Family, NGO seek CBI probe into death of youth ahead of civic polls

“Since the accused are from ruling party and are politically influential, we fear about the biasness in the investigation. The case should be handed over to the CBI and the accused should not be released in bail till the completion of the trail,” said Dhanaprakash, brother of Sathish Kumar, in a statement.

When Sathish Kumar decided to contest in local body polls for the post of panchayat president in Kottaipatti panchayat, a ‘kangaroo court’ in the village, which convened on the night of December 11 decided that Ramasubbu, a functionary of ruling AIADMK should only contest and others should not.

Sathish Kumar, who attended the meeting raised his opposition publicly in the private meeting for which he was beaten by Ramasubbu, his kin and supporters. In the incident, Sathish Kumar died on the way to hospital and a case was booked by Ezhayirampannai police after which seven persons related to the murder were arrested. The incident sent shock waves across the state as it was the first murder for local body polls which will be conducted after eight years. “The incident happened right in front of our family and when we tried to save my brother the group attacked us and abused our family both verbally and physically,” said Dhanaprakash.

A fact finding team from Evidence carried out field study and inquired with the family members. Kathir, Executive Director, Evidence, told DT Next, “There were reports that the posts of panchayat presidents have been sold in several villages, but there seems to be no action from the state government expect statements.

The state government should take stern action to ensure democracy in local body elections.”

Kathir also demanded the government to provide compensation of Rs 25 lakh to the family of Sathish Kumar and a government job to a member of his family.