you want with the power you have. Somehow, this video will reach to the people. My soul will not leave you. You and your family cannot escape from my curse. I say this invoking the Sivan I worship. Father (Lord Shiva).. I am coming to you now. Siva Siva! Nama Sivaya!”
Sivanadiyar Saravanan’s son Shankar was reported saying that his father was beaten and humiliated in front of everyone for no wrong. He said that SI Anthony Michael had warned his father to not do what he was doing as there had been more than 10 complaints on him. Sankar was not able to stop the SI from beating as he was scared that the police might take action on him too.
Ever since the incident came to light #JusticeForSaravanan has been trending on social media. Relatives of Sivanadiyar Saravanan have called for strict action against SI Anthony Michael.