Tamil Nadu saw 67% rise in atrocities against Dalits under DMK rule
Tamil Nadu’s 67.9% increase in cases against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is the highest in India, surpassing Madhya Pradesh (55.3%) and Odisha (42.9%).
Tamil Nadu recorded a 67 per cent rise in atrocities against Dalits between 2019 and 2023, the highest increase in the country, according to a report by the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR).
This data has gained significant attention following the DMK’s defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, suggesting that the state’s failure to address caste violence contributed to voter dissatisfaction despite the party’s “social justice” rhetoric.
Tamil Nadu’s 67.9% increase in cases against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is the highest in India, surpassing Madhya Pradesh (55.3%) and Odisha (42.9%).
According to NCRB data, murders of Dalits rose by 40.4 per cent, increasing from 52 to 73 cases, while incidents of grievous hurt surged by 240 per cent and cases of criminal intimidation witnessed a sharp 584.8 per cent rise, climbing from 46 to 315 cases.
Total rape cases rose by 36.1%. While the rape of adult Dalit women dropped by 14%, the rape of Dalit girls increased by 73.2% (from 56 to 97 cases). Assaults with “intent to outrage modesty” grew by 289.5%.
The report highlights a breakdown in the justice system. In 2023, the conviction rate for these crimes was a mere 12.2%, while the acquittal rate stood at 87.8%. Additionally, the case pendency rate is 87.7%, exacerbated by a shortage of exclusive special courts; Tamil Nadu currently has only 20.
The state government has also been criticized for administrative negligence. The state-level vigilance and monitoring committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, is legally required to meet twice a year. However, it met only once annually between 2021 and 2023, and failed to meet at all in 2024.
Prison Statistics India (PSI) indicates a disproportionate targeting of Dalits under preventive detention. In 2021, SC individuals made up 37% of detainees in Tamil Nadu, accounting for 84.5% of all SC detainees across India. By 2023, this figure rose to 42.2%, despite Dalits making up only 20% of the state’s population.
The sharp rise in atrocities against Dalits in Tamil Nadu has drawn particular attention because the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has historically positioned itself as a champion of “social justice,” anti-caste politics, and the upliftment of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities through the broader Dravidian movement.
Notably, the debate around caste violence and the DMK’s “social justice” claims intensified following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, in which the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) suffered a major defeat.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, while the DMK was reduced to 59 seats. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) secured 47 seats.
Courtesy : Maktoob Media
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