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CHAPTER-I 

INTRODUCTION 

Ramanathapuram District is unique in many respects, particularly for its strategic position, distinct 

composition, antiquity, role in the National movement, controversial Sethu Samudram Project, richness of 

bio-diversity in Gulf of Mannar, proximity to Ceylon, religious importance and also communal frenzy. Among 

many significant things, Rameswaram is in this district which is called the “Benarse of the South”. This 

attracts many visitors, tourists and pilgrims. Another significant thing is Rameswaram temple – its beautiful 

pillared corridor that is the longest in the world. On the structures of the temple Ferguson says this is the 

specimen of the Dravidian style. 

The earliest inhabitants of the District are Mukkulathore viz., Kallars, Maravars and the Agamudaiyars, 

Nadars, Chettiars, Yadavas, Dalits and the later additions are Muslims and Christians. The post independent 

history is dotted with occasional communal tension due to several reasons. A big communal conflagration 

after the General Election in 1957 in Mudukulathoor and Kamudi regions. The peace talks presided over 

by the then Collector Mr. Panikar precipitated the matter which culminated in the brutal murder of Immanuel 

Sekaran who fell a martyr of the Dalit Liberation. This signalied frequent communal tension in the district. 

The assertion of the dominant communities, the State’s sanction for it and subsequent developments 

prompted anti-thesis. Since then every year, on the occasion of Thevar Guru Pooja, a state function and 

the Guru Pooja of Immanuel Sekaran, the tranquility of the district was marred. Since the issuance of the 

commemorative stamp with the portrait of Immanuel Sekaran by the Government of India and the promise 

to announce the Guru Pooja of Immanuel Sekaran as a State function by the AIADMK once it returns to 

power, the hope of the Dalits and their conglomeration were ever on the increase. 

Consequent to the firing on innocent people at the Ainthumukku (Five Corners Junction), Paramakudi, 

on September 11, 2011, the Action Committee constituted a jury consisting of individuals from various walks 

of life and headed by Justice H.Suresh (Retd), former judge of the Bombay High Court. The Jury held a 

public inquest, recorded statement of the various victims and witnesses at Paramakudi and Madurai on 

October 22 nd and 23 rd , 2011. The Members of the Jury also interacted with the Revenue and Police officials 

including the District Collectors and Superintendents of Police, of the three districts of Ramanathapuram, 

Sivagangai and Madurai, the Inspector General of Police and Senior Police Officers who were drawn from 

other parts of Tamil Nadu. 

The terms of reference of the said public inquest were to specifically investigate and find out, through 

recording of evidence and the collection of documents, the following: 

a. The veracity of the statement by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the floor of Tamil Nadu Legislative 

Assembly on the 12 th September 2011 about the causes that led to police firing in Paramakudi. 

b. The run up of incidents prior to the death anniversary of late Dalit leader Immanuvel Sekaran 

engaging the District Administration, Ramanathapuram District, the police in the district and Dalit 

leaders including the murder of Dalit student Palanikumar on the night of 9th September, 2011, the 

restriction of Mr. John Pandian from entering Ramanathapuram district, etc. 

Report of the Public Inquest on the Paramakudi firing 1

c. The cause that led to the use of force and fire arms at Chinthamani (Madurai District), Ainthumukku, 

Paramakudi (Ramanathapuram District and Ilayankudi (Sivagangai District) on 11th September, 

2011 leading to the deaths and injuries of several persons. 

d. To ascertain whether all precautions that are required to be followed by the Law Enforcement 

Officials as outlined under the existing legal standards / conventions / covenants - National and 

International - were observed prior to the use of force and fire arms. 

e. To ascertain the incidents thereafter in providing medical treatment to the injured, arrest and 

threats if any to the people in their villages after the incidents, etc. 

f. To recommend suitable measures for prevention of such occurrence and specific measures to 

be followed by the Government during similar instances in future. 

g. To render concrete justice to the victims of violence, by assessing the relief, reconciliation, 

rehabilitation and resettlement and suggest curative remedial measures. 

h. To look into the appointment of Justice Sampath Commission of Enquiry in the specific context 

of the existence of the National and State Human Rights Commissions (NHRC / SHRC), under 

the Provisions of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 especially in cases of such incidents 

of violence alleged against the instrumentalities of the State. 

The Jury was headed by Justice Sri H. Suresh (Retd.), former Judge of the Mumbai High Court and 

comprised the following: 

1. Mr. P.S. Krishnan (IAS Retd, Former Secretary, Government of India). 

2. Dr. V.Vasanthi Devi (Former Vice Chancellor of M.S. University and Former Chairperson of 

Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women) 

3. Dr. K.S. Subramanian (IPS Retd, Former DGP of Tripura). 

4. Prof. Balaram, (Former Acting Chairperson, SHRC Kerala). 

5. Mr. V. Karuppan (IAS Retd, Former Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu). 

6. Mr. R. B. Sreekumar (IPS Retd, Former DGP, Gujarat). 

7. Dr. J. Rajkumar (International Consultant, Human Rights Training, Chennai). 

8. Dr. Ruth Manorama, (National Convener, National Alliance of Women’s Organisation and National 

Federation of Dalit Women). 

9. Ms. Sudha Ramalingam (High Court Lawyer, Chennai). 

10. Dr. Krishna Ananth (High Court Lawyer and Journalist, Chennai). 

11. Dr. Xavier Selva Suresh (Professor of Forensic Science, Tamil Nadu). 

12. Mr. Ponneelan (Renowned Tamil Writer, Tamil Nadu). 

13. Prof. Kalvi Mani (Senior Human Rights Activist). 

14. Mr. Thiyagu (Senior Human Rights Activist). 


Legitimacy of the Public Inquest: 

It is pertinent to note that on the eve of this Public Inquiry, Mr. Sivakumar, the Inspector of Police, 

Paramakudi (since transferred to Sivagangai) had filed WP No. W.P. (MD) No. 12208 of 2011 , in the Madurai 

Bench of Madras High Court to stay the proceedings of the public inquest. 

Mr. Justice Ramasubramaniam before whom the Writ petition came for admission dismissed it 

observing that Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) cannot be prevented from forming fact-finding 

teams to hold inquiries into violent incidents on the sole ground that it would amount to conducting a parallel 

inquiry when the issue concerned was sub-judice or under the scrutiny of a judicial commission. 

The Hon’ble Judge made elaborate observations lending legitimacy to this Public Inquest. The Court 

held that: “The law has travelled a long distance, in the past few decades, from the confines of the Code of 

Criminal Procedure. Traditionally, the Cr.P.C. knew of only one investigation by the Station House Officer. 

Today, law has recognised several types of parallel enquiries, apart from the investigation that could be 

conducted in terms of the Code of Criminal Procedure.” The Judge went on the say that, “For instance, 

parallel enquiries by various Commissions such as the National/State Human Rights Commissions, National 

Commission for Women, National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the like, 

have come to be recognised by law itself. Apart from these we have come to a stage where Special 

Investigation Teams were constituted in a few cases which have come to be monitored by the Courts 

themselves at least up to the stage of filing of final reports.” The Judge also added that “Even International 

Organisations, which have a conflict-resolving or a peace-keeping mandate or which deal with human rights 

problems, today possess an implied power to establish ad hoc fact-finding bodies. Ever since World War 

II, the international community has grown increasingly towards the development of a system of international 

jurisdiction, complementary to that of domestic courts, even to try people accused of genocide, war crimes 

and crimes against humanity.” Recalling the Armed Conflict in the Balkans leading the United Nations to set 

up an International Criminal Tribunal in The Hague the Hon’ble Judge then pointed that the Special Courts 

were set up to prosecute domestic and international crimes in places like Kosovo, Bosnia, East Timor, 

Sierra Leone, Cambodia and recently in Lebanon. Even International Organisations such as Amnesty 

International go on fact-finding missions. Ever since 1967, the United Nations Commission on Human Rights 

had established several fact-finding bodies. The Editors Guild of India itself had sent a fact-finding mission 

to Gujarat in the aftermath of the communal riots that took place in February 2002. 

Hence the Hon’ble Judge held “the argument that there cannot be a parallel inquiry by a nongovernmental 

organisation and it cannot be accepted”. However, the conclusions reached by the fact 

finding committees were not binding on any authority including the courts which would be carried away only 

by the evidence let in before it and not by the conclusions of fact finding teams appearing in newspaper 

reports. 


The Jury has decided to present the report of this public inquest with all annexures to the following: 

i. The Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu 

ii. 

iii. 

iv. 

The Chief Justice, Madras High Court 

Justice Sampath Commission of Enquiry 

National State Human Rights Commission 

v. Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission 

vi. The National Commission for Scheduled Castes 

vii. The National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights 

viii. The Executive Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Legal Services Authority, 

ix. Relevant Special Rapporteurs of the United Nations – Human Rights Mechanisms. 

THE PROCESS: 

The public inquest examined 61 witnesses on 22 nd and 23 rd October, 2011 consisting of victims, their 

relatives, those present in the scene of occurrence, and leaders and members of political and community 

organizations in the locality. The members of the Jury also met the following officers: 

i. Mr. V. Arun Roy IAS, District Collector, Ramanathapuram 

ii. Mr. U. Sagayam IAS , District Collector, Madurai 

iii. Mr. Rajesh Das, IPS, The Inspector General of Police South Zone 

iv. Mr. Asra Garg IPS, District Superintendent of Police, Madurai 

v. Dr. KA Senthivelan IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adayar, Chennai (on deputation to 

Paramakudi on 11 th Sept 2011) 

In September 2011 the sequence of events preceding the Guru Pooja of Immanuel Sekaran exposed 

the intolerance of the dominant communities and the prompt response of the State in tune with the dominant 

groups. The State’s complicity was demonstrated in the form of firing on 11 th September, 2011 which 

aroused the consciousness of Dalit organisations, civil liberties organisations, human rights activists, political 

parties, writers, advocates and other concerned groups, that culminated into the formation of Joint Action 

Committee Against Paramakudi Firing that immediately plunged into action. Many organisations endeavoured 

fact findings as reaction to the Chief Minister’s statement on the floor of the Assembly, her appointment of 

Judicial Enquiry Commission under Justice K. Sampath. 

The Joint Action Committee made through survey, field visits, interviewed the next of kin of victims 

and victims, collected all reports, clippings, organized public inquest under the Chairmanship of Justice H. 

Suresh on 22 nd and 23 rd October, 2011 instead of a Public Hearing (as advised by Justice V.R.Krishna Iyer 

in 1999), examined 44 victims/relatives of victims and collected over 50 more statements of victims and 

witnesses perused FIRs, affidavits, post mortem reports, medical documents, statements of Dalit and political 

leaders, and prepared an extensive report with findings and recommendations. 


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CHAPTER- II 

A Brief History of Ramanathapuram District 

Unique in several ways, the geographical region Ramnad (in English) and Ramanathapuram (in 

Tamil)is one among 634 districts in India which is in the Southern most part of the Indian sub-continent. It is 

in the state of Tamilnadu and it occupies a very strategic position. Its history dates back to the Paleolithic 

age. The stone arti facts excavated around the coastal areas in the district suggest that the district had been 

the abode of Paleolithic culture. Good quantity of quartzite stone implements have been unearthed in 

different parts of Ramanathapuram district. The Paleolithic man largely depended on quartzite which occurred 

in Ramanathapuram. (V.R. Ramachandra Dikshitar, Pre Historic India, 1956, p.45) In the coastal regions of 

the district ridges of granular quartos rock of metamorphic character occur (A.C. Logan, Old chipped stone 

in India, 1906, P. 17-18) The old stone age man lived in caves and caverns in different parts of Ramanathapuram 

District. It is widely believed and strongly endorsed by Robert Bruce Foots that the later upheaval, connected 

Ramanathapuram with Ceylon. 

In the Ramanathapuram district itself 

Neolithic remains, in the form of burial urns 

and menhirs have been traced at 

Manamadurai. These burial sites are pointers 

to the existence of Neolithic settlements. It is 

believed that the practice and memory of such 

burials survived upto 12 th or 13 th century AD 

and they are referred to in the Kulotunga 

Cholan Ula by the Tamil poet Ottakutthar. The 

Sangam work Manimegalai also endorses the 

prevalence of such practices in 1 st and 2 nd 

century AD. 

The present Ramanathapuram District 

in the early days formed a part of the 

traditional Marava Naadu. It included the present day portions of Pudukottai, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and 

Tirunelveli districts. The maravas who are found in large numbers in this area seem to have been an 

indigenous tribe. (Dr. A. Ramasamy, Tamilnadu District Gazetteers, Ramanathapuram, 1972, p.64). The 

numerous references to the maravars are found in the Sangam works like Purananuru and Silappadikaram. 

From very early days they were recognized as a warrior class. But there is no evidence to prove that they 

ever had a separate and exclusive kingdom of their own in the early days and they were never a ruling 

class either. The Tamil literature refers to them as inhabitants of the Palai (desert and dry land) land, one of 

the five types of land described in the Sangam age. Their martial qualities were the result of their struggle 

for existence in an area where there was little scope for agriculture. (Dr. A. Ramasamy, Op. cit, P.64). Even 

today Ramanathapuram remains as an area very similar to the Palai land described in literature. 


How the maravas came to occupy that territory remains as one of the thorny problems of history. The 

recent theory connects them with the Maravars of ancient Kongu Nadu. The Sangam works refer to the 

Maravars who were free lancers who were among the important races that occupied Tamil Nadu in the first 

century AD. In the later times they moved down into the South in to the Pandya and the Chola Kingdoms. 

The Maravas are said to have been one of the branches of the Maravar race. (Dr. M. Arockia samy, Kongu 

country, 1956, P. 42-43) Purananuru describes a Kongu King Kuthiramalai as a marava (Puram,198) 

The present Ramanathapuram District was an integral part of the Pandya kingdom (K.A. Nilakanta 

Sastri, The Pandya Kingdom, 1929, P.25). When the Pandya power was at its zenith, the local chiefs were 

administering the territory in a tributary capacity. This fact is endorsed by numerous epigraphical sources in 

the form of temple grants in places like Aruppukottai, Kovilangulam, Pallimadam, Perungurunai and others. 

(V. Rangacharya, A Topographical list of Inscriptions of Madras Presidency, 1919, Vol. II, P. 1159-1198). The 

Greek historian Megasthenes in his work Indca mentions some special features about the Pandya Kingdom 

in the South. 

During the second Pandya Empire, in the 11 th century AD, due to internal squabbles the ruler of 

Ceylon, Parakrumabahu was invited to invade the Pandya Kingdom. In 1170 AD the Ceylon army, after a 

voyage lasting a day and a night sighted the coast and effected a landing inspite of opposition at Talabilla, 

then a thriving port on the coast of the Pandya Kingdom. This place is identified with Pulliyadisalai, two 

miles East of Gandamadana Parvata, near Rameswaram. The Ceylon King brought stones from Ceylon 

itself and built the sanctum- sanatorium in Rameswaram temple. Still we can see a heap of unused stones 

brought from Ceylon in Pulliyadisalai. 

Then the Ceylon ruler captured Devipatanam, Kalayarkoil, Paramakudi, Nettur, Manavira Madurai 

(Manamadurai), Anjukottai, Tiruvadanai, Tondi, Pasipattinam and the surroundings. (S. Krishnasamy Iyengar, 

South India and her Muhammadan Invaders, 1921 p 7). The Ceylon ruler renovated the tanks in Rajasinga 

Mangalam and Valugrama. The whole Marava country from Rameswaram to Tirupattur was under the sway of 

the Ceylon ruler, for some time and it lasted for a short while. As proof, Ceylonese coins are picked up 

every now and then from Parakrama patinam and its vicinity. 

The declining power of the second Pandya Empire made way for Muslim invasion. In 1311AD, Malik 

Kafur, the General of the Delhi Sultan Ala-ud-din khilji launched the South Indian expedition. He invaded 

Dindigul, Madurai and Ramaeswaram and it laid the foundation of Madurai Sultanate (R.C. Majuindar, The 

struggle for the Empire, Bombay, 1957, P. 259). Then the Muslims settled in different parts of Ramanathapuram, 

particularly in Kilakarai and its surroundings. 

The Madurai sultanate became weak soon and it gave way for the intrusion of the Vijayanagar Empire. 

They nominated Lakkanaa as the Viceroy of Madurai who commended his territory up to Rameswaram 

(Oriental Historical Manuscripts Vol.II, p.117). The collapse of Vijayanagar Empire in the battle of Talaikottai 

in 1565 AD emboldened the Viceroys to assert independence and thus sprang up Madurai, Tanjore and 

Senji Nayaks. Ramanathapuram was in between Madurai and Tanjore Nayaks. Whenever the Nayak Kingdom 

became weak, there was disorder in the Marava country. Muthukrishnappa Nayakkar (1601-1609) effected 

settlement in the Marava Naadu (R. Sathianatha Iyer, History of the Nayaks of Madurai, 1924, p 56). 


By the middle of the 16 th Century the Portuguese established settlements in the regions of Tuticorin, 

Vaipar and Punnaikayal. Francis Xavier landed in Tirunelveli in 1542 and carried on missionary work. The 

Madurai Nayaks were indifferent to the happenings in the coastal regions in the beginning. The local fend 

between Muslim merchants and Paravas prompted the Paravars to opt for mass conversion and the entire 

Parava Community became Christians and gained the support of the Portuguese. The Portuguese in turn, 

firmly established themselves in the coast with the support of the Paravars (Cauldwell, History of Tirunelvelli, 

1889, p.71) only at this stage, the Nayaks felt the irksomeness of the presence of a foreign power near their 

territory. To counteract the influence of this foreign power, Muthu Krishnappa Nayakka decided to establish 

a strong power near the Portuguese establishments. Besides, the Portuguese began to benefit by all the 

dues and revenues of the coastal area. The Madurai Nayaks felt this economic loss and they thought that a 

strong power in the neighbourhood of the Portuguese territory would be a safeguard against their further 

extension. Religions factors also prompted the establishment of a ‘buffer state’. In the meanwhile there was 

total disorder in the Marava Naadu due to fraternal feuds. There was intense unrest and anarchy all over the 

region. As a result of the prevailing anarchy the route to Rameswaram became unsafe due to their being 

infected with a number of waylayers. (R. Sathianatha Iyer, op.cit., p.92). The pilgrims constantly petitioned to 

the ruler, the Nayak, to make the road safe for travellers. 

