CPI-M hails Krishnagiri caste killing verdict, calls for stronger stand against ‘honour’ crimes
Chennai, Nov 15 – The Tamil Nadu state unit of the CPI‑M welcomed a court ruling on Saturday that handed out three life sentences and a 10‑year term to the man charged in the deadly attack on a couple who married across caste lines.
P. Shanmugam, the party’s Tamil Nadu secretary, called the judgment a “significant step” in the fight against caste‑based violence. “This ruling sends a clear and stern message to those who try to enforce caste supremacy through brutality,” he said. The ruling is a blow to the 49‑year‑old killer and a victory for victims of honour crimes across the state.
The case began when Anusuya, a woman from a Scheduled Caste community in Kollapuram village, married Subash, 28, from a Backward Class group in Arunapatha near Uthangarai, Krishnagiri, on March 27, 2023. The wedding drew strong opposition from their families.
On April 14 a call from Subash’s grandmother, Kannammal, prompted the couple to travel to her home. A few hours later, on the night of April 15, Subash’s father, Dhandapani, allegedly attacked the couple and Kannammal with a sickle. The attack left Subash and Kannammal dead, while Anusuya was severely injured and later recovered after a long stay at Salem Medical College Hospital.
The Uthangarai police registered the case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. After almost two years and a half of hearings, Judge V. R. Latha of the Krishnagiri Principal District Sessions Court delivered the verdict on November 14. Dhandapani was sentenced to three life terms, plus an additional 10‑year prison term, and the court ordered a compensation of ₹2.5 lakh for Anusuya.
Shanmugam said the judgment reaffirms Tamil Nadu’s commitment to protecting inter‑caste couples and survivors of honour crimes. He thanked the Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front, which helped push the case through, and praised CPI‑M units in Krishnagiri and Salem for supporting Anusuya throughout the ordeal. He also acknowledged special public prosecutor Ramesh, volunteer lawyers, and High Court advocate K.C. Karl Marx for their legal work.
Citing Anusuya’s courage and resilience, Shanmugam urged the state government to offer her a government job as part of a broader rehabilitation package so she can rebuild her life with dignity.
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