Two Dalit Men Allegedly Forced to Prostrate Amid Burial Ground Dispute in Tamil Nadu

Thingalur police have registered a case against two individuals under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. The alleged incident came to public attention after a video purportedly showing the two men prostrating before others circulated widely.

The dispute reportedly began on October 5, when members of the Scheduled Caste community took the body of a 90-year-old man, who had died of age-related ailments, to the local burial ground for his final rites.

Some dominant-caste villagers allegedly obstructed the funeral, triggering a confrontation between the two groups. According to police, the situation escalated when the Dalit villagers were allegedly threatened with the loss of employment opportunities in the locality.

The threat of an economic boycott was allegedly used to pressure community members, with two men reportedly compelled to fall at the feet of the other villagers.

The funeral was eventually conducted under police protection, with Revenue Department officials supervising the proceedings to ensure that the final rites could be completed.

The case was registered late on Thursday night following a complaint by the Perundurai revenue inspector. Police have launched an investigation into the alleged obstruction of the burial, threats of an economic boycott and forced prostration.

The incident has raised concerns over alleged caste-based discrimination and the difficulties faced by Dalit residents in accessing burial grounds and conducting funeral rites without obstruction.

The allegations are under investigation.