In Kerala, Dalit man slapped, abused for winning Sabarimala tender

TNN | Sep 10, 2023, 09.36 AM IST

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A Dalit man was allegedly attacked, abused calling caste name and spat on face in public by two persons for winning a tender invited by Travancore Devaswom Board to prepare ‘unni appam’ at Sabarimala temple in the upcoming pilgrimage season.
The accused allegedly slapped him on face by stating that low-caste untouchables are not allowed to participate in devaswom tender until all upper caste people are eliminated from the earth.
On the complaint filed by Subi, (43), of Therikkavila near Pallichal, Museum police registered a case under section 3 (1) (s) of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act- 1989 and also under IPC sections 294-B (for abuse) and 34 (for crime committed by more than one person).
The case was registered against Jagadeesh from Vattiyoorkavu and Ramesh from Karakulam. They both are absconding, and police have intensified search.

“After winning the tender, I was standing at the parking lot of the Devaswom Board office in Nandancode. The accused approached me and addressed me as ‘pulaya’ and asked me why I participated in the tender of Sabarimala, which belongs to Hindus and not Pulayas. They later threatened me that I will not be allowed to step into the temple compound. In front of all, they spat on my face as well,” said Subi.
He stated the accused had also participated in the tender.

“They were very much upset over not winning the tender and it could be the reason for their violent behaviour. I had participated in the tender last time, too, but failed to get it. Failure and success are part of life but attacking somebody over that is unjustifiable,” added Subi.

When contacted, the police said there are eyewitnesses to substantiate the complainant’s allegation. “We have registered a case and are trying to trace them,” said an officer.