Guv Ravi's veiled rap of DMK: 'Crimes against Dalits up in TN in last 3 yrs'

CHENNAI: Governor RN Ravi on Wednesday expressed his 'concern' over the increasing crimes against Dalits, saying he is ashamed and pained by the crimes that may be committed against Dalits in Tamil Nadu.

Delivering a keynote address after attending the Gandhi Jayanthi celebrations at Gandhi Mandapam in Guindy here, Ravi said even after 75 years of Independence, discrimination against Dalits has not washed away.

Launching a scathing attack on the ruling DMK government, Ravi said, "In Tamil Nadu, social justice lies just on paper, not in practice. Despite crimes against Dalits across the country, crimes against Dalits in Tamil Nadu have increased in the last three years."

He lamented the horrific atrocities inflicted upon Dalits, despite the pervasive noise on social justice in Tamil Nadu.

Ravi also voiced profound apprehension over the alarming 40 per cent surge in crimes against Dalits in the past three years.

"According to NCRB data, the conviction rate in rape cases involving Scheduled Castes victims is shockingly half of the national average. Each year, we mourn the loss of countless innocent lives due to the inhuman practice of manual scavenging," he said.

Pointing out the Kallakurichi, Chengalpattu and Villupuram hooch tragedies and Vengaivayal issue where human faeces were mixed in an overhead water tank, situated in a Dalit village and other atrocities against Dalits, Governor Ravi said, "Sixty people were Dalits in Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, that claimed the lives of more than 65 people. These Dalits are the primary victims of liquor mafias, as evidenced by the tragic spurious liquor incidents in Kallakurichi, Chengalpattu and Villupuram. Human faeces were mixed in the drinking water tank, which was used by the Dalit people. Entry into the temples was denied for Dalits."

"I am ashamed to see the crimes against Dalits in Tamil Nadu. In such crimes against them, the Dalit people do not get due justice. The punishment awarded to those who committed crimes against Dalits is also less," he noted.

Earlier, Governor Ravi and Union Minister of State L Murugan paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Gandhi Mandapam.

40% rise in 3 yrs: Issues Ravi listed

~ 60 of 65 killed in the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy were Dalits

~ Case not different with Chengalpattu, Villupuram hooch tragedies

~ Human faeces mixed in drinking water tank, used by Dalits

~ Dalits denied entry into temples, fail to get due justice

~ Those who committed crimes against Dalits not punished properly