Owing to all the aforesaid reasons, Muthukrishnappa Nayak appointed in 1605 AD one Sadaika Deva 

Udayen Sethupathi as his vassal to take care of the troubled Marava country. The Sethupathi was entrusted 

with the task of subduing the rebellious chiefs and was also given a free hand in dealing with the chiefs, on 

agreeing to pay a fixed tribute. He fortified Ramanathapuram and Pugalur and arranged armed escorts to 

the pilgrims. The turbulent chiefs of the surrounding areas were subdued and a strong Government was 

established at Kalaiyarkoil, Pattamangalam and other places. 

Muthu Krishnappa Nayak was well pleased with the Sethupathi and he appointed Sadaika Deva as 

the chief of the Poligars of Ramanathapuram and the Viceroy of the Marava Naadu by sprinkling the water of 

the Ganges on his head and gave him the insignia of dignity. (Raja Rama Rao, Ramnad Manual). With this 

the history of Sethupathis commenced in Ramanathapuram. 

Sadaika Deva Sethupathi (1605-1621AD) developed agriculture in the area and this gave incentive to 

many people to settle down permanently in what has once been described as ‘the desert passage’ of the 

Pandya country. 

He fortified Ramanathpuram and Pugalur and made Pugalur, 10 miles North –West of Ramanathapuram 

his capital. The inscription at Rameswaram of Mathukrishnappa Nayak dated 1608 AD referring to the 

construction of a temple in that year supports these facts (Sewell, Historical Inscriptions of Southern India, 

p.269). The death of Sadaika Deva in 1621 and the strained relationship of his successors with the Nayaks 

of Madurai culminated into serious disorder and disturbance. 

The ascendency of Tirumalai Nayak (1623-1659) as Madurai Nayak and his able general Dalavai 

Rammappaiyan worsened the situations, as Tirumalai Nayak was a strong ruler. As the attitude of the Sethupathi 

was becoming bad to worse. Tirumalai Nayak ordered Ramappiyan to subdue the Sethupathi. Ramappaiyan 

subdued him and reached Rameswaram. To lay a siege to Rameswaram, he planned to build a bridge, 

thus according to Ramappiyan Ammanai he rebuilt the mythological Sethu. In the meanwhile the Sethupathi 


managed to secure the help of the Dutch from Ceylon. Thirumalai Nayak, in his turn, secured the help of the 

Portuguese. The fact is confirmed by the Portuguese records and the Jesuit letters. (R. Sathianatha Iyer OP 

cit. p.123). Rammappaiyan defeated and arrested the Sethupathi, Sadaika II. The nomination of Thambi as 

Sethupathi led to chaos until the coming up of Thirumala Sethupathi. He subdued the Mohammadan rebellion 

by Khutab Khan and the rebellion by the poligar of Ettaiyapuram. He won the confidence of Tirumalai Nayak 

who conferred on him the privilege of using lion faced palanquin, relieved him from paying the tribute, and 

gave him additional territories including Tiruppuvanam, Tiruchuli and Pallimadam. Sethupathi, in his turn, left 

an impact on the cultural sphere of the Marava Naadu. To honour his overlord, the Sethupathi decided to 

introduce Telegu, the Nayak’s mother tongue in the Marava Naadu. He made Telugu the alternate language 

in his court at Ramanathapuram. One of his still extinct documents, a palm leaf record dated 1658 purporting 

to be an order issued by him for the appointment of Sankara Iyer, the priest of Rajeswari Amman Koil with in 

the palace of Ramanathapuram, bears the Telugu seal of the Sethupathi. He introduced Navarathiri festival 

with the permission of the Madurai Nayak with its original pomp and splendour. The Nayak presented him 

the Durga peedam that was put in Rajeswari Amman Koil. But the last years of this celebrated Sethupati was 

marred by the estrangement of relationship between him and the Nayak. However, he asserted himself. He 

granted fifty villages to the Brahmin families land grants to the temples in Rameswaram, Anaiyur, Thiruchuli 

and Tiruvaduthurai mutt in Tanjore. He died in 1674-AD. 

Kilavan Sethupathi (1674-1710) the successor of Thirumala Sethupathi extricated the Marava Naadu 

from the Nayak overlordship and declared himself independent. He captured Tirumayam and Piranmalai. 

He changed the capital of Marava Naadu from Pugalur to Ramanathpuram. He demolished the mud walls 

that surrounded Ramanathpuram and erected a stone fortress which consisted of a strong wall 27 feet high 

and 5 feet thick surrounded by a deep ditch. The royal palace was built in the center of the fort and this 

extensive building is still existing in Ramanathpuram. Outside the Palace he constructed Mugavai Urani to 

collect and store rain water. Because of this he is acclaimed as Mugavai Urani Ayya. 

This period assumes greater significance because of the missionary activities of John De Britto, a 

Jesuit Priest from Portugal (Nelson, The Madura country , 1868, Vol-III, P, 217). Born with royal blood, John 

De Britto became a Jesuit and preferred to serve in India. He choose the Marava country as the field of his 

work wherein no missionary had dared to step in since the severe persecutions of Christians 17 years 

before. Andre Feire, a famous missionary of the Madura Mission, in a letter dated 1666, AD refers to the 

conversion of a Marava Captain (Fr. Bertrand, La Mission de Madura, 1847 Vol. III, p. 229). He was Thadia 

Thevar, a member of the royal family embraced Christianity and he became an ardent follower of John De 

Britto. In that period, Polygamy was widely prevalent besides many other ills, particularly admits the member 

of the royal family. Thadia Thevar was no exemption and he was also practicing polygamy before he 

became a Christian. John De Britto imparted to him the virtues and values of Christianity. He was persuaded 

to live with only one wife leaving all the other women. One among those women was one Kadalayi who was 

related to the Sethupathi who was offended by the decision of Thadia Thevar to desert her in the name of 

Christianity. She sought the help of Kilavan Sethupathi who was the illegitimate son of the former Sethupathi. 

In addition to that she induced a Brahmin by name Pampavanam to lead a delegation to Sethupati to 

impress upon him to ban Christianity, demolish all the churches and execute the missionary. Sethupathi 


summoned Thadia Thevar and enquired. The status of Thadia Thevar prevented Sethupathi to go ahead 

with stringent action. The Sethupathi arrested John De Britto and imprisoned him. The best efforts of Thadia 

Thevar to release the missionary could not be successful. Sethupathi started playing tricks. He banished 

him from his realm and sent him to his brother who was Governor of Oriyur, a fortress on the Northern frontier 

of the Marava Naadu situated on the river Pamban. He also sent through the escorts a secret letter ordering 

the execution of John De Britto. The Governor’s wife, who was also a Christian, implored her husband to 

spare the missionary but it was of no avail. On 4 th February 1693 John De Britto was led to an elevated site 

and beheaded. His head and limbs were cut off and hung up as a warning to all the missionaries and 

Christians. His mortal remains were not handed over to his followers for burial but were thrown to the birds 

(Nelson, Op.Cit., P. 217-220) 

The Successor Udaya Thevar (1710-1725AD) was a strong Hindu and he made liberal grants to 

temples. To govern Rameswaram and ensure the safety of pilgrims the Sethupathi appointed his own son 

in law as the governor, who had married two daughters of Sethupathi. The governor collected unauthorised 

taxes without the permission of Sethupathi. The Infuriated Sethupathi ordered the execution of his own sonin-law. 

The two widows committed Sati. Their memory is still preserved in the two choultries Akka Madam 

and Thangachi Madam built over their remains on the road from Pamban to Rameswaram. 

Even before this the European nations had sent their trading companies to exploit India. Following 

the Portuguese, the English, Dutch, Danes and French came into India. Of all the companies the East India 

company of England gained supremacy over all others and they had to fight out and outwit the French from 

India. Both English and French exploited the fluid political conditions that was prevalent in India. Using the 

local feuds and fraternal skirmishes, the English could oust the French and subjugate the native Indian 

rulers. The East India Company made intrusion into the Marava Naadu also. The Sethupathi who became 

weak owing to many reasons could not with stand the stormy onslaught of the company regime, which had 

already under the tutelage of the Nawab. 

In 1790 AD the Madras Government of the East India company finding it cumbersome to induce the 

Nawab to pay his share of the company’s expenses, which the latter incurred with regard to the administration 

of military undertakings in the so called Nawab’s territory, assumed by proclamation the management of the 

Nawab’s territory and established the Board of Assigned Revenues to administer the revenues. 

In 1790 AD MC. Leod was appointed to supervise the collection of revenues in the Madura Province. 

He schemed to increase the tribute that was paid by the Sethupathi. In March 1791 the amount was raised 

to Rs. 2,20,000. The helpless Sethupathi found the tribute too heavy for him and then came to pass the 

formal surrender of Ramanathpuram to the company by a treaty in 1792. The company promptly despatched 

a force led by Col. Martiny to occupy the country. Ramanathpuram was formally occupied by the company. 

Subsequently the company brought forth the nefarious Zamindari System and restructured the entire 

set up. The Poligars who resented the company rule raised the standard of revolt. The Marudhu brothers, 

Tipu Sultan, Veera Pandia Kattabomman and a host of other brave sons laid down their lives in their effort to 

challenge the British. It is to be noted that ever since Panjalamkurichi under Kattabomman challenged the 

company, there were also sympathetic uprising in Ramanathpuram also. The company offices in Abiramam, 


Mudukulattur and Kamudi were attacked. Loushington and Martiny concluded that these disturbances were 

sequent to the dethronement of the Sethupathi and the direct rule of the company. The Poligar of Kadalgudi 

attacked the company establishment in Mudukullathur. Under these circumstances the company decided to 

restore to the native kingdom under Mangaleswari Nachiyar of the Sethupathi dynasty. This was done in 

1803 AD to win the confidence of the people and to gain the support of the local chieftain (A. Ramasamy, 

Op. Cit., P.100). Simultaneously, all the Palayams were grouped into Zamindari and the poligars were 

deprived of their ruling powers and reduced to the position of Zamindars. All the fire arms and other weapons 

were confiscated. The entire Ramanathpuram was converted into a Zamindari in 1803 and the East India 

company informed the Rani Mangaleswari Nachiar the terms of the transfer and of the relationship between 

the Zamindari and the company. The general terms of Zamindari system was that the Zamindar had to pay 

the British 10/11 of the tax collected (Sumit Sarkar, Modern India, New Delhi, 1987, P. 182). The Queen 

accepted her position and the revenue was fixed at Rs. 3,24,404 per annum. After the queen, the disputes 

about the succession became the order in Ramanathpuram. To make things worse, there occurred severe 

famine, pestilence followed by cyclone and flood. The company needed someone to extract money from 

Ramanathpuram as they found the Sethupathi not competent enough. The British appointed Raja Rama Rao 

as III Class Deputy Collector and got all tax arrears. 

The Ramanathpuram estate at this period was ruled by Bhaskara Sethpathi (1889-1903). He won for 

himself a permanent place in the India’s cultural renaissance. Ever-since the British occupied Ramanathpuram 

there was political stagnation and Sethupathis were mere puppets in the hands of the British. Bhaskara 

Sethpathi changed the scene and turned a new leaf. Attracted by the ideas of Vivekananda, he arranged for 

his tour in Ramanathpuram. His visit to Ramanathpuram is a starting point of a nation-wide cultured revival 

and social reformation of the 19 th Century. This visit was of profound significance to Ramanathpuram in 

particular and to South India in general. 

Baskara Sethupathi was very much responsible for widening the sphere of Vivekananda’s activity by 

arranging for the American tour. The Sethupathi was careful in maintaining cordial relationship with the British. 

He contributed a handsome amount to the war fund. Many programmes of the national movement like 

Swadeshi Movement, Home Rule Movement, Non-Cooperation Movement etc. did not evoke much interest 

in Ramanathapuram District. Noticing this trend the local Congress leaders persuaded Gandhi to visit 

Ramanathapuram District. Gandhi attracted huge crowds. Gandhi laid emphasis on boycott of councils, 

suspension of practice by lawyers, resignation of posts in civil, police and military services, Temperance 

Movement and boycott of foreign goods. Anti-drinking campaign was started in Ramanathapuram District in 

1920 and it survived for many years (Fortnightly Reports (Confidential) dated 6 th October, 1921). In Sivaganga 

four clerks resigned from service. As a result of Anti–Drinking Campaign, the turn over of toddy shops 

dwindled and even for a very low price there was nobody do bid. The Madurai Nadar Sangam conducted 

vigorous campaign against liquor shops. Inspite of it, the Government noted that the crime rate in 

Ramanathapuram was on the increase. 

As part of the civil Disobedience Movement, Gandhi launched Salt Sathyagraha in Dandi. 

Simultaneously C.Rajagopalachariar led Vedavanyam March in Tanjore. Efforts were made to organise a 

similar movement in Rameswaram by N.S Ramasamy Iyer. On May 26, 1930 five volunteers participated in 


it and all were arrested. A group of militant nationalistic youth threw bombs on 29 July1932 at the Prince of 

Wale’s Reading room in Manamadurai. The Congress party organised meetings advocating the removal of 

untouchability and temple entry. In Ramanathapuram also there were meetings to promote the cause of 

Harijan welfare. (Fortnightly Reports (Confidential) dated 19 th June 1934). When Khan Abdul Khaffar Khan, 

the frontier Gandhi was arrested, there was a complete hartal in Ramanathapuram on 17 December 1934. 

During this period there emerged a great leader in Ramanathapuram who was none other than U. 

Muthuramaliga Thevar, popularly known as Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar. Besides many other things, 

he strongly opposed the Criminal Tribes Act passed by the British with a view to curb the Kallars and 

Thevars of Ramanathapuram and Madurai Districts. Soon he joined the Congress party and got elected in 

1937 General Election. He was attracted by the ideals of Subash Chandra Bose. In 1938 he was sentenced 

to one and a half years imprisonment for his activities during the Mill workers strike at Madurai. Meanwhile 

Subash Chandra Bose got dejected in the Congress camp and started his own party Forward Bloc. 

Muthuramalinga Thevar was the first one in Tamil Nadu to become a member of the party, and he became 

an undisputed leader. Forward Bloc was banned in 1942 and Muthuramalinga Thevar was arrested and 

imprisoned till the end of the II world war. He was released in 1945 and in 1946. In the election he was 

elected to Madras Legislative Assembly from the Mudukulattur Constituency. India got independence in 

1947 and in 1948 Forward Bloc was organized as an independent political party. In the subsequent elections 

in 1952, 1957 and 1962 he was elected. 

Ramanathapuram After Independence 

Ramnad District is located in 9’07 and 10’22 North latitudes and 77’20’ and 79’25’ East longitudes and 

has an area of 4123 square K.Ms. It is surrounded by Sivaganga, Pudukottai and Thoothukudi Districts, the 

Palk straits, Gulf of Mannar and it contains within itself Rameswaram Island and sixteen other islands such as 

Kurusadi Island, Muyal Theevu, Nalla Thanni Theevu, Mulli Theevu etc. Generally this district is dry and 

consists of arid regions. Although there are a few rivers, they are dry most of the time and the farmers 

depend on tanks. Ramanathapuram is the district in India which has got maximum number of tanks. The soil 

is largely black cotton soil and the barren land scape is infested with thorny bushes and the people largely 

rely on them. 

This is the only district in the State which had its headquarters located outside the district limits. The 

Head Quarters was in Madurai for so long until it was shifted to Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai and Virudhunagar 

District which were carved out of Ramanathapuram in later days. 

The population of the district is 13, 37, 560 according to 2011 Census Report. Literacy rate is 81.48% 

and the Communal Percentage is that the Hindus 72.41%, Muslims 22.4% and Christians 5.08%. Among the 

Hindus the maravars constitute majority. Besides there are many other castes like Nadars, Vellalar, Yadavar, 

Udayars etc. The Dalits also constitute a considerable strength of the dalits the Devendra kula vellalars are 

in majority in Ramanathapuram District. 

The Devendra Kula Vellalar originally known as Mallars and Pallars. There are enough references on 

Tamil literature about the antiquity of Mallars. Purananuru, Kambaramayanam, Thirumurgatrupadai, 

Silapathikaram, Agananuru, Paditruputru, Pallupattu and many other Tamil literature speak volumes of the 


culture, occupation, tradition, valour, values and qualities of the Pallars or Mallars. It is said that their place 

of living was Marutham land which means agricultural fields and the deity that they worshiped was Devendra. 

It is also said that the Pallars were the first in paddy cultivation. The Pallars in the modern days prefer the 

nomenclature “Mallars” or “Devendra Kula Vellalas”. Their strength in Ramanathpuram is considerable. Besides 

Pallars there are Paraiyars and Arundadiyars who belong to Dalit Communities. 

The Maravas, Kallars, Servars- the trio constitute ‘Mudukulathor ‘- Vellalars, Pallars, Parayars and 

many other castes belong to the same ethnic stock as revealed by Gene pool Technology and DNA tests 

but the disparity and discrimination admist the castes are so acute and untouchability and slavery prevails 

in different forms and shapes. J.H. Hutton in his work Caste in India: Its nature, Function and origin tells 

about the intensity of discrimination. Almost eight prohibitions were imposed on the Dalits and in later days 

there were 11 more additions. This has been endorsed by Edgar Thurston in his work Ethnographic Notes 

of Southern India. 

In the pre-independent era a few leaders from both the communities emerged and there were attempts 

to eradicate the evils like untouchability. The local leaders who are to be mentioned are U. Muthu Ramalinga 

Thevar and V. Immanuel Sekaran. 

