Dalit sanitation worker tries to end life over alleged two-tumbler system

Sep 6, 2026, 11.23 PM IST

Madurai: A 37-year-old dalit sanitation worker of Kambur panchayat near Melur attempted suicide on Sunday, days after alleging that she was forced to use separate disposable cups at work and made to carry the panchayat secretary’s footwear by hand because of her caste.
Sasikala, a resident of Kambur, had been working as a sanitation worker in the village for the past eight years. She had earlier petitioned Madurai district collector Nishant Krishna seeking action over the alleged caste discrimination and threats.
Police sources said Sasikala was found vomiting outside her house around 11am on Sunday. A neighbour who noticed her condition rushed her to Melur Government Hospital, where doctors found that she had consumed pesticide. She was admitted for treatment and remains under critical care.
Her husband T Prakash alleged that panchayat secretary Roopa, who belongs to the Kallar community, had subjected dalit sanitation workers to discriminatory treatment. “Dalit workers were not allowed to use the common metal tumblers for tea. They were asked to use separate disposable cups,” Prakash told TOI. He alleged that the practice continued despite workers objecting to it.

He also accused the secretary of assigning work based on caste and making derogatory remarks. “On some occasions, my wife was made to carry Roopa’s slippers in her hand because she belongs to the dalit community,” he said.
Prakash further alleged that Sasikala faced pressure after raising complaints over the functioning of the panchayat. “Associates of Roopa are frequently giving us death threats and asking my wife to withdraw the police complaint,” he said.

In her representation to the collector, Sasikala said complaints had earlier been submitted to local authorities and police. She alleged that she and another worker who supported her were subsequently threatened and targeted.

She sought an inquiry into the allegations and action against the panchayat secretary.

A senior police officer said Kottampatti police registered a case on Friday, Sept 4, under Sections 296(b) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, dealing with obscene acts and criminal intimidation, respectively, along with relevant provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Melur DSP Sivakumar has taken up the investigation.

(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on TN’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)