The Madras High Court on Monday directed the Tamil Nadu State government to submit a status report on the ongoing investigation into the caste crime in Vengaivayal, Pudukkottai district, where human faeces were found in a drinking water tank in a Dalit hamlet.
The directive was issued during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by K Rajkamal, who sought an expedited investigation into the incident. The case was heard by the first bench comprising Acting Chief Justice D Krishnakumar and Justice K Kumaresh Babu. During the proceedings, Additional Advocate General (AAG) J Ravindran requested additional time to prepare and submit the status report. He assured the court that the report would be filed promptly.
In response to this request, the bench scheduled the next hearing for the following week and instructed the AAG to obtain instructions regarding a related case pending before the Madurai bench.
The PIL highlights the lack of arrests and progress in the investigation since the incident occurred in 2022. During a previous hearing on July 8, the court expressed its frustration at the police’s inability to apprehend any suspects even after two years had passed.
Following the court’s directions, the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) filed a status report along with the final charge sheet. The hearing was initially scheduled for July 22, providing the State an opportunity to present a comprehensive update on the investigation. However, the government requested additional time, leading to another adjournment.
The case has drawn significant attention due to its serious nature and the implications for caste-based discrimination and violence in the region.