Pasumpon Muthu Ramalinga Thevar: 

Ukkirapandi Muthu Ramalinga Thevar was born in Pasumpon on 30 October 1908 in a very rich 

family. He had around 32 villages as his personal property. He studied in missionary institutions in Kamuthi, 

Pasumalai and Madurai. During his Youth he relentlessly fought against Criminal Tribes Act, 1920 imposed 

by the British on the Maravars and Kallars of Ramanathpuram and Madurai District. He became a Congress 

member and moved close to Subash Chandra Bose. When Bose organised Forward Bloc, Muthu Ramalinga 

Thevar was the first one in Tamil Nadu to be the leader of the Party. His role in the national movement, trade 

Union and development of Ramanathpuram is commendable. Even after independence his love and 

fidelity for Subash Chandra Bose was ever on the increase. He immensely believed and reiterated that 

Subash never died in the air crash. He made a daring statement before the Shahnawaz Committee which 

was constituted to probe into the question of air crash that he had seen Subash Chandra Bose. Thevar’s 

mysterious disappearances frequently confirm the statements made by him. But the political situation and 

the Thevars apprehension that if Subash Chandra Bose was found the Congress Government would hand 

him over to the British as a ‘War Criminal’. 

Thevar remained as an unquestionable and indefatigable leader till his death. He remained as a 

great challenge to the Congress party. In all the elections that he contested till 1962 General Election he 

won. He stood for certain values throughout his life. Spiritualism, Nationalism, Anti –Communism, Antiimperialism, 

and non-congressism were his ideals. He opposed the Dravida Kazhagam, E.V. Ramasamy 

and DMK for their ethics on and separatism. He vehemently opposed Marxism and Leninism and condemned 

the trade policy of USSR. He was a bachelor throughout. 

He had nothing but one blemish in his life that was his implication in the murder of Immanuel Sekaran. 

He got himself acquitted shortly. He passed away on his 55 th birth anniversary ie on 30 October 1963. The 

successive governments in the State honoured him and recognised his services and contributions. A 

college was opened in his name in Usilampatty, a few roads were named after him in Chennai and Mumbai, 

his portrait was unveiled in the Tamil Nadu Assembly, his cemetery was made a memorial and finally the 

Tamil Nadu Government announced the Guru Puja as a state function. 


This is a very big function in Southern Tamil Nadu. In the current year about 10,000 police men under 

Superintendent’s of Police of 20 districts were deployed to conduct the state function. 

Immanuel Sekaran: (1924-1957) 

Immanuel Sekaran, the Martyr and an unquestionable leader of Mallars was also a man from 

Ramanathapuram District. He was born on 9 th October 1924 and he was a dynamic youth with the spirit of 

nationalism. He actively participated in the Quit India Movement in 1942, got arrested and served three 

months sentence in Jail. After release he joined the Indian Army and served as Havildar Major. After eight 

years of service in the army he came out and became a community leader. The different forms of untouchability 

and slavery irked him and he determined to fight them out. He organised the youth and started a movement 

to annihilate the caste oppressions. He was well read and he knew seven languages including Russian. He 

organised a meeting in Ramanathapuram under the Presidentship of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. 

His dynamism and altruism attracted K. Kamaraj and he sent words to Immanuel to join the Congress 

party. He joined the Congress and worked with Peter Perumal, a Dalit leader with the idea of contesting in 

the election in the Congress ticket, he opted for conversion to Hinduism and became Sekaran. His relentless 

fight against caste oppression and attempt for assertion culminated in his brutal murder on 11 September 

1957. 

Mudukulathur Communal Riot: 

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar contested and won both Lok Sabha seat and Tamil Nadu assembly 

seat from Aruppukottai and Mudukulathur Constituencies respectively in 1957 General Election. He decided 

to hold his position as MP and resigned his position as MLA. Because of his resignation there was byelection 

for Mudukulathur constituency in July 1957. Muthu Ramalinga Thevar fielded one Sasi Varna 

Thevar as Forward Bloc candidate against the Congress candidate. Sasi Varna Thevar won the election 

which culminated into a riot between the Thevars and the Devendras. 

In the police firing 42 persons were killed and about 2000 houses were torched. The then 

Ramanathpuram Collector C.V.R. Panikkar organised a peace conference on 10 th Sep. 1957 in which besides 

officials Pasumpon Muthu Ramalinga Thevar, a delegation by Nadars and six Dalits led by Immanuel 

Sekaran participated and amidst consternation, it was resolved to maintain peace and all the caste groups 

should contribute for the harmonious situation. The next day the Devendra leader Immanuel Sekaran was 

brutally murdered and it signalled communal conflagration K. Kamaraj exercised enormous political will and 

he ordered for the arrest of Muthu Ramalinga Thevar. Seventeen persons were arrested including Muthu 

Ramalinga Thevar and a case was registered. In this case all the persons were sentenced except Muthu 

Ramalinga Thevar. 

Immanuel Sekaran fell as a martyr and emerged as the icon of the liberation and assertion of Dalits. 

From that day on wards the death anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran was observed as a remarkable day. 

When Thevar Jayanthi became Guru Puja the followers of Immanuel Sekaran also started celebrating the 

day as Guru Puja in Paramakudi. In 2009 the Government of India released a postal stamp in honour of 

Immanuel Sekaran and the AIADMK party promised to announce Immanuel Sekaran Guru Puja as a state 

function. 


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CHAPTER - III 

Action Committee Against the Paramakudi Firing- 

Process Report 

September 11 th is usually celebrated as Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary in Paramakudi, 

Ramanathapuram District and the oppressed people, particularly people from the ‘Mallar community’ ( 

Scheduled caste ) gather at his memorial and pay their tribute and homage every year. 

Background of the Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary: 

Martyr Immanuel Sekaran was born in Sellur village near Mudhukulathur Taluk, Ramanathapuram 

District and belonged to the Devendra community. He fought and raised his voice for the rights of the 

oppressed people and so he was brutally murdered by the dominant caste people on 10.09.1957 in 

Paramakudi. 

Every year in the month of September 11 th the SC people as well as the people from other communities 

as a symbol of honor, celebrate his sacrifice by paying homage at the Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial. In the 

mean time in the year 2007 on his 50 th the Devendra community people as well as the other organisation 

people came together and paid their tribute to him and also the political party leaders’ take part in the death 

anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran. Though his death anniversary was not announced as a government 

function and yet there is a full participation and support rendered by the Revenue and by the Police 

Department. 

In this stage on September 11 th of 2010, the Former Minister of the ADMK party Mr. Nayinar Nagendran 

who took part in the Guru Pooja of Immanuel Sekaran assured that “Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary would 

be announced as a government function, as soon as ‘Amma’ comes to rule”. Following this based on the 

appeal of the SC people a postal stamp was released by the Central government on 9.10.2010 in honor of 

Immanuael Sekaran. 

54 th Death Anniversary of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran: 

With the above mentioned reasons martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s name as well as his sacrifice became 

significant and popular among and beyond the Tamil people. Also beyond the caste barriers the politicians 

openly gave a statement that the government should announce Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary as 

a government function and placed their appeal. Organisations of the SC people also appealed to the Hon’ 

Chief Minister Jayalalitha to announce Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary as a government function on 

September 11 th 2011. 

Ban to the use the name “Deiva Thirumaganar”: 

In the recent past an actor named Vikram who belonged to the Pallar community ( SC) acted in film 

Deiva Thirumaganar which was opposed by the Thevar community people. They have also threatened the 

Director to change the name of the film. After changing the name only this film was released. 


In the mean time the government has released a postal stamp for Immanuel Sekaran and gave him 

a national status. So this year 2011, the Devendra people (SC) placed flex boards and have written the 

phrase that “National leader Deiva Thirumaganar Immanuel Sekaran’s 54 th Guru Pooja”. 

The people belonged to the Mara Tamilar Senai organisation have lodged a complaint that the 

phrase National leader Deiva Thirumaganar is for Muthuramalinga devar only and martyr Immanuel Sekaran 

must not use that phrase. 

On 7.09.2011 with the above mentioned complaint the Sub Inspector Mr. Ganesan and Inspector Mr. 

Sivakumar have conducted a peaceful negotiation in the Paramakudi town police station. The peace 

negotiation was between the Prabhkaran party and with Mr. Chandra Bose, the general secretary of Immanuel 

Sekaran’s assembly and also with people belonged to the Devendra Cultural Institute. The SI Mr. Ganesan 

stated that “we have told you not to print flex boards without our knowledge and if you people not cooperate 

with us will have face more consequences later” and has warned the Devendra people. 

Later, the policemen have threatened and warned the local press printers not to print the mentioned 

phrases. The local printers refused to print and so the Devendra community people printed their digital flex 

boards in other districts by mentioning the same phrases in it and they have also pasted it in Paramakudi. 

Brutal Murder of a school boy: 

The Devendra people are residing in Pacheri village which is nearby to the Mandalamanikkam village 

comprised of devar community people, Kammudhi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. The Pacheri people 

have to cross the Mandalmanikkam village for going to Kammudhi and a chaotic atmosphere prevailed 

among both the community people. 

In this stage on 9.09.2011at 12:30 in the night about eight people belonged to the devar community 

of Mandalmanikkam brutally murdered Palani Kumar of Pacheri village +1 student who was returning to his 

home after watching a play Muthuramalingapuram. More over, few of the devar people have poisoned the 

well from which the Pacheri people draw the drinking water everyday. 

Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kalagam’s Leader Mr. John Pandian’s arrest: 

On September 11, 2011 people from various districts came to Paramakudi for paying their homage at 

Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial. Many politicians also came and paid their homage at his memorial. Mr. 

John Pandian, the leader of Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kalagam was about to come for the Guru Pooja was 

arrested by the policemen in Tuticorin District near Vallanadu at 10:30 in the morning. Mr. Chandra Bose, 

General secretary of Immanuel Sekaran’s assembly and committee leader for the Guru Pooja heard this 

information and rushed to the Paramakudi town police station at 11:00 a.m. He met the D.I.G Mr. Sandeep 

Mittal and asked the reason for John Pandian’s arrest and also told him about the John Pandian arrest might 

lead to law and order problems. He had also talked to the higher police officials and tired to bring John 

Pandian for the Guru Pooja. But D.I.G has replied that they didn’t arrest him and only the Tuticorin Police 

have done. So Chandra Bose had inturn told that the I.G of police is common for all the southern regions 

and then come to a conclusion as early as possible. The D.I.G had told Chandra Bose not to worry about 

the law and order problem and they would look after it and Chandra Bose left the station at 12:30 p.m. 


John Pandian’s supporters who were involved in the road blockade: 

The supporters of Mr. John Pandian received the information that their leader John Pandian was 

arrested and so about 50 people sat in the corner of the five point junction roads, Paramakudi and involved 

in the road blockade. And at 12:40 p.m the Chennai Adyar Deputy Commissioner of Police Senthil Velan 

who was on protection duty warned the people involved in the blockade to get disperse. At that time a 

person named Mr. Karuppaiah gave his cell phone to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Senthil Velan 

saying that The TMMK organisation’s District Secretary Mr. Thavamani has reached near Paramakudi and he 

needs to speak to him. But he refused to speak to him saying “He is a goon and I cannot speak with him. 

If you wish to save your life, run away from here. This is the order from higher authorities.” And he threatened 

with intention to attack those people involved in blockade to disperse immediately if they wish to safeguard 

their lives. During that hundreds of Devendra Community people and other public were standing besides 

the road and watching over the situation. 

Police firing in Paramakudi: 

In this unexpected situation, when the Adayar Police Deputy Commissioner Mr. Senthilvelan ordered 

to carry out lathicharge, the Paramakudi DSP Ganesan, Paramakudi Police Inspector Sivakumar and other 

policemen started blowing not only the people who stood on the road but also the other innocent people 

who were watching over the incident. The Revenue Divisional Officer, Thasildar and Revenue officers were 

present during the incident. Within the next five minutes without any prior warning the Policemen carried out 

firing. During the above said firing incident three persons namely Jeyabalan, Panneerselvam and Ganesan 

were shot dead on the spot. The policemen allegedly tortured the bullet injured victims by beating them 

with the butt of the guns, trampled them with their shoes and killed them. Further, more than 80 people 

suffered brutal injuries and were seriously affected. 

Police firing in Chinthamani, Madurai District: 

On 11.09.2011 in the morning around 11.30 am around 100 people from Paatam village near 

Thirupuvanam of Sivagangai District were on the way through the Ring road to attend Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran’s anniversary during that time the Avaniapuram Police Sub Inspector Sanmugam was on protection 

duty in that area. Due to some previous enmity he gave false information about these people to the 

Avaniapuram Police Station Inspector Mr. Gajendran. Mr. Gajendran issued firing order without any prior 

warning and in which Balakrishnan S/o Ramar, Jeyaprasath S/o Dhanabal of Paatam village suffered bullet 

injuries. They were taken to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital and given treatment in the Emergency 

ward. 

Police Lathicharge and Firing in Ilayankudi: 

After being informed about the Paramakudi incident the Devendra Community people from Ilayankudi 

and the surrounding regions were trying to blockade the Ilayankudi Police Station police firing was carried 

out. A 12 th Standard student named Anand S/o Ramachandran while returning from his tuition class to his 

home, was shot by gun and fainted during the firing by Sivagangai DSP Ilangovan. There were also many 

people affected during the firing incident in Ilayankudi. 


Formation of Action Group against Paramakudi Police Firing: 

There were so many Human Rights organizations, dalit movements and parties that undertook fact 

finding missions regarding this incident. All those institutions conducted a discussion meeting in Paramakudi 

Devendra Cultural Marriage Hall on 15.10.2011 during which the representatives of different organisations 

including Martyr Immanuel Sekaran Assembly, Devendra Cultural Institute, Mallar Kazhagam, Central and 

State SC/ST Government Employees’ Association, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, Liberation of 

Oppressed People’s Front, Thattha RettaiMalai Seenivasanar Assembly, Citizens Human Rights Movement, 

Ponnaiyapuram Women’s Clubs, Federation of Dalit Rights, Dalit Companionship Centre, Arundhathiyar 

Human Rights organisation, Central and State SC/ST Government Employees’ (TASMAC) Association, Dalit 

Foundation, National Campaign for Dalit Rights – Delhi, Sahodharar Marumalarchi Nalachangam – Chennai 

and representatives of People’s Watch participated. 

It was during that meeting all the organizations that participated together formed the ‘Action Committee 

Against the Paramakudi Firing’. The General Secretary of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran Assembly Mr. P. 

Chandrabose was selected as the Coordinator for this Group. 

It was also decided to insist CBI Probe into the Police firing . 

Scheduling of Public Inquest: 

The ‘Action Committee Against the Paramakudi Firing’. was formed under the head of Former Justice 

Mr. H. Suresh (Mumbai) and planned to carry out the public hearing on 22 nd and 23 rd of October, 2011. Since 

the Government has already assigned an investigation team to carry out enquiry in this regard, it was 

changed as into Public Inquest instead of calling it as Public Hearing. It was also decided that the action 

group could meet the authorities directly and carry out the enquiry. 

People’s Watch has been given the responsibility for selecting and bringing the jury members. 

The juries for the Public Inquest were selected under the head of Justice H. Suresh 

1. Justice H. Suresh (Former Judge, Mumbai High Court) 

2. Mr. P.S. Krishnan (IAS Retd, Former Secretary, Government of India) 

3. Dr. V.Vasanthi Devi (Former Vice Chancellor of M.S. University and Former Chairperson of Tamil 

Nadu State Commission for Women) 

4. Mr. K. Subramanian (IPS Retd, Former DGP of Tripura) 

5. Prof. Balaram, (Former Acting Chairperson, SHRC Kerala) 

6. Mr. V. Karuppan (IAS Retd, Former Secretary to the Government of Tamil Nadu) 

7. Mr. R. B. Sreekumar (IPS Retd, Former DGP, Gujarat) 

8. Dr. R.J. Rajkumar (International Consultant, Human Rights Training, Chennai) 

9. Dr. Ruth Manorama, (National Convener, National Alliance of Women’s Organisation and National 

Federation of Dalit Women) 

10. Ms. Sudha Ramalingam (High Court Lawyer, Chennai) 


11. Dr. Krishna Ananth (High Court Lawyer and Journalist, Chennai) 

12. Dr. Xavier Selva Suresh (Professor of Forensic Science, Tamil Nadu) 

13. Mr. Ponneelan (Renowned Tamil Writer, Tamil Nadu) 

14. Prof. Kalvi Mani (Senior Human Rights Activist) 

15. Dr.Mathiharan (Professor of Forensic Science, Tamil Nadu) 

16. Mr.Thiyagu (Senior Human Rights Activist) 

The above mentioned members were selected. 

Mandate of the Public Inquest: 

• The veracity of the statement by the Hon’ble Chief Minister on the floor of Tamil Nadu Legislative 

Assembly on the 12 th September 2011 about the causes that led to police firing in Paramakudi. 

• The run up of incidents prior to the death anniversary of late Dalit leader Immanuvel Sekaran engaging 

the District Administration, Ramanathapuram District, the police in the district and Dalit leaders including 

the murder of Dalit student Palanikumar on the night of 9th September, 2011, the restriction of Mr. John 

Pandian from entering Ramanathapuram district, etc. 

• The cause that led to the use of force and fire arms at Chinthamani (Madurai District), Ainthumukku, 

Paramakudi (Ramanathapuram District and Ilayankudi (Sivagangai District) on 11th September, 2011 

leading to the deaths and injuries of several persons. 

• To ascertain whether all precautions that are required to be followed by the Law Enforcement Officials 

as outlined under the existing legal standards at the National and International levels have been 

observed prior to the use of force and fire arms in the above incidents. 

• To ascertain the incidents thereafter in providing medical treatment to the injured, arrest of people, 

threats if any to the people in their villages after the incidents, etc. 

• To recommend suitable measures for prevention of such occurrence in future and specific measures 

to be followed by the Government in this specific incident in future and for rendering concrete justice 

to the victims of violence, if any. 

• To judge the rightfulness on the part of the State of Tamil Nadu appointing a Commission of Enquiry 

under the Commission of Enquiry Act, 1952 when the statutory National Human Rights Commission 

and the State Human Rights Commission are functional after promulgation of the Protection of Human 

Rights Act 1993 especially in cases of such incidents of violence alleged against the instrumentalities 

of the State. 

Preparation of Statements: 

A team from People’s Watch under the leadership of Ms. S. Palaniammal with other members Mr. 

Anandhakumar, Advocates Sheik, Thamaraiselvi and Thiruthamizhan, Mr. Ayappan, Mr. Jeyaraman, Mr. S. 

