Police are investigating a shocking attack on a young Brahmin boy, Akhilesh (12), who was assaulted by four men on a two-wheeler while on his way to attend a spiritual programme in Thiagaraja Nagar. The incident occurred on Sunday, 22 September 2024, around 4:30 PM, when Akhilesh was walking shirtless from TVS Nagar Street to participate in a bhajan organized by the Asthika Samajam Trust. The attackers pulled Akhilesh’s janeu/poonool/sacred thread, cut it, and threatened him before fleeing the scene.
A complaint was lodged at the Perumalpuram police station, and an investigation led by Assistant Commissioner Vijayakumar is underway. Police are reviewing surveillance footage from the Sivandipatti Road area to identify the suspects involved in the attack. The incident has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from political and religious leaders.
Tamil Nadu Brahmin Association Condemns Incident
The Tamil Nadu Brahmin Association (THAMBRAAS) issued a statement condemning the attack on Akhilesh and the cutting of his sacred thread. The association urged the Tamil Nadu government to take immediate action against the assailants, calling the act an assault on religious freedom and personal belief. THAMBRAAS assured the Brahmin community that such attacks would not intimidate them and vowed to face them with courage.
THAMBRAAS further criticized the growing trend of anti-Brahmin rhetoric, citing recent political statements made at public events. The association called on the government to uphold the principles of secularism and ensure that no community is targeted or marginalized based on their religious or cultural practices.
— Dhasarathy (@Dhasarathyv) September 22, 2024
TN BJP Leader Condemns Attack
Tamil Nadu BJP Vice President Narayanan Thirupathy strongly condemned the attack, and the threats made against Akhilesh. Thirupathy took to social media, calling on Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take swift action against the perpetrators. “It is the duty and responsibility of Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin, who claims ‘I am the Chief Minister for all‘, to order the arrest of those evil forces who attacked the young boy and render justice,” he said.
Thirupathy expressed outrage over the attack, emphasizing the religious significance of wearing the sacred thread (poonul or janeu) in Hinduism. He clarified that the sacred thread is worn not only by Brahmins but also by various other communities such as Chettiars, Ayravaisiyas, goldsmiths, carpenters, and sculptors, as a symbol of worship and personal belief. Thirupathy also criticized what he described as the “height of stupidity” behind the attack, which he linked to historical misconceptions and political motives, calling out political groups like the Justice Party, Dravidar Kazhagam, and DMK for perpetuating such ideas.
திருநெல்வேலி தியாகராஜ நகர் பகுதியில் அகிலேஷ் என்ற 12 வயது சிறுவனை தாக்கியதோடு அவன் அணிந்திருந்த பூணூலை அறுத்தெறிந்து, 'இனி பூணூல் அணியக்கூடாது' என்று அடையாளம் தெரியாத சில காலிகள் மிரட்டியும் சென்றிருப்பது வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கத்தக்கது. தன் நலனுக்காக, தன் குடும்பத்தின்…
— Narayanan Thirupathy (@narayanantbjp) September 22, 2024
Allegations Of Political Instigation
The incident has been linked to recent remarks made by Tamil Nadu’s Minister for Water Resources, Duraimurugan, at a DMK event. Narayanan Thirupathy suggested that his comments about the Brahmin community may have emboldened anti-social elements to carry out the attack.
Despite the outrage, no major political party, apart from the BJP, has issued a statement condemning the attack. Thirupathy criticized the silence of other political leaders, suggesting that Brahmins are often overlooked in Tamil Nadu politics due to their relatively small voter base and perceived lack of caste-based voting patterns.
The police investigation into the attack on Akhilesh is ongoing, with efforts to identify and apprehend the suspects using CCTV footage. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and raised concerns about rising caste-based violence and the politicization of religious symbols in Tamil Nadu.
(With inputs from Dinamalar)
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