SC woman sanitary worker attempts to end life
A Dalit sanitary worker in Tamil Nadu attempted suicide following alleged caste-based harassment and discrimination by a local official. Police have registered a case under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the persistent issue of caste-based discrimination and the systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities in rural governance.
An SC sanitary worker in Melur attempted to end her life following an alleged caste discrimination and harassment by a caste Hindu panchayat secretary.
The worker, Sasikala, employed in Kambur panchayat in Madurai’s Melur taluk, was reportedly subjected to caste-based discrimination, including the enforcement of the double-tumbler system.
Following her complaint against the panchayat secretary Roopa, the Kottampatti police filed a case under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) sections 296(b) (obscene acts and songs) and 351(2) (criminal intimidation), along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Sasikala was subsequently pressurised and threatened by local leaders and residents to withdraw the charge. Overwhelmed by the intimidation, she attempted to take her life and is currently receiving treatment in the ICU at the Melur Government Hospital.
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