Ganesan, Mr. Prabakar and students of St. Paul’s Seminary from Trichirapalli were involved in field visits to 

the affected villages and collecting statements from people. Also about 10 statements were obtained through 

the Leaders. 


S.No Statements Total No. of Statements 

1. Statements of Victims’ Relatives 10 

2. Death Statement of Palanikumar of Pallappacheri 04 

3. Injured victims:Madurai Government Hospital –15 

Paramakudi Government Hospital – 02 

Ramanathapuram Government Hospital – 06 

Private Hospital – 20 

Madurai Central Jail – 07 

Witnesses - 10 60 

4. Ilayankudi Police firing 02 

5. Madurai Police firing 11 

6. Victims of police atrocities post Paramakudi firing incident 08 

7. Statements of Leaders 10 

TOTAL 105 

Translations and Coding of Statements: 

The General Secretary of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s Assembly, Mr. Chandra Bose, Mr. Simson, Mr. 

M.T. Pandian were involved in the verification of the statements. The translations of the statements were 

carried out by Dr. M. Solomon Bernard Shaw of Arul Ananandar College, Madurai, Ms. Pamelin, Ms. Annie 

Rachel, and Ms. Jeyasudha of People’s Watch. Mr. Pandian, the Program Co ordinator of Dalit Foundation 

based in Delhi and Mr. G. Ganesan and Advocate Pandiarajan of People’s Watch undertook the responsibility 

for converting the statements into affidavits. Mr. Rameshnathan of SASY, Dr. M. Solomon Bernard Shaw, Mr. 

Pandian, Mr. Prithviraj, Prof. Stalin Rajangam of American College and People’s Watch staff Ms. Durga, Mr. 

Maria Soosai, and Mr. Thirunavukkarasu assisted the Jury members during the inquest. 

Mr. Martin, Mr. Sheikh Ibrahim, Mr. Murugesan, Mr. Nicolas, Adv. Mr. Murali Babu, and Mr. Pandiarajan 

– all advocates of People’s Watch assisted the witnesses during the Public Inquest. The required documents, 

particularly the Post-mortem reports, FIRs, etc were collected from the Courts and using the RTI. 

Method in which Public Inquest was conducted: 

Prior to the public inquest all the necessary information, statements, documents and press clippings 

regarding the Paramakudi Police firing incident were sent to the members of the jury. On 21.10.11 all the jury 

members arrived in Madurai. The Executive Director of People’s Watch welcomed them and explained the 

proposed program for the PI in order to get their approval for the same. 

Mr. Chandra Bose, Convenor of the ACPF along with Mr. Simson, Mr. M.T. Pandian, Mr. S. Natarajan 

and Mr. C. J. Rajan – all from the ACPF also took part in this meeting. The members of the jury then also 

viewed the video which was recorded during the Police lathi charge and firing at Paramakudi. 

22.10.2011 (Paramakudi Public Inquest) 

The Public Inquest commenced on 22.10.2011 at 10.30 AM in Paramakudi at Raja Mahal in three 

different sessions. The jury members of the Public Inquest arrived and Mr. Chandra Bose welcomed the 

judges of the panel. Mr. C.J.Rajan gave a brief introduction about the juries and then the jury members 

enquired the witnesses. In the afternoon Justice Suresh headed the first panel and Dr. Vasanthi Devi headed 

the second panel and totally 44 witnesses were enquired between both the sessions. Several others who 


had come forward with their statements were also received. In the meantime, Dr. Savior Selva Suresh 

heading another team went to the Ramanathapuram, Paramakudi, Ilayangudi and Sivagangai Government 

hospitals. They enquired about the details of the injured, the treatment provided to injured persons and 

about the post mortem of the deceased persons. The next team of the jury headed by Dr. K. Subramaniam 

IPS ( Retd) met the Ramanathapuram District Collector. The next group headed by Mr. Karuppan went to 

Sivagangai and attempted to meet the Sivagangai District Collector, The Superintendent of Police and other 

officers. But was unable due to their prior engagements. The last team headed by Mr. Sreekumar IPS ( 

Retd) met the RDO, the DSP, the Inspector of Police and Fire Officer Paramakudi and obtained their versions. 

Details of the witnesses who participated in the first Plenary panel hearing by the Jury on 22 nd Oct 

morning: 


Session II – Division ‘A’ 


Session II – ‘B’ division 



The Public Inquest sittings of the Jury in Madurai on 23 rd October 2011 morning : 

The Madurai sittings of the Jury of the Public Inquest took place at the Xavier hall at People’s Watch 

on 23.10.2011 and was headed by the Justice H. Suresh. People form different outfits attended the same. 

Mr. John Pandian, of the Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kalagam who has been banned from entering 

Ramanathapuram district was the first to depose since he had requested to appear before the jury in 

Madurai. He was followed by Mr. S.B. Annamalai from the Mallar Nadu, the State Secretary of the C.P.I 

(M.L), Mr. M.T.Pandian, Mr. Samuelraj, the General Secretary of the Tamilnadu Untouchability Eradication 

Front, Mr. S. Natarajan, General Secretary, Retamalai Seenivasan Assembly, Mr. Simson, Oppressed 

People’s Liberation Organization, Prof. Stalin Rajangam, National Women’s association Mrs. Sangalipriya, 

martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s assembly’s General secretary Mr. Chandra Bose and Advocate Hepziba provided 

their statements. 

The jury team under Dr. Savior Selva Suresh met the Private and Government Hospital Doctors in 

Madurai District. On the evening of 23 rd October the members of the jury met the media and addressed 

them on the jury’s interim findings. The press coverage was very good after the meet. In the late evening of 

the 23 rd , the members of the jury also met with the District Collector of Madurai, Mr. Y. Sagayam IAS to know 

from him his own version on the police firing at Chinthamani which fell within his district. 

On 24.10.11 Dr. K. Subramaniam had directly met the Madurai District Superintendent of Police, Mr. 

Asra Garg IPS to know from him his own version on the police firing at Chinthamani which fell within his 

district. Due to continuous persistence from the side of the organizers, he was also able to finally have a 

meeting with the Inspector General of Police (South Range) Mr. Rajesh Das IPS in the evening of the 24 th 

October. In addition due to the special initiative undertaken by Mr. Asra Garg IPS, Dr. K. Subramaniam was 

also able to have access to Dr. Senthilvelan, IPS, the DC Adayar who had been deputed for special duty to 

Paramakudi and who was convalescing in Madurai to know his version of the events that took place on 11th 

September. 

Statements and complaints received and the task of transforming them into complaints to be preferred 

to the concerned courts: 

Among the 94 witnesses and injured victims from the Paramakudi, Ilayangudi and Madurai Chinthamani 

police firing incidents and from whom statements were collected, only 44 of them participated in the PI. It is 

important to be note that other witnesses did not attend the PI due to fear of police torture and atrocities as 

well as the fear that the police may charge them with false cases against them. Though they did not participate 

in this PI they are ready to co-operate in the complaint initiative that we are following up no behalf to eh 

ACPF. 

A team of advocates under the leadership and guidance of senior criminal lawyer Mr. Chinnaraj has 

been involved in transforming these statements obtained from the victims’ of police atrocities into court 

complaints for Court proceedings. This work is also to be followed by a committee comprising the Tamilnadu 

Untouchability Eradication Front and Peoples’ Watch. 

 


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CHAPTER - IV 

An unsuccessful challenge to Public Inquest 

In a bid to sabotage the attempts of the Action Committee Against the Paramakudi Firing Mr. P. 

Sivakumar, who was the Inspector of Police, Paramakudi at the time of the police firing on 11 th September 

, now transferred to another station, filed a Writ Petition in the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court 

in W.P. (MD) No. 12208 of 2011 dated 20.10.2011. He prayed the Honourable Court to restrain the 

Action Committee from holding the Public Hearing / Inquest. 

The copy of the writ petition filed perhaps will stand testimony to the complicity of other interests – 

from within and outside the government in his efforts. The Action Committee is grateful to the Court for 

its order which upheld the right of civil society organizations to undertake such efforts of Public Enquiries/ 

Inquest. 


Statement of Mr. P.Sivakumar, Inspector of Police, Paramakudi 








High Court Order on the petitioner Mr. Sivakumar filed before the Madurai Bench of Madras High 

Courg to prevent holding of the Public Inquest 







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CHAPTER - V 

Government version on the firing 

The first official version of the Government of Tamil 

Nadu on the Paramakudi firing incident came up when 

the Hon’ble CM pronounced her statement on the floor 

of the TN assembly. She stated that the derogatory remark 

made by a group of Dalits by way of writing ill of Thevar 

on the wall of Ration shop was the cause of tension and 

the uncontrollable behaviours of few persons on the day 

of Guru Puja of Immanuvel Sekaran prompted the police 

to open fire to save lives and property of General public. 

Both her statement are false and concocted. 

In the said wall writing incidence on FIR has been filed in Mandala Manickam police station with IR 

No. 32/11ated 09.09.11. In the said FIR the name of Palani Kumar who was murdered on the same night is 

not seen at all. This murder was to demonstration the intolerance of the dominant communities against the 

dalits. The CM’s statement on the firing incidence that the uncontrollable behaviour of a few persons prompted 

the police firing races the question how the 3000 strong police with arms stationed in the place of occurrence 

could not control a few and resorted to firing? The version of Government as revealed by many govt., 

officials that the police adopted all methods and procedures before resorting to firing is also false. The 

police went on firing from 1.30 to 34.300m to control just a few persons resulting into the death of 7 persons. 

The third version that inspite of the ban order Mr. John Pandian violated and instigated violence. This is also 

false that even though John Pandian was permitted to pay homage in Guru Puja on 11.09.11 between 3 pm 

and 5 pm he was arrested and detained in Thuthukudi district. He was in police custody and he did not 

instigate riot. 

 

Report of the Public Inquest on the Paramakudi firing 

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CHAPTER - VI 

Response of the Political Parties on Paramakudi 

firing from newspaper clippings 

Commission’s Stand in Paramakudi Police Firing 

Paramakudi Firing: HC Orders Notice on Petition 

PTI | Chennai | Sep 28, 2011: Observing that police had not followed standing orders in handling the 

Paramakudi firing incident, the Madras High Court today ordered notice on a petition seeking suspension of 

Ramanathapuram district collector, Superintendent of Police and six others, holding them responsible for 

the situation. 

A division bench, comprising justices Elipe Dharma Rao and M Venugopal, ordered notice on a 

petition by P Pulenthi, who claimed the suspension of the officials was necessary “to ensure Scheduled 

Castes of the area live in peace and appear fearlessly before the Commission of Inquiry appointed to go 

into the police firing at Paramakudi on September 11.” 

The matter has been adjourned to October 12. Seven persons were killed in police firing at Paramakudi 

on September 11 when a mob turned violent blocking traffic and setting afire vehicles following detention of 

Dalit leader John Pandian en route to that town to pay homage to another community leader Imanuel Sekar 

on his death anniversary. 

Meanwhile, Pandian moved court for a direction to the government to pay him Rs 10 lakh as 

compensation for his alleged illegal detention by the police recently. In an affidavit, Pandian said he went to 

Thoothukudi to attend a function on September 11. While returning and proceeding towards Palayamkottai 

to attend a wedding, police stopped his vehicle and the DIG told him prohibitory orders were in force. The 

dalit leader claimed that he was taken to Vallanadu firing range rest house and allowed to leave only on 

September 13. He prayed that the court hold his detention as illegal and award him compensation. 

Commission holds discussions with officials 

The Tamil Nadu government-appointed Commission, formed to inquire the Paramakudi police firing, 

today visited the violence-hit areas and held discussions with officials. 

The Commission was shown black flags by villagers at Mannadimangalam, who demanded a CBI 

inquiry and suspension of police personnel responsible for the firing, officials said. Chief Minister Jayalalithaa 

had on September 12 ordered a judicial probe by a retired high court judge into the firing. 

Meanwhile, posters condemning both DMK and AIADMK for their ‘anti-Dalit stand’ were found stuck in 

several places at Thevaram in Theni district, leading to tension, police said. Two DMK workers were injured 

in a clash with Dalits near Thevaram, they said. 

Source: http://news.outlookindia.com/items.aspx?artid=736508 


40

Justice Sampath Commission begins probe into Paramakudi firing 

RAMANATHAPURAM, September 28, 2011: Justice Sampath Commission, which has been appointed 

by the State Government to inquire into the police firing at Paramakudi, which claimed the lives of six Dalits, 

began its enquiry on Tuesday. 

Justice K. Sampath visited the Five Point junction at Paramakudi, where the clash erupted between 

the agitators and the police on September 11when a group of Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam 

cadres staged a road roko demanding the release of their leader John Pandian. 

Assisted by the revenue officials, Justice Sampath inspected the firing place, the places where 

government and private vehicles were burnt and the zones where stones were thrown d by the agitators. 

He also studied the topography of Paramakudi and firing place using a map. Later, he went to the memorial 

of Dalit leader Immanuel Sekaran in Paramakudi. 

After meeting the representatives of Dalits forums, Justice Sampath visited three villages and met the 

family members and relatives of those killed in the police firing. When they narrated the incidents, he gave 

them a patient hearing. They claimed that the victims were targeted above waist by the police. Most of the 

victims went to Paramakudi on the fateful day for various reasons. They also claimed that the police didn’t 

follow the standard procedures before opening fire at the protestors. He also enquired about the families of 

victims. 

Earlier, Collector V. Arun Roy, the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Ravikumar, who is holding 

additional charge, the Superintendent of Police Mahesh Kumar and others met him at the Circuit House in 

Ramanathapuram. V. Balasundarakumar, District Sessions Judge, also made a courtesy call. 

Meanwhile, the residents of Pachery near Mandalamanickam, where a Dalit boy Palanikumar was 

murdered by a gang, raised black flags at their houses, protesting against the Commission of Enquiry. They 

also staged a demonstration at the village stating that they didn’t have confidence in the Commission of 

Enquiry. Mr. Sampath will continue his enquiry in Ramanathapuram on Wednesday also. 

Source: http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Madurai/article2492854.ece 

DGP’s Version 

Police firing kills three in Tamil Nadu at Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram 

Tension gripped caste-sensitive Southern districts of Sivaganganga, Ramanathapuram and Madurai 

after police firing on a group of stone-throwing dalit protesters killed three of them and injured another two 

on Sunday afternoon. Police claimed that they had to resort to firing at Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram, 

some 530m south of Chennai, after the dalit groups pelted stones, set shops, police vehicles and buses 

ablaze. The dalits were protesting the detaining of their leader John Pandian, who was prevented from 

entering Ramanathapuram as his presence at Paramakudi would have incited more trouble, police feared. 

In neighbouring Madurai too, police fired against rampaging mob that set fire to police vehicles. Two 

persons were injured in the Madurai firing, one seriously. 


41

Chief minister J Jayalalithaa was quick to announce compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the kin of the 

three killed in firing but condemned the violence in Ramanthapuram. She asserted “police opened fire in 

self defence and to protect public property.” In a statement, she said, “mob attacked police, threw petrol 

bombs and torched police vehicles.” The trouble began after a dalit party, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra 

Kazhagam (TMMK) blocked roads outside Paramakudi to protest the detention of Pandian to prevent him 

from reaching the small town of Paramakudi, where the memorial of Immanuvel Sekaran, a dalit leader who 

was killed in 1957, is located. 

Pandian has been trying to claim leadership of the dalits in the region, especially after his acquittal in 

a murder case by the Supreme Court. But he could not win a single seat in the assembly despite contesting 

in five as against another dalit outfit, Puthiya Tamizhagam led by Dr D Krishnaswamy which won two seats in 

alliance with AIADMK. 

Angered by his detention, over 3000 of his supporters gathered at Paramakudi went on rampage and 

pelted stones at police, set fire to shops, buses and police vehicles. Two senior officials - DIG Sandeep 

Mittal and Deputy Commissioner KA Senthivelan - were injured in the stone pelting, police said. 

As they were heavily outnumbered, and lathi charge having failed, police had to open fire to quell the 

situation, an officer said. The police prevented entry of more TMMK supporters into Paramakudi town, 

which in turn sparked off more tension. One group of supporters, stopped on the Outer Ring Road of 

Madurai, too went on the rampage, setting two police jeeps on fire. Here too police fired, injuring two. One 

of them was in a serious condition at government hospital in Madurai, according to a senior police official, 

Hundreds of vehicles with TMMK members are line along the roads in the three districts of 

Ramanthapuram (where Paramakudi is located), Madurai and Sivaganga.) 

Southern Tamil Nadu is the hotbed of caste tension between Thevars, the most backward caste and 

dalits. Thevars hold memorial prayers for their leader Pon Muthuramalingam on every October 30 and the 

Dalits show their strength by commemorating the death anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran on September 10 

and congregate in large numbers. 

“Since the two groups try their best to provoke the other, it poses a serious law and order challenge 

every year,” said a senior police officer who has served in Ramanathapuram. 

According to state DGP K Ramanujam additional forces have been mobilized and supporters of 

John Pandian are being persuaded to return home. “We are confident of restoring normality by Monday 

morning,” he said. 

Source: http://www.ibtl.in/news/states/1203/police-firing-kills-three-in-tamil-nadu-at-paramakudi-inramanathapuram 


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Impartial probe will be held: Justice Sampath (2) 

Paramakudi: Justice K. Sampath, who heads the Commission of Inquiry appointed by the government 

to probe the Paramakudi firing on September 11, said here on Wednesday that he would hold an impartial 

inquiry into the incident, which claimed the lives of six Dalits. Speaking to The Hindu here, Mr. Justice 

Sampath said the commission would discharge its duties and responsibilities to bring out the truth. “I have 

an open mind. I don’t act on assumption or perception,” said the retired Madras High Court judge. Stating 

that he had visited the spot at Paramakudi and the Immanuel Sekaran Memorial, Mr. Sampath said he had 

met the family members and relatives of those killed in three villages, including Veerambal and Sadayaneri. 

