Dalit hotel worker beaten up for delay in giving water to wash hands

Madurai: A 61-year-old dalit cook was assaulted by a customer at a hotel in Ramanathapuram district after he could not immediately provide water for washing hands. J Dinesh Kumar, an accused in a caste killing case involving his elder sister, has been booked over the Sept 13 assault, but is yet to be arrested.That night, Dinesh came to Murugan Hotel at Pattinamkathan, where Chellamuthu worked as a parotta master. After having food, he asked for water to wash his hands, but the water container was empty. Chellamuthu told him a supplier had gone to fetch water and asked him to wait. According to the police FIR, Dinesh abused him, picked up a wooden reaper kept near the stove, and struck his head, ribs and chest. He then pushed Chellamuthu down and stamped on his chest, hip and neck with footwear.Dinesh was arrested in 2014 in connection with a caste killing case involving his elder sister, and was later released on bail, according to Evidence, a Madurai-based rights organisation.Chellamuthu went to Kenikkarai police station that night, but was allegedly told that nobody was available to register his complaint, and asked him to approach the SP office. He was admitted to Ramanathapuram Govt Hospital the next day with chest pain. Though he was discharged, he returned to hospital after developing seizures. A scan led to his referral to Madurai Govt Rajaji Hospital, where he underwent surgery on Sept 22.Evidence took up the issue with SP G Chandeesh, asking why provisions of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were not added. The FIR invokes only BNS provisions for causing hurt, using obscene words and aggravated criminal intimidation.Chandeesh said, “The complaint states that unknown persons assaulted him. The relevant sections can be invoked during the investigation. Investigation is underway.” However, his subordinates investigating the case said invoking SC/ST Act would be inappropriate because Dinesh did not know Chellamuthu’s caste when the assault occurred.Evidence executive director A Kathir said, “This clearly shows Ramanathapuram police have no knowledge of the SC/ST Act. In heinous crimes where the complainant is seriously injured, the accused need not know the victim’s caste or use caste slurs. The Act clearly says the relevant provisions should be invoked along with BNS sections.”You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Madurai | Silver Rate in Madurai | Bank Holidays in Madurai | Public Holidays in Madurai | Madurai AQI | Weather in Madurai | Petrol Price in Madurai | Diesel Price in Madurai | CNG Price in Madurai | LPG Price in MaduraiStay updated with the latest Madurai news. Download the TOI App.