BSP to start indefinite hunger strike over delayed arrests in Erode caste atrocity case

The Bahujan Samaj Party plans to launch an indefinite hunger strike at Thingalur Four Roads starting at 10 a.m. on October 19. The protest aims to demand the arrest of six accused individuals in the Perumbali caste atrocity case. P. Eswaran, the State Coordinator of the BSP's Western Zone, stated that the Erode District Collector and the Superintendent of Police failed to properly implement the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act.

Official Action

While police registered a case against six persons under the Act, no arrests have been made so far. The party also wants action taken against officials who were present during the incident. Mr. Eswaran stated that the police have not yet filed a first information report regarding a separate complaint lodged against those officials.

Livelihood Crisis

Residents of Perumbali village in Madathupalayam panchayat near Perundurai have lost their means of earning for ten days. Farm owners in the area are denying them daily-wage work. The party has asked the Revenue Department to step in immediately so these families can return to work.

Background

The dispute began on October 5 when members of a Backward Class community reportedly objected to burying 90-year-old Chenni, a Scheduled Caste man, at a shared burial ground in Perumbali. Two Scheduled Caste men fell at the feet of members from the other community during the argument. The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Adi Dravidar and Tribal Communities has ordered the Erode Collector and the Superintendent of Police to submit a complete report on the matter by October 30, 2026.

Context

Caste atrocities and social discrimination regarding basic civic rights like burial grounds remain serious challenges in many rural areas. Legal frameworks such as the SC/ST Act exist to protect marginalized communities, but enforcement and timely arrests often spark intense public protests. Oversight bodies like state commissions regularly intervene in such cases to ensure accountability from local administrative officers.