Members of the VCK party staging a protest in Madurai condemning the attack against an SC youth at Melavalavu on Monday.
| Photo Credit: R. ASHOK
Members of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) condemning the attack against Scheduled Caste (SC) youth here at Melavalavu on Sunday night staged a protest near the Thiruvalluvar statue on Monday.The protesters claimed that two individuals belonging to the SC community sustained severe wounds in separate incidents across the district.In Melur, a SC youth named Selvam was brutally attacked on the hands by caste Hindu individuals.According to reports, the assault was allegedly instigated by Ramar, the prime accused (A1) in the high-profile murder case of Melavalavu Panchayat president Melavalavu Murugesan, who is currently out on bail.The protesters demanded the immediate cancellation of Ramar’s bail and the arrest of the perpetrators.In a separate incident in Sellur, VCK functionary Azhagar was intercepted and hacked on the head by a caste Hindu group, leaving him with critical injuries.Both Selvam and Azhagar are currently undergoing intensive treatment at the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai.The protesters noted that the attack in Sellur revived memories of historical caste violence in the region, recalling an incident from several years ago where six SC members were killed following disputes during a kabaddi tournament.Condemning the inaction of authorities and the violence, over 100 VCK cadre gathered and staged a road roko protest.Police personnel quickly intervened and detained them in a private marriage hall.Similar protests were organised in Melur, Appanthirupathi, Othakadai, and various urban pockets. Published - August 24, 2026 07:54 pm IST
