The team investigating the Otteripalayam VAO office incident has recommended CB-CID intervention to know the true nature of incidents that took place at the VAO office on August 6.
Coimbatore: The Coimbatore Press Club released a study report and recommendations on the incidents that took place on August 6 at the Otteripalayam VAO office in Annur Circle, Coimbatore District.
The alleged case of caste discrimination reportedly took place at a Village Administration Office in Ottarpalayam village of Annur Taluk in Coimbatore when a farmer Gopalasamy reached the office to verify land documents. Initially it was alleged that Gopalasamy got into an argument with Village Administrative Officer (VAO), Kalai Selvi and Assistant Officer, Muthusamy. Muthusamy reportedly asked Gopalasamy not to speak in a disrespectful manner. Muthusamy then allegedly pulled Gopalasamy due to which the matter escalated. Gopalasamy allegedly started using caste slurs against Muthusamy. A video of the VAO Assistant prostrate at Gopalasamy's feet at the VAO office in Otteripalayam supposedly apologising and another video of him being attacked went viral on social media.
Taking note of the incident, the Coimbatore Collector ordered an inquiry. City police had also started an investigation into what had happened at the VAO office.The VAO's assistant who was accused of assaulting a farmer but was portrayed as a victim of caste abuse and VAO Kalai Selvi were arrested and later released on bail. A case was also registered against farmer Gopalasamy.
On behalf of various organizations including the Viduthalai Siruthaigal, Dravidar Panpattu Iyakkam, Adi Tamil Peravai, Thanthai Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, an investigation team was formed to further investigate the incident.
In this context, the Coimbatore Press Club has released a study report and recommendations on the incidents that took place on August 6. Recommendations presented are:
'Crime Branch, Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) should take up and investigate the true nature of the incidents that took place at the Otteripalayam VAO with relation to the Village Administration Officer and her Assistant's behaviour. They demanded that the police seize and release videos which was recorded in the VAO office. Action should be taken against those who fight in support of a particular community protesting under the guise of Farmers Association. Legal action should be taken against those who published the video in a manipulative manner. The livelihoods of the listed community people in the vicinity of Annur should be given due protection. To prevent such incidents in the future, the police and the district administration should take appropriate preventive measures and legal action.'
