Goondas Act slapped on 6 TN men held for assaulting, urinating on 2 Scheduled Caste youths

On Thursday, the police said that M Ponnumani (25) of Thalaiyuthu, S Nallamuthu (21), G Lakshmankumar (19), S Ayiram (19), B Ramar (22) and M Sivan (22) of Manakadu, who belonged to the Thevar community, were detained under the Goondas Act at Central Prison, Palayamkottai, for assaulting the youth, who belonged to the Devendrakula Vellalar community, based on the orders of Tirunelveli Police Commissioner C Maheshwari.

On October 30, Manoj Kumar and Mariappan of Manimurtheeswaram had gone to take a bath near a river. On their way back, they said, they were intercepted by a gang of six men who were under the influence of alcohol. Speaking to the media, the duo said the gang inquired about their native and caste, and after learning that they hailed from a Dalit hamlet, they allegedly stripped, assaulted and urinated on them. The gang allegedly also stole their mobile phones and Rs 5,000.

The incident had sparked outrage in Tamil Nadu with Opposition parties questioning the law and order situation in the state. Several political leaders had visited the victims and urged the government to take stringent action against the accused and ensure they were not let out on bail.

Later, representatives of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes met the victims and told the media that they would submit a report, following which further action would be initiated.