He could not visit other three villages. He sought the cooperation of the people and said that this would 

enable him to probe the matter in detail and understand their views and grievances. Asked about his 

opinion about the police firing, Mr. Sampath said he had not formed any opinion on it. He heard the views 

of all sides, particularly those affected. The police also expressed their views. It was only a preliminary visit 

and the formal recording of statements would be made in due course. The commission had gathered views 

from all sides on what happened that day. It was not possible to come to any conclusion or opinion at this 

stage. Asked how the panel would continue its proceedings in the backdrop of opposition among the 

affected people, Mr. Sampath hoped that the situation would improve. They would cooperate with the 

commission. Later, Mr. Sampath enquired with V. Arun Roy, Collector, Ravikumar, Deputy Inspector General 

of Police, Mahesh Kumar, Superintendent of Police, and others for the second day on Wednesday. (The 

Hindu 29/9/11) 

Source: http://blog.isidelhi.org.in/?m=201109 

Tension grips south districts 

September 12, 2011: Tension gripped southern districts following the death of five dalits in police 

firing in Paramakudi on Sunday when they went to pay homage to dalit leader Immanuel Sekaran on his 

death anniversary. 

In all, police firing has been reported in three places – Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district, 

Ilayankudi in Sivagangai district and Chinthamani in Madurai district. 

While three were killed in the firing at Paramakudi, one succumbed at the government hospital in 

Ilayankudi. The death toll is likely to increase, say police. Several other dalits were injured and over 15 

policemen including top officials suffered injuries in the mob violence. 

In Madurai district, two dalit youths – Balakrishnan and Jayaprasath sustained injuries in the firing. 

ADSP V.Mylvahanan said, “Police resorted to firing only in self-defence only after a woman constable was 

harassed and an inspector was attacked.” He said about 50 persons have been detained in the district. 

Third firing occurred in Ilayankudi when the people of Keelaiyur and neighbouring dalit-dominant 

villages blocked a police vehicle in which injured deputy commissioner K.A.Senthilvelan was being rushed 

for treatment to a private hospital in Madurai. A police source said, “The villagers rounded up his vehicle 

forcing the police to open fire at them.” Dinesh, 17, a Plus Two student suffered pellet injuries in the incident. 


43

The news of the “untimely” arrest of Dalit leader John Pandian in Thoothukudi on the day when dalits 

were flocking towards Paramakudi from various southern districts to pay homage at the memorial of Immanuel 

Sekaran sparked tension among the members of the community. Several dalit outfit leaders including 

Krishnasamy of Pudhiya Tamizhagam, Murugavelrajan of Makkal Viduthalai Katchi and Suba Annamalai of 

Mallar Kazhagam and MDMK general secretary Vaiko called on the injured at the Government Rajaji Hospital 

in Madurai. Vaiko demanded a judicial enquiry into the firing at Paramakudi. 

Madurai collector U.Sagayam also visited the injured at the hospital. Earlier, their relatives blocked 

his vehicle condemning police firing. He has ordered an RDO inquiry into the Madurai firing. 

Meanwhile, Ramanathapuram district remains totally cut off. Bus services have been suspended in 

the district and buses proceeding from other districts to Ramanathapuram, Paramakudi, Rameswaram and 

Ilayankudi have been halted. 

Trains running between Madurai-Rameswaram-Madurai and Karaikudi-Manamadurai have been 

cancelled while Rameswaram-Tiruchy passenger is partially cancelled between Ramanathapuram and Tiruchy. 

Police strength has been stepped up following the violence at various places. Lathicharge was reported in 

a few places including Madurai. Several buses and police vehicles were damaged. 

Over 40 vehicles were set ablaze in Paramakudi alone, police said. Police prevented the reporters 

and photographers from covering the violence in Paramakudi. Almost all top police officials remained 

incommunicado to the press. 

Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/tension-grips-south-districts-105 

Police Firing on Dalits in TN 

Following the police firing on protesting Dalits at Paramakudi of Ramanathapuram district, Ilayangudi of 

Sivaganga district, Chinthamani of Madurai district (Southern Tamilnadu) on September 11, a CPIML factfinding 

team visited the three districts on 19-20 September. The team visited all the victims’ villages, hospitals, 

police stations, offices of the Superintendent and Collector, and the places at Paramakudi and Ilayangudi, 

where firing took place. Members of the fact finding team included Balasundaram, State Secretary, CPIML, T 

Sankarapandian, State Vice-President AICCTU, Auvudaiappan, State Council Member, AIALA, Divya, State 

Committee Member of AISA, C Mathivanan, District Leading Team Secretary, Madurai, Jeeva, District incharge, 

Sivagangai district, K G Desigan, Editorial Team Member of Orumaipadu (Solidarity). 

September 11th is the 54th death anniversary of Emmanuel Sekaran, a dalit activist brutally killed by 

upper caste hirelings in 1957. His burial place is in Paramakudi. He is revered as a martyr by the Dalit 

people of Southern Tamil Nadu. Every year on September 11, Dalit people and organizations rally in large 

numbers at his memorial. The AIADMK Government led by Jayalalitha declared the death anniversary of 

Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar (leader of Mukkulathore community Kallar, Maravar and Agamudaiyar) 

as an official Government function. As a natural corollary, Dalit people and organizations also demanded 

that Emmanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary also be declared as a Government function. An AIADMK contestant 

even promised to meet this demand in the last Assembly elections. 


44

Our Findings 

• The firing is a premeditated conspiracy to stop the death anniversary celebrations of dalit leader 

Emmanuel Sekaran and smash the dalits’ political mobilization and assertion. Entry to dalit leaders to 

this district was banned in the name of law and order conditions, leading to protests, which were then 

fired upon. 

• One Appa Nadu Maravar Sangham dispatched an anonymous letter to their community people to 

assemble to stop the Emmanuel ‘Guru Puja’ from taking place. The police took no action to avert or 

punish this move. 

• On September 9 at 12.45 in the night, a school boy of Pallappachery named Palanikumar was killed 

by some people of the Mukukkulathore community, on the pretext that he had supposedly scribbled 

denigrating remarks on the walls of Manickamandalam village. This incident was probably expected 

to result in violent Dalit protests, providing a pretext to stop the Emmanuel memorial function. But this 

ploy failed. 

• In another act of provocation, the police arrested TMMK (Thamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam) 

leader John Pandian at Thuthukudi, 133km away from Paramakudi on the plea that his entry to 

Ramanathapuram district to attend the Emmanuel function and meet the family of Palanikumar would 

escalate tension. 

• John Pandian’s supporters gathered to protest his arrest, and staged a road block at five-point 

junction at Paramakudi. The number of agitated dalit youth was less than 500. The strength of the 

police force was around 4000, with several DIGs, SPs, ASPs and DSPs present. The shooting spree 

happened from 12.30 pm to 5.30 pm. The police version that the situation went out of control is 

blatantly false and concocted. 

• Old people aged 60 and above, and passers-by were shot dead in the firing. Ganesan of Pallavanethal 

village, Panchayat secretary AIADMK, who went to Paramakudi to distribute his son’s marriage invitations 

was killed. Vellaichami (65) of Kakkanethal who was to catch bus for Madurai, was killed. Chinnan of 

the same age and village, who accompanied Vellaichamy, sustained injuries but was rescued by a 

woman. He had to walk 15 kms to reach his village. Veerambal Panner (about 55), a dalit Christian, 

was shot at in his forehead when he came to take his daughter to hospital. Jeyapal (Amar), aged just 

21 was shot at point-blank range in the forehead. His 18-year-old wife Gayathri is about to give birth to 

a child. Keezhakodumalur Theerpukani, first year diploma student was killed in the firing. 

• At Ilayangudi, en route to Paramakudi, between 2-4 pm, Ilayangudi DSP Ilango of Agramaseri, belonging 

to the Maravar community, opened fire without any provocation on 25 youths who had tried to organize 

a road blockade to protest Pandian’s arrest and the Paramakudi firing. This spot is within 50 to 60 

yards from the police station. A school boy, Anand, was not part of the agitation, was hit by a bullet in 

his right palm as he kneeled down, raising his hands in defence. Here, different cases were foisted 

on more than two hundred young dalit people including women. 


45

• Cases were foisted on more than 1000 people. One Palani who returned home after cancer treatment 

was arrested and sent to jail! Family members had to run pillar to post to know the whether their family 

members are in the hospitals or not. More than 75 critically injured were denied proper treatment. In 

most of the hospitals doctors were not present. Even in Paramakudi hospital there were instructions 

not to attend the patients. Only after High Court intervention some improvement could be seen. 

• A callous Jayalalitha displayed her anti-dalit bias by justifying the firing. Home Minister P Chidambaram 

who was in the Sivagangai district visited an injured DIG but failed to visit the victims. Another central 

minister Azhagiri also not visited the victims. 

Our Demands 

• Holding the home portfolio, the Chief Minister must own political responsibility for the firing. The 

senior police officials, particularly DIG Santib Pattile, Commissioner Senthil Velan, DSP Ilango, Inspector 

Sivakumar, and the Ramanathapuram district SP must be suspended immediately. An enquiry 

commission headed by a sitting judge of the high court must be announced. All the false cases must 

be withdrawn. The dalits’ demand of announcing Emmanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary as a 

government function must be met. Compensation of Rs 25 lakhs be paid to the bereaved families, 

with a government job to a family member and free rations, Sec 144 must be lifted forthwith and 

democratic rights must be restored. 

Source: http://www.cpiml.org/liberation/year_2011/oct_11/updates.html 

Chief Minister’s Version 

Jaya defends Paramakudi cop firing 

Defending the police firing at Paramakudi in Ramanthapuram district in which four persons were killed 

on Sunday, chief minister Jayalalithaa said the police acted in self-defence and to quell the violence unleashed 

“by a few persons for their own political gains”. She also announced Rs 1 lakh compensation from the Chief 

Minister’s Relief Fund to the next of kin of those killed. “The protesters indulged in large-scale violence and 

torched police vehicles. Police opened fire in self-defence and to protect public property as they threw 

petrol bombs and pelted stones. Unfortunately three were killed in the firing,” she said in a statement here. 

Ms. Jayalalithaa said in the violence, Ramanathapuram DIG Sandeep Mittal, Pramakudi DSP Ganesh 

and Inspector Athisaya Raj were among those injured. She said, “It was highly condemnable for such an 

incident to have taken place, “disrupting law and order for the political gains of some persons” and 

appealed that none should indulge in violence. Jayalalithaa said entry of Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra 

Kazhagam founder John Pandian was banned in Ramanathapuram district to maintain law and order. 

“Since Mr. Pandian defied the order and proceeded to Paramakudi where the memorial of Dalit 

leader Immanuel Sekaran was located, he was arrested in Vallanadu in Tuticorin, she said. The chief minister 

said his supporters blocked traffic in five-corner junction in Paramakudi to bring vehicle movement to a halt. 

The police fired tear gas shells to disperse the agitating protesters. In Madurai, the police inspector fired at 

the protestors in Chinthamani junction in self-defence when they tried to attack him, she said adding that two 

persons were injured in t he incident. 

Source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/chennai/jaya-defends-paramakudi-cop-firing-104 


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Butchery Of Dalits In Paramakudi * 

*By Dr Anand Teltumbde * 12 October, 2011 

*(A Press Note for the Press Meet on 4 October 2011 at Chennai Press Club) 

The police version that the mob turned violent falls flat in the face of facts. As a face saving device, 

the government announced a judicial investigation by a retired single judge Mr Sampath, who however 

was greeted by black flags by the people. It however served the purpose to evade questions for the 

administration. While the collector, Ramnad reeled off the police version, *the collector, Madurai admitted 

that he was not even informed of the firing incident by the police and assured to look into it. The brutality with 

which the police acted showed that the entire episode was preplanned to curb the Dalit assertion under the 

guise of the guru pooja. The statement of the chief minister that it was clash between two communities is 

ominous and smacks of the state plan to polarize people. It is to the credit and wisdom of the people that 

they have not succumbed to this intrigue. 

Source: http://groups.google.com/group/keetru/msg/361930d3f13d3d67?pli=1 

Human Rights Commissions Stand in Paramakudi 

Date: 14.09.2011 

Name: Lalitha Priya Kumar 

News paper: Dinakaran 

Commission: National SC/ST Commission. 

We have enquired with more than 50 persons from Paramakudi.The main reason for this incident is 

Police personnel’s carelessness and without any proper precaution they have instigated firing. They is no 

communal clash took place on that day. From the witness statement it is evident that even though there was 

a mob sitting on a road blockade they did not affect the general public nor the traffic. We are not sure why 

the policemen took this stand. If the Policemen didn’t want Mr.John Pandian to go to Pallapacheri they 

would have prohibited him to go there and allowed him to pay his tribute in the Immanuel Sekarans memorial. 

John Pandian was only prohibited to come inside Ramanadhapuram district then why he was arrested 

in Tuticorin. While we are enquiring with the Ramnad collector and DSP they said that only because of the 

John Pandians arrest there was a road blockade. They didn’t even give any precaution over mike. But 

instantly they started the shooting that paved the way for the death of 6 innocent men. The collector was not 

present at the spot immediately after the incident,he came only the next day. Moreover Mr. Senthilvelan, 

Kaliraj and Shivakumar were not behaving properly with the crowd who came there for the anniversary. 

I am really happy for one thing that it did not become a big communal violence. I would request the 

government to grant compensation to the victim’s up to 10 lakhs for those who lost their life and to give 

government service for a member of the victims family. We can buy the vehicles that have been damaged 

in the riot. But not the valuable human life that has been lost 


47

Various notions of the political party leaders’ about Paramakudi Incident 

Ms. Jayalalitha, Hon’ble Chief Minister 

Date: 12.09.2011 

Newspaper: Daily Thanthi 

Immanuel Sekaran was one of the most top leaders of the oppressed 

community people and his 54 th death anniversary was celebrated at his memorial 

in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District. As a symbol of respect various political 

party leaders paid their homage at his memorial. Mr. John Pandian, Tamilaga 

Makkal Munnetra Kalagam was about to come for the death anniversary and he 

was banned by the police department because of some law and order problems. 

Despite the ban imposed, Mr. John Pandian was on his way to Paramakudi and he was arrested by 

the Tuticorin police at Vallanadu. The people came to know the John Pandian arrest and his supporters 

involved in the road blockade in the Paramakudi five point junction roads. The police who were in the 

protection duty there told the people to disperse from that place. 

But the people did not listen to the policemen and started to behave violently and pelted stones on 

the policemen. The policemen threw the tear gas bombs in order to disperse the mob. But the riot mob set 

fire to the Vajra van and to fire extinguisher van. Even more they pelted stones, threw petrol bombs and in 

order to safeguard the public property the policemen police fired. Unfortunately three people were died in 

the firing. Finally the riot mob was dispersed. Mr. Sandeep Mittal, Deputy Inspector General of Police, Mr. 

Ganesan, Sub Inspector Paramakudi Town police station, Mr. Athisayaraj, Inspector and many policemen 

were injured in the incident. 

Mr. John Pandian supporters also involved in the road blockade in Chinthamani, Madurai whereby created 

mishap in the transportation. They also pelted stones on the policemen who were in the protection duty. As 

a result three policemen were injured. When the riot mob tried to attack the Inspector, he fired at the people 

and two persons were slightly injured. I condemn the people who create these kinds of law and order 

problems with some vested interest and political benefits. I therefore state that no one should involve in 

these kinds of acts in future. 

I express my grave concern to the three people who died in the police firing and the victims’ family 

members will be given Rs. 1 lakh as compensation from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund. 

Another Statement of the Chief Minister Jayalalitha:- 

On September 9 th 2011, a boy named Palani Kumar S/o Mr. Thangavelu from Pacheri village was studying 

his XI standard. He was returning to his home in midnight after watching a drama in Muthuramalingapuram 

and he was brutally murdered by some unidentified persons and when I heard that I had deep grief and 

sorrow surrounded my heart. I have ordered the police department to take immediate actions against the 

perpetrators in the same. I express my grave concern to Palani Kumar’s family members. The family 

members will be Rs. 1 lakh as compensation from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief Fund. 


48

Date: 13.09.2011 

Newspaper: Theekkathir 

A special attention was brought in the legislative assembly regarding the Police Firing incident which 

took place on September 11 th 2011 in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District. The explanation which was 

given by the Chief Minister is as follows 

Immanuel Sekaran was one of the most top leaders of the oppressed community and his 54 th death 

anniversary was about to take place in Ramanathapuram District and prior police protection has been 

arranged. 

On September 9 th 2011, a boy named Palani Kumar S/o Mr. Thangavelu from Pacheri village was 

brutally murdered by some unidentified persons in midnight. A case has been filed at the Keel 

Mandalamanickam Police Station under various sections. In addition to this Mr. Arumugam and four people 

from the Mandalamanickam village have arrested on September 10 th 2011. 

A chaotic atmosphere prevailed in Ramanathapuram District due to Palani Kumar’s murder. The District 

Collector realised this and he imposed a ban that Mr. John Pandian, Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kalagam 

should not enter into Ramanathapuram District on September 11 th 2011. In this situation on September 11 th 

2011 various political leaders and people from various organisations came and paid their homage to Immanuel 

Sekaran at his memorial. 

Despite the ban imposed by the district collector, Mr. John Pandian was on his way to Paramakudi 

and he was arrested by the Tuticorin police at Vallanadu. The people came to know the John Pandian arrest 

and about 500 of his supporters involved in the road blockade in the Paramakudi five point junction roads. 

The police who were in the protection duty there told the people to disperse from that place. 

But the people did not listen to the policemen and started to behave violently and pelted stones on 

the policemen. The policemen threw the tear gas bombs in order to disperse the mob. But the riot mob set 

fire to the Vajra van and to fire extinguisher van. Even more they pelted stones, threw petrol bombs and in 

order to safeguard the public property the policemen police fired. Unfortunately three people were died in 

the firing. 

Likewise Mr. John Pandian supporters also involved in the road blockade in Chinthamani, Madurai 

whereby created mishap in the transportation. They also pelted stones on the policemen who were in the 

protection duty. As a result three policemen were injured. When the riot mob tried to attack the Inspector, he 

fired at the people and two persons were slightly injured. Six people have died in this incident and due to 

some persons brutal attack Palani Kumar was murdered. The Palani Kumar’s family will be Rs. 1 lakh as 

compensation and the injured people will be given Rs. 15,000/- from the Chief Minister’s Public Relief 

Fund. 

