The death of K. Murugan, a 42-year-old farm labourer from the Scheduled Caste community in Sennakkalpalayam near Dharapuram, has triggered outrage among Dalit rights groups, who allege foul play and caste-based violence.
Murugan was found dead on June 26, hanging from a tree with his hands reportedly bound. Although police have categorized the case as a suicide, several pro-SC organisations, including the VCK and Tamil Puligal Katchi, have challenged this version, claiming it could be a case of caste atrocity.
Police officials, however, stated that Murugan’s body bore no signs of external injuries and that a post-mortem conducted at Dharapuram Government Hospital on June 27 supported this. The body was cremated the same day. According to the police, Murugan’s hands were not tightly tied—the rope was merely coiled around his wrists without a knot, suggesting self-binding. His moped and footwear were recovered nearby, and it is believed he had visited relatives before his death.
Superintendent of Police Yadav Girish Ashok confirmed that a case under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita has been filed and that a thorough probe is ongoing.
Despite this, activists insist the investigation was rushed, and the family was allegedly pressured into an early cremation. V. Govindaraj of Vizhuthugal, an SC/ST welfare group, has vowed to petition the District Collector seeking an independent inquiry into Murugan’s death.