Two Dalits hacked to death by upper caste Hindus for failing to give ‘due respect’

coastaldigest.com web desk
May 31, 2018

Sivaganga, May 31: A gang of so called upper-caste Hindus hacked two Dalits to death and injured six others who tried to rescue them at Kachanatham village near Manamadurai in Sivaganga district of Tamil Nadu last Monday night.

What was the crime of the victims? They were sitting cross-legged in the presence of a “caste Hindu” and did not present temple honours to a “caste Hindu” family!

According to police, a gang of 15 miscreants, armed with deadly weapons, entered the village around 9.30 p.m. after disconnecting power supply and attacked the residents indiscriminately, targeting particularly men. The men ran helter-skelter, and the gang hacked to death two men and inflicted serious cut injuries on at least six others, the police said.

K. Arumugam (65) died while being taken to Tiruppuvanam Government Hospital and A. Shanmuganathan (31) succumbed to injuries on way to Government Rajaji Hospital (GRH), Madurai. All the injured were admitted to the GRH.

The police said trouble started after the temple festival at Kachanatham on May 25 when Dalits denied temple honours to a caste Hindu family. On the next day, Chandrakumar (45), a caste Hindu, objected to Shanmuganathan and one of his friends sitting cross-legged and abused them for ‘insulting’ him, the police said.

After the police booked Chandrakumar under Section 294 (b) (uttering obscene words) of the IPC, his son C. Suman (19) decided to take revenge. With the help of his friends from Avarankadu and nearby villages, he went to Kachanatham and carried out the brutal attack, the police said.

They also damaged tiled roof and furniture in some houses in the village, where 35 Dalit families and two caste Hindu families were living, the police said. DIG N. Kamini and Ramanathapuram SP Omprakash Meena (in charge of Sivaganga) rushed to the village and brought the situation under control. Sivaganga SP T. Jayachandran, who was camping in Thoothukudi, rushed back in the early hours of Tuesday.

“A posse of 250 police personnel has been posted in the village and the situation is fully under control,” Mr. Jayachandran said. Three special teams had been formed to nab the culprits. The police had detained five accused and five others surrendered before a Madurai court, the SP said.

The National Commission for Scheduled Castes had sought a report from the Collector and the SP, B. Pandiaraja, member, Vigilance Monitoring Committee, SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, said.

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News Network
November 26,2024

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Mangaluru: The coastal districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi are witnessing a fascinating weather pattern, with chilly early mornings giving way to dry, sweltering afternoons. Over the past two days, dense fog blanketed the rural landscapes, while urban centers like Mangaluru felt the stark contrast of brisk mornings and peak afternoon heat.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) noted that in rural areas, the morning chill caused temperatures to dip by one to two degrees Celsius below the seasonal norm, intensifying the fog. Monday saw Mangaluru recording a maximum temperature of 33.3°C and a minimum of 22.6°C, reflective of the sharp day-night variation.

While mornings painted a serene picture with mist-covered trees and a cool ambiance, the afternoons proved relentless, with temperatures soaring between 11 am and 3 pm, offering little respite. Currently, there are no signs of rainfall, with forecasts predicting the continuation of this dual weather pattern for the coming days.

Local residents have mixed feelings about this weather trend. Farmers in rural areas appreciate the cool mornings that ease early chores but express concerns over the dry afternoons, which may affect crop irrigation if the dry spell prolongs. In contrast, urban dwellers are enjoying the foggy mornings but brace for the scorching afternoons.

Meteorologists attribute the sudden chill to shifts in atmospheric pressure along the coast, a precursor to possible weather transitions in December. Whether this pattern persists or leads to unexpected changes remains to be seen, but the twin districts are clearly caught in nature's dramatic play of contrasts.

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News Network
November 28,2024

Mangaluru: In a heartbreaking incident, three first-year nursing students drowned in the Phalguni River near Barkaje dam, within the Venoor police station limits, on Wednesday evening.

Preliminary reports identify the deceased as Lawrence from Moodbidri, Suraj from Belthangady, and Jaison from Vagga in Bantwal.

According to police sources, the tragedy occurred around 5:30 PM. The group of friends had gathered at a friend's house to celebrate a church feast. After lunch, five of them decided to visit the river near the dam for a swim.

While in the water, two of the students were caught in the strong current. Jaison, attempting to rescue them, was also swept away. Fire and emergency services personnel, along with the police, rushed to the scene and retrieved the bodies.

This tragic event has left the community in deep sorrow.

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News Network
November 21,2024

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Prominent NRI community leader SM Syed Khalilur Rehman, fondly known as CA Khalil, passed away in Dubai on Thursday at the age of 86 after a brief illness.

Khalil had been admitted to Aster Hospital in Mankhool on Tuesday after experiencing severe leg weakness. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he succumbed to a double heart attack that worsened his condition, his son Rais Ahmed confirmed.

The news of his passing has sent waves of grief across communities, particularly in his hometown of Bhatkal, Karnataka, where he was a celebrated figure. Tributes have been pouring in on social media, highlighting his significant contributions to international trade, social service, and education.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

A chartered accountant by profession, Khalil was a founding member of the Dubai chapter of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI), where he served as chairman from 1987 to 1994. His illustrious career included key leadership roles, such as general manager of Khaleej Times, group executive director of the Ilyas and Mustafa Galadari Group, and vice-chairman of the Jashanmal Group of Companies.

He also chaired Maadhyama Communications and Sahil Online, a web-based news platform, and was a director and trustee of several media companies and charitable organisations in Dubai and India.

A Champion for Education and Philanthropy

Khalil’s impact extended far beyond his professional achievements. As president and general secretary of Anjuman Hami-e-Muslimeen, he played a pivotal role in the development of educational institutions, including schools and colleges in Bhatkal and surrounding areas. His dedication to social upliftment earned him recognition from the Government of Karnataka, which honoured him with a prestigious award for his philanthropic contributions.

A Life Celebrated

The Bhatkal Muslim Khaleej Council (BMKC) recently released a documentary celebrating Khalil’s remarkable life and service to the community—a testament to his enduring legacy.

CA Khalil is survived by his family and countless admirers across the globe. His passing marks the end of an era for Indian expatriates in the UAE and beyond, leaving behind a legacy of leadership, generosity, and commitment to community service.

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