I condemn the people who create these kinds of law and order problems with some vested interest 

and political benefits. I therefore state that no one should involve in these kinds of acts in future. Based on 

this I have also ordered the Revenue Department to investigate in the same. Appropriate steps and actions 

will be taken after the enquiry reports arrive. 


49

People who ever are here have suggested for a high court session judge. In general the investigation 

team will be appointed for this incident even if the high court suggests it the session judge will not be 

appointed. In case if we want the high court sessions judge only the retired high court judges would be 

appointed in the investigation team. Therefore I have ordered the Revenue Department to conduct the 

investigation. 

More over people who have talked here have stated that there were no communal riots among them. 

If that was true I fell happy, but disrespecting notions against Muthuramalinga Devar was written in the walls 

will led to the murder of Palani Kumar. Invasion of Mr. John Pandian led to riots. Therefore it was happened 

as a chain of events. 

From 2001 till 2006 various peace committees were formed in the place which had the chance of 

communal out break. But in the DMK party’s rule these kinds of acts was left out. Therefore once again the 

peace committee will be formed. 

K. Bala Bharathi 

It creates a discomfort that such kind of incident has happened in Tamilnadu. Our Chief Minister has 

also expressed her grave concern in the same. 

Six persons were killed by the revengeful attitude. All the six belonged to the oppressed community. 

The Revenue officer cannot investigate his supreme authority who is the District Collector and it is also a risk 

to enquire the police personnel. Therefore our Chief Minister should re consider her decision and to 

appoint an investigation team comprising of the retired judges. 

Chief Minister: Members opinion will be respected and taken into consideration. An investigation team will 

be appointed comprising of the retired judges. 

Date: 15.09.2011 

Newspaper: Dinakaran 

Name of the Political Leader: K.V. Kuppam S. K. Tamilarasan, Indian Democratic Party 

The compensation amount must be increased for the affected family members and a peace committee 

must be formed to solve this issue. 

Reply given by the Chief Minister: 

Six people have died in this Paramakudi incident and the state expresses its grave concern. Already 

the opponent party people have appealed that retired judges must be appointed for the justice trial. 

Considering that I have ordered an investigation commission in the same. 

You have placed an appeal that the compensation amount should be increased but since the 

investigation commission is appointed they only have to decide the compensation amount. You have also 

appealed to take actions against the police personnel who were in the Police Firing incident and as soon 

as the investigation commission’s report comes the further actions will be taken against the officials in this 

regard. 


50

Mr. Karunanidhi, Former Chief Minister 

Date: 13.09.2011 


The 54 th anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran had held in Paramakudi of 

Ramanathapuram District. According to the media information six persons 

lost their lives and more than 75 people including some police officers 

were injured in the police firing that occurred subsequently due to the issues 

of road blockade and riot. 

The riot incidents that subsequently occurred both in Madurai and 

Paramakudi were due to the arrest of John Pandian – the Leader of 

Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and his supporters in the pretext of 

preventing the violence that may broke out if he visits Paramakudi. It appears 

that if they have taken proper precautionary measures to tackle the 

consequences of prohibiting John Pandian’s visit and his subsequent arrest 

then those unnecessary incidents of riot-firing could be avoided. 

Justice Trial: 

Various party leaders have expressed their demands that the High Court should carry out a justice trial 

regarding the incidents that happened. Those demands should not be ignored. I believe that the party will 

take prompt action to prevent such incidents from occurring in future. I express my deep consolation to the 

victims who lost their lives as well as my warm sympathy to those who were injured. 

Date: 16.09.2011 


Name of the Political Leader: M. K. Stalin, DMK Secretary, Former Deputy 

Chief Minister 

On the past 11.09.2011 six persons had lost their lives during the riot 

and the subsequent police firing that happened in Paramakudi. On behalf of 

DMK I have come to provide financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakh for each of 

the deceased victims’ family. The parents and relatives of the 6 persons 

who received the financial assistance shared their agony regarding the 

barbaric incident. 

Action: 

I will inform the DMK Leader to stress for CBI enquiry into the incident. 

Action must be taken against the authorities who were responsible for this gun firing incident. 


51

Dr. Krishnasamy, Chairman, Puthiya Tamilagam 

Date: 12.09.2011 

Newspaper: Dinamani 

It is not acceptable that damage to life has occurred during Immanuel 

Sekaran’s death anniversary and it has to be strongly condemned. The 

people who were in the road blockade were little in number and they could 

have been dispersed through peaceful means and not through the police 

firing. It is the 50 th appeal to announce Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary 

as a government function. Various political leaders and lakhs of people are 

participating in the event and the backdrop, stimulating force must be found 

out and should be punished. 

Date: 13.09.2011 

Newspaper: Tamil Sudar 

The police firing has taken place in three places like in Illayankudi, Paramakudi and in Madurai and 

this was not a communal riot. The policemen should behave in a manner that will result in peace among the 

society. The policemen who were the backdrop in the incident must be punished. The Supreme Court 

Judge must be appointed to investigate in this incident and the victims’ should be given Rs.5 lakhs and a 

government job as compensation. 

Date: 14.09.2011 


The policemen have given their report in the Paramakudi Police Firing incident which implies that 

there side is correct and justifiable. The chief Minister has read the report in the legislative assembly which 

is also not acceptable. The incident which happened in Kamudhi is no way in connection with the Paramakudi 

incident. It was not a communal problem. Therefore the police department must not be believed and the 

real fact and truth must be gathered through other means. 

The John Pandian arrested resulted in the road blockade of his supporters and at first it included only 

15 members. At that time itself the policemen could have arrested/dispersed the 15 members and could 

have stopped the police firing which might not to serious destruction. 

Appointing the retired judges will not at all help in the investigation. The Chief Minister must order that 

the present judges to be included in the investigation team. Six people have lost their lives and no policeman 

has been suspended from his job till now. We expect only the humane attitude from our Chief Minister. 

People have ignored the former Chief Minister Karunanidhi since he was in a different path which was not 

democratic in nature. Chief Minister Jayalalitha must not become a prey in the same way and she should 

suspend the police officials who were involved in this act. Under the Prevention of SC/ST atrocities act the 

deceased person’s family members must be given Rs.5 lakhs and a government job to any of a member 

in each family. 

A large plot have been planned to destroy Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary. Therefore the 

investigation must also cover the aspect whether the State has a part in this plot. The 144 was imposed in 

Paramakudi and the people must return to their normal life. 


52

Date: 21.09.2011 

Newspaper: Ananda Vikadan 

In general small troubles might arise while paying homage to big leaders and it is usual. The police 

might have handled this in an easy and smooth manner. But they have used a wrong tool and caused 

damage to the life of seven people by firing on them. Now only they will prepare the permission letter for 

the police firing. We don’t know the reason why Senthil Velan Assistant Commissioner, from Chennai Adayar 

came to Paramakudi. Both Senthil Velan and Sandeep Mittal must be suspended from their post. The 

session’s judge must be appointed to investigate this incident. Chief Minister states that this was a communal 

riot and she describes that this is violence between two communities and tries to cover the atrocities of the 

policemen by stating it as a communal violence. 

We are continuously appealing to announce Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary as a government 

function. Few officials were not interested in this. It was a plot made by some people in order to stop the 

Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary as a government function. This resulted in the police firing and they have 

turned it as a battlefield. 

Date: 30.09.2011 


The Sampath Commission will not do proper and reasonable investigation in the Paramakudi Police 

Firing. In Maancholai’s case his judgement was against the dalit people. The State should withdraw the 

Sampath Commission and it should appoint the more than two judges who are working and under their 

headship the investigation team must be formed. And a dalit judges must also be included in that team. The 

policemen have caused damage to six lives and they must be suspended and cases should be filed on 

them. 

Date: September 2011 

Newspaper: Dalit Murasu 

In general during the rule of Jayalalitha lots of atrocities have been implicated on the dalit community. 

The cases were like Vachathi violence, Chidambaram Padmini, Chinna pathi tribes, Koodiyankulam atrocity 

etc. The Chief Minister states that the police should act on their own way and not abiding to any rules. No 

government has this kind of privileged special right in our constitution. In the Paramakudi firing the police 

DIG has gun shot at the middle chest of the public and that was completely a criminal offence. Who sent 

Senthil Velan to Paramakudi? And to whom he and DIG Sandeep Mittal spoke to Chennai during that 

incident. 



On September 11 th during Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary the police firing was an unnecessary 

thing. Many leaders went back without paying their homage at his memorial. And so on his birthday we paid 

a floral tribute at his memorial. 


53

Six people lost their lives in Paramakudi incident and a boy named Palani Kumar lost his life before 

that. At the time of the police raid a man died of heart attack and a man who tired to escape was bit by a 

snake. Totally 9 persons have died in this incident. The ADMK came to the rule only four months ago and 

this incident clearly implies the human rights violation and the wrong approach of the government. 

Various acts of oppression have taken place during the ADMK’s rule. They were like in 1992 the 

Vachathi sexual cruelty, Damage to two lives in the police firing in Sengalpattu and in Chidambaram a 

woman named Padmini was raped in the police station and was murdered in 1994. In the mean time as we 

decided that we need a change. And so we joined together and formed a party. But the present party rules 

in a manner and depicts to destruct our hope on them. One month has passed away and no actions have 

been taken for the deceased family members on the grounds of humanity. Even the small parties are giving 

support and relief for them but the big party ADMK has not done anything. 

As a result we didn’t render our support in the by – election which took place in Trichy. We have 

planned to give Rs. 1 lakh to the deceased family members on behalf of Puthiya Tamilagam. The investigation 

might be carried out by two session judge of Chennai High Court and among them one judge could be from 

the dalit community. 

John Pandian, General Secretary, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam 



The long demand of Devendra People is that the Government should 

declare Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary as a government festival. The police 

deliberately planned that the Devendrars should not get this recognition and 

their acts of conspiracy resulted in gun firing. They shot dead three persons. 

Three of them were beaten to death. Apart from executing all these things, they 

have filed cases and arrested 1000 Devendra People. The speech delivered 

by Chief Minister Jeyalalitha in the Parliament appears that as if she reigns only 

on behalf of a particular section. Nobody has written defamatory things on the 

walls. This approach of Chief Minister is like adding fuel to the fire. 

Date: 15.09.2011 


The Paramakudi and Madurai Police firing incident is very cruel. It has been said that some of victims were 

died in a rush. But it could not be believed. Hence re-postmortem of the 6 victims’ bodies should be 

conducted in the presence of Judge. CBI enquiry should be ordered. Criminal cases should be registered 

against the police officers who were responsible for the firing incident in both the places. 

Rs. 10 Lakhs 

Law is the same for all the people. Trying to suppress people with iron hand is not good. The government 

should act in a humanitarian basis in this matter. It should provide a compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs to family 

of the deceased victims each. Also one of the persons belonging to their family must be given government 

employment. 


54

Date: 17.09.2011 

Newspaper: Nakkheeran 

How I could be responsible for stimulating the riot when I was surrounded by the Escort police? 

Through sending SMS can I instill the riot? Or through phone conversation can I do this? If I have done such 

things let us take action against me. I will face it before Court. First I have to clarify a thing. When the Police 

asked me not to visit Student Palanikumar’s house and I respected that. Although I made them clear that 

only purpose I had was to go Paramakudi and pay tribute to Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary, 

the police arrested me unnecessarily. I have a strong answer for the question “Who is responsible for this 

riot?” Shall I tell. 

The long demand of Devendra People is that the Government should declare Immanuel Sekaran’s 

anniversary as a government festival. We gather on this day to stress the same. They purposely did to 

shatter this unity. The police deliberately planned that the Devendrars should not get this recognition and 

their acts of conspiracy resulted in gun firing. All the members in Police department very well know that they 

have separate divisions like Thevar Baton, SC Baton in order to use them to beat people of each other’s 

community. These kinds of terrible game by a wing against the Devendrars have been debuted in 

Paramakudi. Three persons were shot by guns and killed by them. They have brutally beaten three persons 

to death. During the police firing some of them were killed, and some of them struggled for lives. How 

come the Devendrars can set fire to the vehicles at this situation? It is a good story. How come it is 

possible? If the incidents justifying the police firing been recorded in video let them produce it before Court 

then the police atrocities will come to know by all. They have hidden the victims and locked them in a place 

in the pretext of protecting them and also that the journalists and others could not come to know about their 

illegal activities. They did all these things and engaged in acts of threatening the Devendera people by 

filing charges against 1000 of them. I ask the Government why not they filed 302 Section against the police 

officers who shot dead the Devendrars? Not even a suspension? The One-man Commission is an eyewash 

and it is unacceptable. CBI enquiry is must. Then only the truth will come out. 

J. Priscilla Pandian, District General Secretary, Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam 

Date: 13.09.2011 

Newspaper: Dhinathanthi 

It is a great disregard to Dalit Community that P. John Pandian who is leading our party and belongs 

to the same community has been denied permission to visit Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial and pay 

tribute on his memorial day while all other leaders were given permission to attend the same in the pretext 

of Prohibitory order issued. They have arrested and kept him in a confined prison without revealing his 

whereabouts. We strongly condemn all those incidents happened there. Our party members did not involve 

in any violent acts. Some miscreants only had involved in violence. The person named Palanikumar was 

murdered by other community people in Mandalamanikam a few days before. The Police had wrongly 

dealt regarding the incident with a view that there may be unrest in Paramakudi. Due to the firing carried out 

there 6 persons have been killed. This is condemnable. Due action must be taken against the Police 

Higher authorities who were responsible. 

Threat to life: 

The family of deceased victims should be given a compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs and government employment. 

There should be a justice trial carried out under the team of Retired High Court Judges. 


55

Thol. Thirumaavalavan, President, Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi 



The ADMK Government has conducted the shoot out to create 

conflict between the two communities. We do not have trust on the 

Investigation Commission being formed under the head of Retired 

Justice Sampath to investigate the case as there might be 

Government’s intervention in that. CBI enquiry must be ordered in 

this regard. Whenever ADMK comes to reign, there are unleashing 

atrocities and oppression against Dalits. We are planning to give 

petition to the President and the Prime Minister on behalf of the 

National Untouchability organisation. Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day should be celebrated as a 

government festival only then these kinds of incidents will not happen. 

13. Date: 12.09.2011 Newspaper: Dinamani 

The incidence of violence and brutal killings were due to the wrong decisions of Police department. 

The Tamil Nadu Government should take severe action against the Police Authorities who had taken such 

wrong decisions. The Tamil Nadu Government should order a justice trial into this incident. John Pandian 

and those who were arrested along with him must be released. 

14. Date: 14.09.2011 Newspaper: Dinakaran 

A compensation of Rs. 10 lakhs each should be provided to the deceased student and others who 

were killed in gun shoot. Also government employment should be given to their family members. Case 

should be registered against the officers who conducted the gun shoot under Atrocities Act and also they 

should be removed from their posts. 

The Chief Minister during her speech in the Parliament stated false information that the student’s 

killing was because of writing criticizing statements against a particular community leader. This appears to 

create conflict between two communities. This Government functions as an Anti-Dalit Government. 

Mr. Banrutti Ramachandran of DMDK party said that there is no need for Justice Trial into the shoot out 

incident. Such opinion of his is against the Dalit people. I strongly condemn this. CBI Probe should be 

ordered into the shoot out incident. If the Tamil Nadu Government denies that then we will file case before 

the Court in demand of CBI enquiry. 

The activity of police department is partial. We suspect that the incident would have happened as 

planned by the higher authorities. Immanuel Sekaran’s ceremony should be conducted as a government 

festival. 


56

Date: 17.09.2011 


The Paramakudi shoot out was a deliberately planned incident. Facts will not be revealed under 

Retired Justice Committee’s investigation. Hence CBI enquiry must be ordered. A compensation of Rs. 10 

lakhs and government employment should be provided to the families of deceased victims. Appropriate 

medical treatment should be given to the injured people. Action must be taken against the police and 

revenue department authorities who were responsible for the incident under Prevention of Atrocities Act. 

The Government should take appropriate steps to ensure the Dalit people’s safety. The Government should 

conduct Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day as a government festival. 

Date: 20.09.2011 

Newspaper: Malai Murasu 

The Paramakudi gun firing incident is condemnable. The incident was deliberately executed by 

certain authorities. The Tamil Nadu Government has formed an Investigation Committee under a Justice. 

There is no trust on the State’s Investigation Commission. There will be Government’s intervention in it. 

Hence the Central Government’s CBI enquiry should be formed to investigate regarding the shoot out 

incident. A higher compensation should be provided to the injured victims. Majority of them had suffered 

bone fractures. They should be given high treatment. 

Date: 21.09.2011 


The entire shoot out incidents that happened during the ADMK, DMK reigns were against the Dalit 

people. The police department also functions against the Dalit people. But when it comes to election, they 

were all eager to secure Dalits’ votes. On seeing the video evidences regarding Paramakudi incident it 

appears that the police carried out attack on the people without humanity. The Chief Minister’s note of 

mentioning this incident as a communal conflict is condemnable. The Chief Minister did not even mention 

the name of Immanuel Sekaran during her speech in Parliament. The police deliberately planned and 

conducted this incident to disrupt Immanuel Sekaran’s festival. The Southern Zone I.G. Rajeshdas was the 

first one who shot the gun. The investigation under Justice Sampath’s Commission is unacceptable. There 

must be a CBI enquiry under the direct supervision of the Supreme Court. 

Date: 21.09.2011 


The Madurai Bench of High Court has ordered to bring the some of the injured victims of gun firing to 

private hospitals to provide high treatment. Based on that, high treatment should be given to those who 

were getting treatment in Government Hospitals. 

Since the Investigation Commission assigned by the Government will not conduct enquiry without 

Government’s intervention, CBI probe must be ordered. Besides taking action against the police officers 

responsible for the firing incident they should also be suspended from the posts. 

Higher compensation should be given to the affected people and government employment for the 

deceased victims’ family. A few people who did not like Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day being announced 

as government festival were the reason for these incidents. They would have handled it smoothly to disperse 

people who carried out the blockade by conducting talks with them. In order to prevent such happenings it 

is essential to declare Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day as government festival. 


