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Krishnagiri Caste Killing Verdict: CPI-M Hails Historic Ruling Against 'Honor' Crimes

The Krishnagiri court delivered a landmark verdict in a brutal caste killing case. A father received three life sentences for murdering his son and grandmother over an inter-caste marriage. The CPI-M hailed this as a significant step against caste violence in Tamil Nadu. The party also demanded comprehensive rehabilitation for the surviving wife who witnessed the horrific attack.

Key Points: CPI-M Welcomes Krishnagiri Court Caste Killing Life Sentences

  • Court sentenced Dhandapani to three life terms plus 10 years for caste killing
  • Couple murdered despite inter-caste marriage in March 2023
  • Anusuya survived brutal sickle attack that killed husband and grandmother
  • CPI-M demands government job and rehabilitation for survivor Anusuya
2 min read

CPI-M hails Krishnagiri caste killing verdict, calls for stronger stand against 'honour' crimes

CPI-M hails Krishnagiri court's verdict awarding three life sentences in Subash caste killing case, calling it a landmark ruling against honor crimes in Tamil Nadu.

"The ruling sends a clear and stern message to those attempting to enforce caste supremacy through brutality. - P. Shanmugam, CPI-M Tamil Nadu Secretary"

Chennai, Nov 15

CPI-M's Tamil Nadu state Secretary P. Shanmugam on Saturday welcomed the verdict of the Krishnagiri court awarding three life sentences and an additional 10-year jail term to the accused in the Subash caste killing case.

Describing the Krishnagiri Principal District Sessions Court's judgment as a "significant step" in the fight against caste-based violence in Tamil Nadu, he said the ruling sends a clear and stern message to those attempting to enforce caste supremacy through brutality.

The case stemmed from the marriage of Anusuya, a woman from a Scheduled Caste community in Kollapuram village in Ariyalur district, and Subash, 28, who belonged to a Backward Class community from Arunapathi near Uthangarai in Krishnagiri.

The couple married on March 27, 2023, despite strong opposition.

On April 14, 2023, responding to a call from Subash’s grandmother, Kannammal, the couple travelled to her home.

What unfolded hours later was a chilling instance of "honour-based" violence.

In the early hours of April 15, Subash’s father, Dhandapani, allegedly attacked the couple and Kannammal with a sickle. Subash and his grandmother died on the spot, while Anusuya, gravely injured, underwent prolonged treatment at Salem Medical College Hospital and eventually recovered.

The Uthangarai police registered the case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

After nearly two and a half years of hearings, Judge V. R. Latha of the Krishnagiri Principal District Sessions Court delivered the verdict on November 14, sentencing Dhandapani to three life sentences along with a 10-year term, and ordered a compensation of Rs 2.5 lakh to Anusuya.

Welcoming the ruling, Shanmugam said caste-related murders continued to stain Tamil Nadu’s social fabric, and the judgment reaffirmed the state’s commitment to protecting inter-caste couples and survivors of honour crimes.

He acknowledged the efforts of the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, which supported the legal proceedings, and appreciated the role of CPI-M district units in Krishnagiri and Salem in standing by Anusuya throughout her ordeal. He also commended special public prosecutor Ramesh, lawyers who volunteered for the case, and High Court advocate K.C. Karl Marx for their legal guidance.

Praising Anusuya’s courage and resilience, Shanmugam urged the state government to provide her with a government job as part of a comprehensive rehabilitation package, ensuring she can rebuild her life with dignity.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Three life sentences plus 10 years - this is the kind of strict punishment needed to deter such crimes. Hope this becomes a precedent for similar cases across India.
S
Sarah B
As someone living in Chennai, it's heartbreaking to see such incidents still happening in 2023. The government must do more to protect inter-caste couples and provide better rehabilitation.
A
Arjun K
While I welcome the verdict, I wish political parties showed this much concern before such tragedies occur. Where were these strong stands when preventive measures were needed? The system needs to be more proactive.
K
Kavya N
Anusuya's courage is inspiring! Surviving such trauma and fighting for justice - she deserves all the support. Hope she gets the government job and can rebuild her life with dignity. 💪
M
Michael C
This case shows how deep-rooted caste discrimination remains in some parts of India. Education and awareness are key to changing mindsets. The legal system is doing its part, but society needs to evolve too.

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