A Sivanadiyar (Saivite Hindu Sadhu) named Saravanan committed suicide after being harassed continuously by a police official named Anothony Michael.
Saravanan hails from Kundangal Kaadu near Sangagiri in Salem district. 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.
Sivanadiyar Saravanan is a well-known face in and around the village. Last Friday (August 14), Sub 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.