57

Dr. Ramadoss, Founder, Pattali Makkal Katchi 

Date: 12.09.2011 


The people who were in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District have placed 

many appeals before the policemen and have protested on their appeals. 

But the policemen have fired at the people and five people have lost their 

lives and many were injured. Immanuel Sekaran who was a social activist 

and on his death anniversary five innocent people have lost their lives and 

I express my grave concern in the same. 

The Judge Trial: 

The place where the police firing was done was a junction of five roads. 

Lakhs of people used to gather and travel across these roads and the 

police should have immediately taken a peaceful measure and could have dispersed the people who 

were in the road blockade. If they could have done this sorrowful incident might not be happened. The 

police firing incident must be investigated by the Supreme Court Judge and the people who have lost their 

dear ones must be given Rs.10 lakhs as compensation. The injured people must be given Rs.2 lakhs as 

compensation. Likewise in Madurai also the police firing have taken place and two people have injured. 

They must also be given compensation and the State and the District Authorities must take some steps to 

calm down this situation in southern regions. 

Date: 12.09.2011 


The police firing incident must be investigated by the Supreme Court Judge and who ever have 

involved in the firing must be punished. The people who have lost their dear ones must be given Rs.10 

lakhs as compensation. The injured people must be given Rs.2 lakhs as compensation.The southern part 

of Tamilnadu was like an oasis of peace and hereafter no place should be given to these kinds of acts to 

happen in future and the people in the southern part must render their full support and cooperation to the 

State in this regard. 

Date: 17.09.2011 

Newspaper: Tamil Osai 

On the death anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran, social freedom fighter 7 innocent people lost their 

lives in the police firing in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District. This death anniversary was well planned 

and lakhs of people are about to come. But the policemen have failed to establish a peaceful atmosphere 

and were negligent in their work which inturn creates anxiety within us. There were many chances availed to 

disperse the people in peaceful manner, but the policemen have handled it in a rude way and open fired at 

the people. 

This event of the police has resulted in the death of seven innocent persons and many have brutally 

injured and have admitted in the hospitals. The State has appointed the Sampath Commission to investigate 

into this incident but hasn’t made any step to get justice for the lost families and for the injured ones. The 

government has announced the compensation as Rs.1 lakh for persons who were killed in the firing and it 

is not a sufficient amount. These family members must be given Rs. 10 lakhs. The southern part of Tamilnadu 

should not face these kinds of incidents to happen in future and must take steps to prevent it. 


58

Mr. Vaiko, General Secretary, MDMK 

Date: 12.09.2011 


It gives me shock when I hear the news that five people have lost their 

lives in Paramakudi and also gives me deep sorrow and grief. I strongly condemn 

these kinds of acts and Supreme Court Judge must investigate in this incident. 

Proper compensation must be given to the deceased family members. I request 

the people not to involve in these kinds of acts out of anger. The people in the 

southern part of Tamilnadu must be protected and the women, children, old 

ages peoples’ safety and security must be considered. 

Date: 12.09.2011 


The Paramakudi police firing incident gives me sorrow and grief. People who returned to Madurai after 

attending the Guru Pooja of Immanuel Sekaran and near Chinthamani the people who were in the van where 

asked to get down. Without any prior information the policemen have lathicharged and fired at the people. 

This gives shock and a boy named Jeyaprasad has bullet injured and the bullet has pierced his body. 

Therefore his lungs were also affected. The doctors must provide treatment for him and should save his life. 

The Supreme Court Judge must investigate the Paramakudi Police firing incident and the injured people 

must be given proper compensation on the grounds of grace. The people should also help in providing 

peace. 

Date: 12.09.2011 


I condemn the Paramakudi police firing and the Supreme Court Judge must investigate in this regard. 

Damaging the public property and disrupting the peace is not acceptable to say and which led to the police 

firing. Such kinds of incidents would create great detriment for the peace in the society. I request the people 

not to involve in these kinds of acts out of anger. 

Date: 09.10.2011 


The Paramakudi Police firing incident was an unlawful act and I condemn the act which resulted in 

killing of the Dalit youths. It is a very pathetic to say that the injured people were not appropriate medical 

treatment. 

R. Nallakannu, Leader- Communist Party of India, National Control Group 

Date: 18.09.2011 

Newspaper: Janasakthi 

The incident took place in Paramakudi during Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day is a 

saddening thing. The Policemen should have acted steadily when such events took 

place. The act of policemen is condemnable. The Tamil Nadu Government should 

ensure an Investigation Committee to carry out a thorough investigation regarding 

this. The public had seriously affected during the caste conflicts that happened earlier. 

The Government should take steps to ensure that such kinds of conflict situations will 

not arise in future and that people should live united and peaceful. The Police 

department should have increased the protection during the Memorial Day Guru Pooja. 

Nobody could be suppressed by using unnecessary authority. Problems should be handled smoothly. 


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T. Pandian, General Secretary, Indian Communist Party 

Date: 12.09.2011 


The Paramakudi police firing incident has resulted in the death of five people 

and it gives me sorrow and grief. In addition to this it is also sad to hear that the 

policemen were also injured and the public properties were also damaged in this 

incident. These kinds of incidents must be uprooted immediately. The Tamilnadu 

government should appoint a transparent Commission and investigate in this incident. 

All the political parties and the public must render their full cooperation to safeguard our 

peace. 

Date: 12.09.2011 


The police firing incident and the violent actions which took place in Paramakudi and in its related 

area give sorrow and grief. This incident must not result in the severe outbreak of communal violence and 

so the peace should be established in these areas immediately. The Tamilnadu government must order a 

transparent Commission in this regard to investigate this incident. 

Date: 15.09.2011 

Newspaper: Janasakthi 

The Paramakudi riot has been stopped and was not spread to other parts in Tamilnadu. This kind of 

incident took place in Ramanathapuram District before 11years and at that time all the southern part of 

Tamilnadu was affected. In order to stop these kinds of deaths and property damage the State must appoint 

an advisory body as a peace committee comprising of all parties. 

The police department has known about the attitude and acts of the Political party leaders. So they 

could have taken steps in prior in order to prevent these kinds of incidents. If they have taken it the damage 

to life has been prevented. Therefore a complete investigation must be done into the incident. 

G. Ramakrishnan, State Secretary, Marxist Communist Party 

Date: 12.09.2011 


Every year on September 11 th lakhs of people come to pay their homage 

to Immanuel Sekaran in Paramakudi, Ramathapuram District. Like wise various 

arrangements have been made for this year also and in between that a boy 

named Palani Kumar, S/o Mr. Thangavel, Muthuramalingapuram Pallapacheri 

village was murdered in midnight by a deep rooted caste mob on 09.09.2011. 

This was done by the dominant caste people in order to threaten and warn the 

dalit community people. These kinds of acts must be condemned. 

In this chaotic atmosphere lots of people started to come to pay their 

homage at Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial. In this stage Mr. John Pandian was arrested which shows the 


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immature act of the police department. Three persons lost their lives in the Paramakudi police firing and few 

people have also injured in the Madurai Chinthamani police firing. The Marxist Communist Party strongly 

condemns these kinds of acts. 

These kinds of incidents have created a chaotic situation among the southern districts. The Marxist 

Communist working group states that this issue must be completely investigated and appropriate actions 

must be taken against the police officials who were involved in this act. The deceased family members 

must be given Rs. 5 Lakhs; special treatment for the injured persons should be given. The Marxist Communist 

Party appeals that the people in Paramakudi area must return back to their normal lives, to eliminate the 

stigma which prevails against the dalit community people. 

Date: 12.09.2011 


Various arrangements have been made for this year also and in between that a boy named Palani 

Kumar, S/o Mr. Thangavel, Muthuramalingapuram Pallapacheri village was murdered in midnight by a deep 

rooted caste mob on 09.09.2011. In this stage Mr. John Pandian was arrested which shows the immature act 

of the police department. The Paramakudi Police firing and six people have lost their lives. 

The Marxist Communist Party strongly condemns these kinds of acts and the Marxist Communist 

working group states that this issue must be completely investigated and appropriate actions must be taken 

against the police officials who were involved in this act. The deceased family members must be given Rs. 

5 Lakhs; special treatment for the injured persons should be given. The perpetrators in Palani Kumar’s case 

must be punished. 

Date: 22.09.2011 


We have already condemned the Paramakudi Police Firing incident. We again and again appeal that 

immediate actions must be taken against the police officials who were involved in this incident. They must 

be transferred immediately because having them as the officials who will come to give their statements. 

John Pandian arrest shows the immature act of the police department. It is the prime duty of the police to 

provide protection to the people who come to pay their homage. The main backdrop for the firing was the 

police department. 

Murugavel Rajan, Former MLA, Chairman, People’s Liberation Party 

Date: 12.09.2011 


We have appealed that to announce Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary as a government function. 

But Jayalalitha have deceived us by not announcing it. The firing was a planned incident. The sounds of the 

bullet were continuously heard. Jayalalitha had cancelled the death sentence for three persons and in the 

firing three people have died. The deceased family members must be given Rs.5 lakhs and the injured 

people should be given Rs.2 lakhs. The CBI enquiry should be granted in this case. 


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K. Samuelraj, General Secretary, Untouchability Eradication Front 

Date: 12.09.2011 


Immanuel Sekaran fought against the casteism and sacrificed his life. On September 11 lakhs of 

people come to Paramakudi to pay their homage. Like wise various arrangements have been made in the 

southern districts regarding his death anniversary. In this stage on 09.09.2011 a dalit boy named Palani 

Kumar from Pallapacheri, Kammudhi Taluk; Ramanathapuram District was murdered by the dominant caste 

people in midnight. Due to this incident a chaotic situation prevailed among the Sivagangai, Virudhunagar 

and Ramanathapuram districts. 

In between this John Pandian was arrested on Sunday. Lots of people have gathered at Immanuel 

Sekaran’s memorial and the arrest of John Pandian was an immature act. His arrest resulted in various road 

blockades. 

Four people have lost their lives in five point junction roads, Paramakudi police firing and many were 

injured. Like wise the police firing have also taken place in Madurai Chintamani road. This firing mainly 

happened due to the wrongful approach of the police department. The Untouchability Eradication Front 

strongly condemns this act. 

The Tamilnadu government must interfere in this incident and should give Rs.5 lakhs to the deceased 

family members and compensation also to the injured persons. The District authorities and the police 

department could have taken immediate measures in this regard. The Untouchability Eradication Front 

appeals the State to take appropriate actions against the perpetrators who were involved in Palani Kumar’s 

murder and to bring an end to the atrocities faced by the dalit community. 

S. K. Tamizharasan, Indian Democratic Party 

Date: 13.09.2011 


The police firing that happened in Paramakudi is an ill-fortune. Ms. Jeyalalitha had brought so many 

welfare schemes for the suppressed people whenever comes for reign. But the incident happened now is 

saddening. It gives pain. The Chief Minister announced Rs. 1 lakh for the family of deceased victims. It 

should be raised to Rs. 5 lakh and also a justice trial should be conducted. 

Gunasekaran, Indian Communist Party 

Date: 13.09.2011 


Justice trial must be carried into the Paramakudi incident and also the compensation should be 

raised to Rs. 5 lakhs. The policemen should be responsible during events like Guru Pooja and they should 

not behave in a way that will instill the emotions. 


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Panruti Ramachandran 

Date: 13.09.2011 


The Police firing incident happened in Paramakudi was unexpected. As there was no sufficient number 

of policemen it had lead to gun firing situation. During such problems there should be talks by calling 

people from both sides. There is no need for justice trial in this regard. 

Senji Ganeshkumar, PMK 

Date: 13.09.2011 


It is not a right action to carry out gun shoot to safeguard the law and order. The family of each 

deceased victims must be provided with Rs. 5 lakhs as compensation and the injured victims should be 

provided Rs. 2 lakhs. 

Date: 16.09.2011 


Name of the Political Leader: A. Soundarajan – Leader of the Parliamentary Committee of Marxist 

Communist Party 

The shootout incident that took place on September 11 in Paramakudi caused a great shock. 

After meeting the families affected by the police department, the level of shock is raised. This activity 

shows the primitive nature of the police department. 

They should have given permission for John Pandian to attend the funeral of the Student T. Palanikumar 

of Dalit community in Pacheri village, Mandalamanikam who was brutally murdered. They prevented him 

from attending that in the pretext that it will cause riot. But his arrest has created unnecessary problem. All 

this was because of the Police department’s infringement and the irresponsible nature of the Intelligence 

department. 

There were only some hundred people present during the incident. They did not have any weapons. 

When there were police for protection of Vajra Vehicle how come the Dalit people could set fire to it? Some 

of them say that the policemen only had set fire to that vehicle. All the facts will be revealed through the 

Justice Commission appointed by the Tamil Nadu Government. 

The Government cannot say that the shoot out in Paramakudi was unavoidable. The people who 

protested in a peaceful manner had suffered bullet injuries on their chest and hands during the shoot out. 

No one has been shot below the legs. This attack confirms that the police did not aim at dispersing the 

crowd. The lathicharge by police after the shoot out increased the shock. 

The Tamil Nadu Government should immediately suspend the Police authorities who were responsible 

for the deaths and for the severe injuries being caused to lots of people. But, in this situation where no 

action has been taken yet against a single authority if they carry out a justice trial with these authorities how 

come the affected people get justice? 


63

It is condemnable that they try to arrest victims’ families in the pretext of suspicion rather than arresting 

the perpetrators of these brutal killings. There was no need for the 144 prohibition order. The Prohibition 

order that caused threats and chaos among the people should be taken back. Employment should be 

given to one of the members of the family of the victims who lost their lives due to the police attack. The 

Tamil Nadu Government has denied our demand to provide compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs to their families. 

The financial assistance of Rs. 1 lakhs is unacceptable to those families in poor condition and having 

lost their earning son or father. The Government which announces Rs. 3 lakhs to the families of members 

affected by wild animals is saying that they will provide Rs. 1 lakh for the people affected by police. 

Stressing that it is not acceptable, the Marxist Communist Party all over Tamil Nadu has planned to conduct 

protests on 17 th September. The incident that happened in Paramakudi was not because of the collision 

between two communities. It was because of the way in which the Police behaved. 

The speech of Chief Minister Jayalalitha in the Parliament that the reason for the killing of Palanikumar 

was because of his writing on wall has created unnecessary debate among the affected people. 

In the pretext of charges against 1000 people the police have been threatening each house. The 

Government and Police department should not create such serious tension and fear. This activity of the 

Police appears like threatening instead of giving medical aid for wounds. The Justice Mohan Committee 

which was set up to examine the caste conflict before 15 years concluded that unemployment was the basic 

reason behind those caste conflicts. But still now there is no action being taken regarding that report. The 

Government should engage in activities for creating employment opportunities in Southern districts. 

BJP Top panel 

Date: 18.09.2011 


Seven people were killed during the shoot out when police carried out gun firing to control the riot on 

September 11, in Paramakudi of Ramanathapuram District. 

The BJP top panel has formed a fact finding team comprising the Members of the Parliament – 

Arjunram Vegval (Rajasthan), Dr. Girit Solanki (Gujarat), All India Spokesmen Ramnath Govind, Nirmala 

Sitaraman to examine and provide a report in this regard. 

7 Dalit people were killed in the shoot out carried out by the police in Paramakudi and Madurai. The 

gun firing should have been prevented if the police took precautionary steps at the right time. To control the 

riot, actions such as warning the people, carry out lathicharge, using tear gas has to be done. But in 

Paramakudi the Policemen carried out shoot out in the initial stage itself. This is condemnable. 

The Policemen did not handle the problem in a right manner. This shows the failure of the Intelligence 

Department and the Tamil Nadu Government. The Central Home Ministry should seek explanation regarding 

the incident to the Tamil Nadu Government. It is not fair that the Central Home Minister did not turn up to the 

incident that happened in the place near his constituency. 


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The Chief Minister Jayalalitha and the Home Minister P. Chidambaram must visit the affected areas 

and see the people. Peace Committees should be formed to prevent the riots in future in the Ramanathapuram 

district. The 7 families should be provided Rs. 7 lakhs as compensation for each. Government employment 

must be given to the eligible person in their families. The acts of inspecting the Dalit people at night times 

in the name of security measures must be stopped. 

Thangabalu, Leader-Tamil Nadu Congress 

Date: 20.09.2011 


We visited the places in Paramakudi where the shoot out took place. The people said that the police 

threaten them at night times asking for the whereabouts of men in the villages. The Government should 

prevent policemen threatening and forcing the people in the time of restoration of peace. On behalf of the 

Congress party, a financial assistance of Rs. 50,000 was provided to the families of 6 deceased persons. 

A Committee comprising Former Central Minister Thirunavukkarasu, Former MLA Paaramalai, MPs 

Aaroon, Manikam Takoor, Viswanathan and administrators has been formed to conduct enquiry regarding 

the incident. 

V. Balasundaram, Leader- Ambedkar People’s Party 

Date: 20.09.2011 


The injured people of shoot out incident must be provided treatment under the team of Individual 

Doctor. If necessary they should be taken to Chennai for treatment. There are some of the bullet injured 

victims for whom the bullet particles were not yet removed and special treatment is essential. 

The Chief Minister should take steps to conduct investigation into the incident through the present 

Justice. It is also essential that the perpetrators should be identified and action should be taken against 

them. The death of 7 persons during the shoot out is a great loss. They should be provided with high 

financial assistance. The police department was alleged. Hence a separate investigation into the activity of 

policemen is essential. Whoever did the crime has to be punished. The Government’s action should 

ensure that gun firing incidents should never happen in future. 

Ramvilas Baswan, Leader- Lok Janasakthi Party 

Date: 20.09.2011 


The policemen did not follow any norms during the shoot out incident in Paramakudi. In order to 

disperse the protestors, first they lathicharge should be carried out, then Tear gas should be used and after 

that have to shoot towards vehicles. At the later stage only they should have carried out gun shoot. 

