Dalit sanitation worker attempts suicide after alleged caste discrimination at workplace Vartha Bharati
Madurai: A 37-year-old Dalit sanitation worker in Kambur panchayat near Melur allegedly attempted suicide days after raising complaints of caste discrimination at her workplace, including allegations that Dalit workers were made to use separate disposable cups and that she was asked to carry the panchayat secretary’s footwear.
The woman, identified as Sasikala, was found vomiting outside her house at around 11 am on Sunday. According to police sources cited by The Observer Post, a neighbour took her to the Melur Government Hospital, where doctors found that she had consumed pesticide. She was admitted for treatment and is reportedly in critical condition.
Sasikala has been working as a sanitation worker in Kambur village for around eight years. She had recently approached Madurai district collector Nishant Krishna, seeking action over alleged caste-based discrimination and threats at her workplace.
Her husband, T Prakash, alleged that panchayat secretary Roopa 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 alleged.
He claimed that the practice continued despite objections from the workers and alleged that sanitation duties were also assigned on the basis of caste.
Prakash further alleged that Sasikala was made to carry the secretary’s slippers on some occasions because she belonged to the Dalit community.
He also alleged that the family came under pressure after Sasikala raised complaints regarding the functioning of the panchayat.
“Associates of Roopa are frequently giving us death threats and asking my wife to withdraw the police complaint,” Prakash alleged.
In her representation to the district collector, Sasikala said she had previously approached local authorities and the police regarding the alleged discriminatory treatment.
She also claimed that she and another sanitation worker who supported her were subsequently threatened and targeted.
Sasikala sought an inquiry into the allegations and action against the panchayat secretary.
The allegations have now been followed by a police case. A senior police officer was quoted by The Observer Post as saying that Kottampatti Police registered a case on September 4 under Sections 296(b) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), relating to obscene acts and criminal intimidation, along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Melur DSP Sivakumar is investigating the case.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
Courtesy : Vartha Bharati
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