6 minors apprehended in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli for attacking Dalit boy, sister with sickles

Those apprehended include three boys studying in classes 11 and Class 12 at the victim’s school in Valliyoor, while the other three are their friends.

According to the police, the victim, who studies in Class 12 at a government-aided school in Valliyoor town in Tamil Nadu’s Tirunelveli district, was repeatedly bullied by some of his schoolmates who belong to the upper caste.

Officers said the mental agony forced the boy to tell his parents that he will no longer attend classes. As per the initial inquiry, investigators learnt that the victim’s mother had gone to the school and raised a complaint against the boys who were bullying her son. The school management then promised to initiate action against them.

On Wednesday, after class, the gang intercepted the victim again and threatened him of dire consequences if he made any further complaint against them, the police said. Around 10 pm, a three-member gang barged into the victim’s residence in Nanguneri and attacked him. The boy’s 14-year-old sister, who attempted to prevent the attack, also sustained injuries.

By the time the neighbours arrived after hearing their screams, the gang fled the spot. The siblings were immediately rushed to a hospital in Nanguneri.

After the family protested, Nanguneri police registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant sections of the IPC, including 307 (attempt to murder), and apprehended all six boys.