But in this incident the policemen conducted the attack in an inhuman manner. The incident that 

happened during Jayalalitha’s reign in Tamil Nadu caused a shock. A direct complaint should be filed 

before the National Human Rights Commission. I have already made a complaint to the President regarding 

this incident. A compensation of Rs. 20 Lakhs to the family of each deceased victims and Rs. 5 Lakhs to the 

injured victims of the incident should be provided. CBI probe should be ordered regarding the incident or 

else an investigation should be carried out under the head of present Justice. 


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The policemen did not follow any norms during the shoot out incident in Paramakudi. They carried 

out gun firing in the initial step itself. In those areas where the Dalit section people resides, the women have 

made complaints to me that even a long time after the incident the policemen enter the houses at night and 

threatening them. 

Criminal action must be taken against the police authorities who were linked to the shoot out incident. 

If the Chief Minister believes that the Policemen had behaved in a trustworthy manner then she should order 

for CBI enquiry. 

The Tamil Nadu Government should provide prompt protection for the Dalit organisations’ leaders 

like John Pandian, Thol. Thirumavalavan and others. The cases have been registered by the same persons 

who carried out the gun firing. Hence the First Information Reports that was filed earlier should be replaced 

with the complaints given by Dalit community people. The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalitha should visit 

Paramakudi in person and enquire the people regarding the incidents happened. 

Majority of the people who were affected due to Police firing in Tamil Nadu belongs to the Dalit 

community. The political parties which speak about social justice should come forward to ask for justice. All 

the leaders of Dalit organisations should be organised together. 

Date: 28.09.2011 


The policemen who carried out the shoot out in Paramakudi should be immediately dismissed. 

Action must be taken against them under the Protection of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes Act. 



The Policemen cannot control a mob of 100 men but instigated firing this is a preplanned activity of 

the police. Women who cut her tongue for the sake of herself were awarded compensation of 5 lakh rupees 

by the Tamil Nadu government. But the Chief Minister of Tamil nadu Ms. Jeyalalitha awarded a compensation 

of rupees 1 lakhs for the victims of Paramakudi who lost their precious life in the police firing. It is totally 

inhuman. A murder needs to be registered against all policemen who were involved in the firing. The state 

government should award a sum of 20 lakh rupees for the death victim’s family and a sum of 5 lakh rupees 

for the family of the wounded person. 

Manickkam Thakur, Parliament member Virudhunagar District. 

Date : 14.09.2011 

News Paper : Daily Thanthi 

The death of 6 innocent men who came to pay their homage is a greatest misfortune. I am conveying 

my obituary to the family members. I would request the Tamilnadu government to give proper medical 

assistance to the injured persons. A compensation of Rs.5 lakh needs to be given to the family who are 

suffering without their bread winder. The State government should give an appointment on compassion 

ground to a member of the victim’s family. 


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Mr. Pazha Nedumaran, President, Makkal Urimai Koottamaippu: 

The violence and gun shoot out that happened in the tension filled 

Paramakudi and the surrounding regions brought depression to all. We should 

prevent such incidents from developing further into communal conflicts. I request 

the Tamil Nadu Government to order Justice Trial regarding the incidents that 

happened. 

Seeman , Party Head, Naam Thamilar Party 

Date : 29.09.2011 

Newspaper : Daily Thanthi 

It was not at all violence on the day of Immanuel Sekarans Death Anniversary. The Police officials 

could have easily controlled the mob. They should have started using tear gas 

or they should have splashed water at the people but without doing any other 

precaution the police started firing at the mob is a wrong act. The police men did 

not shot the person under their knees. It is a big black mark. The government 

has to take immediate measure and should investigate into this matter urgently. 

The sampath Commission which was appointed by the State government was 

boycotted by the people. So the government should constitute another 

commission to look into the matter. 

Date: 05.10.2011 

News Paper : Theekathir 

Name of the Political Party Leader: The Decision of the Marxist party after their Joint commission 

meeting. 

After the Paramakudi incident the policemen filed cases against 1000 policemen. The Villages in and 

around Ramanadhapuram district around 1000 men were arrested. While the men are away from their home 

the Policemen are using filthy languages on women who were alone in their houses. The government of 

Tamil Nadu has constituted the Sampath Commission only to investigate into the September 11the issue 

and the said commission was totally boycotted by the Dalit Community and the victims. In this back ground 

the Marxist party requesting the Government to constitute a commission to hear both the happening of the 

September 11 and it’s after warmth. 

Date : 03.10.2011 

News Paper : Theekathir 

Name of the Political Leader: P Sampath, Leader, Theendamai Olipu Munnani 

In Tamil Nadu the attack on the dalit Community by the policemen has its own history and one among 

it is the Paramakudi firing. Particularly a student named palani Kumar was murdered without any cause by 

the upper caste people and the background of the incident is how the policemen acted upon the dalit 

community people with lots of vengeance. The policemen have not yet opened their mouth on Palanikumars 

murder. They only want to curb the suppressed community that is their only motto. 


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After the police firing the police has filed cases on more than 1000 members on the Dalit community 

people. When the men were not there at their houses policemen used filthy languages on women and also 

they have ridiculed them in the name of their caste. Just like a net the entire incidents have taken place 

against the Dalit community. But the version of Hon. Chief Minister J.Jeyalalitha is not acceptable. As there 

was no violence action in and around Ramanadhapuram has taken place then why she has stated that owing 

to the violent situation the policemen has used firing .This is nothing but only to protect the policemen act. 

Only by suspending the policemen who have indulged in the act is the correct action that has to be taken 

against them. 

Date : 3.10.2011 

News Paper : Tamil Sudar 

Name of the Political Party Leader: Annamalai, Mallar Party. 

A CBI enquiry needs to be ordered in this case. The policemen should be suspended from service. 

The people does not rely upon the Sampath commission.Becauese in the Manjolai incident the findings of 

him was not appreciated. From the year 1957 the Ramanadhapuram district often faces the communal 

clashes and the reason for the same needs to be questioned before the government. 

Date : 13.09.2011 

News Paper : Thinamani 

Name of the Political Party Leader : E.L. Ganesan 

In order to show the unity of the oppressed community the dalit community people will join together 

near the memorial of Immanuel Sekaran to pay their homage. I was also going to pay my respect but I was 

stopped by the policemen and insisted me not to go so I came back. 

In the name of Immanuel Sekaran all the persons are joining together at one place is really appreciable. 

Why John Pandian was arrested at the first instance? What is its background? Johnpandian was instructed 

not to go to that particular place. So he should have gone there on that day. The enquiry commission will 

definitely come out with the truth. 

Date : 14.09.2011 

Name of the News paper : Theekathir 

Name of the Political Party Leader : T.K Rengarajan M.P 

The policemen are quiet aware that there will be a huge gathering and the policemen has to take proper 

precautions because during these type of function proper permission has been got from the police. So it is 

the part of the policemen to act with precautions. So the Paramakudi incident is not something that has 

happened instantaneously. Before arresting John Pandian the policemen should have made all necessary 

arrangements because there will be a violence activity definitely happening. I am not taking a stand for the 

mob. But showing that into account and shooting them like birds is not acceptable. It is against humanity. 


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CHAPTER - VII 

Appointment of Justice Sampath Commission of 

Enquiry and the Progress so far 

The Government appointed a Commission of Enquiry on 13 th September 2011 following the intervention 

of Ms. Balabharathi, MLA CPI (M) on the floor of the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly. The Hon’ble Chief 

Minister announced the appointment of a Commission of Enquiry as per the Commission of Enquiry Act 

1952 to be headed by Justice K. Sampath, a retired Judge of the Madras High Court. The terms of 

reference of the Commission of Enquiry in G.O. Ms. No. 845 dated 13 th September, 2011 read as follows: 

i 

ii 

iii 

iv 

To inquire into the causes and circumstances leading to the opening of fire resulting in death 

and injuries to many people on 11.09.2011 at Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram District and the 

subsequent law and order disturbances including large scale damages to public and private 

properties ; 

To ascertain whether appropriate force was used as warranted by the circumstances and 

whether all prescribed formalities were observed before opening fire; 

To ascertain whether there was any excess on the part of Police officials and if so, to suggest 

the action to be taken; 

To recommend suitable measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents in future; 

• The first is that on 11 th September, 2011 there were 3 different incidents took place at three 

different places. In chronological order was the first police firing that took place not in 

Ramanathapuram, but in Madurai district in a place called Chinthamani wherein nobody was 

killed, but two persons were very seriously injured. 

• Then came the Paramakudi police firing; and after that another police firing that took placed 

in Ilayankudi that falls within the jurisdiction of Sivagangai district. 

Thus, what is referred to as the ‘Paramakudi incident’ by all political parties, Dalit organisations, 

writers, academicians and human rights organizations in all their fact finding reports are not actually what 

took place at Paramakudi alone, but the incidents that took place on the same day [ 11 th Sept’ 2011] in 

relation to and connected with the Paramakudi incident, thereby including the Chinthamani police firing in 

Madurai district and the police firing in Ilayankudi of Sivagangai district. 

· It is also to be pointed out that there were certain incidents that took place in connection with the said 

“Paramakudi incident” which started off as early as on 7 th September, 2011 with flex banners reading “Desiya 

Thalaivar, Deiva Thirumaganar Immanuel Sekaran’ – which translates in English as, ‘National Leader, Divine 

Descendent, Immanuel Sekaran’ being exhibited within the limits of the Paramakudi police station and the 

same resulting in a formal complaint at the Paramakudi police station followed by peace talks initiated by 

DSP Ganesan and Inspector Sivakumar. 


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The Hon’ble Chief Minister herself has on the floor of Assembly also alleged the depicting of certain 

wall writings derogatorily referring to a leader of another community in Mandala Manickam village as the 

incident that lead to violence. On the 9 th of September, 2011 Mr. Palanikumar – a student, studying 12 th 

standard from Dalit community of Palla Pacheri hamlet of Mandala Manickam village was also brutally 

murdered while on his way back home in the night with a friend and a well adjacent to Palla Pachari village 

is alleged to have also been poisoned. 

Finally the arrest of Mr. John Pandian at Thoothukudi was the incident that led to a road roko by a 

group of persons - whose exact number is in dispute - but the facts remain - that triggered of the incident, 

now popularly referred to as the ‘Paramakudi firing’. 

When such are the background events from the 7 th to the 11 th September, 2011, all of them - namely 

the Chinthamani firing, the Paramakudi firing and the Ilayankudi firing - it is completely unfortunate that the 

Public (Law and Order–F) Department of Government of Tamil Nadu in G.O. Ms. No. 845 dated 13 th September, 

2011 has restricted its terms of reference for the Commission of Enquiry by Hon’ble Justice K. Sampath to 

only the police firing incident at Paramakudi of Ramanathapuram District. From the terms of reference 

mentioned above, it is clear that the Ilayankudi firing and the Chinthamani firing could not be covered and 

the District Administrations of Sivagangai and Madurai have ordered separate enquiries by their 

respective RDOs into the police firings that have taken place within their jurisdiction. 

After the passing of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 that has led to the constitution of the 

National Human Rights Commission of India and a State Human Rights Commission in Tamil Nadu only to 

attend to matters relating to human rights exclusively, the Paramakudi issue was one that would squarely fall 

within their exclusive jurisdiction. The role therefore, of such Commissions of Enquiry become extremely 

limited. The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 [PHRA] in Chapter III titled functions and powers of the 

Commission reads as follows : 

Section 12: Functions of the Commission: 

The Commission shall perform on any of the following function, namely, 

(a) enquire suo motu or all petitions presented to it by a victim or any person on his behalf that are on the 

direction or order of any Court, into a complaint of 

(i) violation of human rights or abatement there of; or 

(ii) Negligence in provision of such violation by a public servant. 

The avenue is open to the statutorily established National Human Rights Commission and State 

Human Rights Commission to enquire into human rights violations U/S 12(a)(i) & (ii) PHRA. When the 

Government, Central or State, requires the conduct of an urgent enquiry by a retired High Court Judge using 

the Commission of Enquiry Act and the purpose is only to find out the truth, the best way to do it when what 

is to be investigated in a matter falling within the definition of ‘human rights’ is not to take recourse to the 

Commission of Enquiry Act 1952 but to the PHRA 1993. Not taking recourse to the PHRA 1993 is to thwart the 

independent function of an institution like the NHRC created solely for the purpose of protecting human 

rights in this country. The NHRC and the SHRCs have been established in 20 States so far, are governed by 


70

International standards for NHRIs known as ‘Paris Principles’ which insist on their independence, on their 

jurisdiction and adequate powers, on their accessibility, on cooperation, on their efficiency and their 

transparency. The NHRC and SHRCs are further also bound by recent International Human Right standards 

and developments in the human rights arena. The reports that these Commissions generate U/S 20 and 28 

of the Act mandate the NHRC and the SHRC to submit special reports at any time. The said section also 

mandates both the Central and State Governments, as the case may be, to cause such special reports to 

be laid before each house of Parliament or State Legislature with a memorandum of action taken. 

In addition, the NHRC and the SHRC have independent investigation teams headed by an officer of 

the rank of the DGP of the State who heads the investigation at the NHRC as its Director General of Investigation 

and at the SHRC an officer of the rank of an ADGP who heads the investigation wing. 

Therefore, a Government which requires an independent, urgent, efficient and transparent enquiry 

into the allegation of human rights violation - just what the Paramakudi incident is – calls for taking recourse 

to an enquiry by the NHRC comprising 5 members, 3 of whom are former Judges (Headed by a former 

Chief Justice of India, and comprising a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and a former Chief 

Justice of a High Court as its Chair and Members) and two other Members with knowledge and experience 

in human rights. Thus an enquiry U/S 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act conducted by the NHRC 

would be of far greater significance than an investigation conducted by a single Judge headed Commission 

of Enquiry under the Commission of Enquiry Act 1952. 

In the present circumstances in Tamil Nadu, since the State Government is yet to appoint the Chairperson 

of the SHRC, taking recourse to the NHRC would have been a better avenue for a speedier remedy to seek 

justice and for truth to prevail. Just as the Commission of Enquiry is only a recommendatory body, whose 

reports have to be placed on the floor of the Assembly, the special report of the NHRC also contains only 

recommendations to be placed on the floor of the Assembly. However, if the recommendations of the 

NHRC are not followed, the NHRC may U/S 18(b) “approach the Supreme Court or High Court concerned for 

such directions, orders or Writs or that Court deems necessary”. Thus the recommendations of the 

Commission of Enquiry cannot be put to implementation by the Commission. But on the contrary a 

recommendation by the NHRC can be implemented if they are fair by taking recourse to the Sec 18(b) of the 

PHRA. This is the advantage that the Hon’ble Chief Minister would have over the Commission of Enquiry Act 

by referring the Paramakudi incidents to the NHRC for enquiry and redressal. People’s Watch had appealed 

to the Hon’ble Chief Minister to this effect. 

The Commission has not been provided proper support by the Government so that till very late, it did 

not have an address of its own and letters to the Commission had to be addressed c/o The Secretary 

Home (Public). The Commission which was constituted on 13 th September 2011, visited Ramnad district on 

16 th September 2011 just before the local body elections were announced on 20 th September 2011. The 

Commission till date does not have an office of its own, a fax number etc. The notification from the Commission 

were only very recently lately made calling upon the public to submit their affidavits before the 23 rd November 

2011. The paradox is that the Commission did not have the confidence of the persons who were affected by 

the violence and when Justice Sampath visited the villages of the deceased, the members of the families 

refused to meet him in almost all the villages. When Justice Sampath tried to meet some of the injured 


71

victims in the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, the victims refused to speak to him with a black ribbon 

tied against their mouth. The requests of human rights organizations like the People’s Watch to the Government 

to refer the Paramakudi issue to the National Human Rights Commission was also was not responded to 

positively by the Government. It is difficult to imagine what will be the results that such a Commission of 

Enquiry can come forward with. The victims of the firing and the injured have also resolved to boycott the 

Commission and under these circumstances one wonders what findings the Commission could come to – 

other than the usual findings of a Commission of Enquiry amplifying the police version that alone will be put 

forth to it by the Government. 


72


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CHAPTER - VIII 

POSTMORTEM REPORTS 


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CHAPTER-IX 

Writ Petitions filed in the High Court for the 

Medical Assistance to the injured persons 
















































































































































Paramakudi Police Firing Case First Information Reports Copies 

S.NO 

1. 

Complainant 

Mr. Arumugam, 

S/o Nallamaruthu Thevar, 

Village President, 

Mandalamanikkam 

2. Mr Thangavelu, 

3. 

4. 

5. 

Ms.Kaliammal, 

(36/11), 

W/o Arunan, 

Women Police, 

Avaniyapuram Police 

Station, 

Madurai District. 

Mr. Siva Kumar, 

S/o Bathmanaban 

Sub Inspector, 

Paramakudi Nagar, 

Ramanadhapuram district 

A. Savuri Muthu HC 674 

Mathagupatti Police 

Station 

Police 

Station 

Mandalamani 

kkam Police 

Station 

Mandala 

Manikkam 

Avaniyapura 

m Police 

Station 

Paramakudi 

Town Police 

station 

Illayankudi 

Police Station 

Date of 

Incident 

09/09/2011 

18:30 hrs 

10.09.2011 

12.30hrs 

11/09/2011 

12:30 hrs 

11.09.2011 

17.00 hrs. 

11/09/2011 

18 hrs 

Date of 

Filing 

09/09/ 

2011 

21:00 hrs 

10.09.2011 

03.00 hrs 

11/09/2011 

15:30 hrs 

11.09.2011 

between 

11.45 to 

16.00 hrs 

11/09/2011 

FIR NO 

Cr .no 

32/11 

Crno. 33/11 

Crno.459/1 

1 / 

05/09/2011 

Crno. 

300/11 

Crno. 

220/11 

Place of 

Occurrence 

Near Vaigai 

Public 

Distribution 

shop 

Near 

Semman 

Road leading 

to Motor 

Room. 

Pacheri 

Village 

Sinthamani 

OP Junction 

In Madurai 

Ring Road 

Aindhu Munai 

Road 

U/S Named Accused Brief Narration 

14, 153(A), 506(I) 

IPC AND SEC 3 

OF TN PPDL ACT 

147, 148, 341,302 

IPC and Sec 3(II) 

(V) Sc/St Act 1989 

147,148,of IPC3(1) 

of PPDL Act 

147, 148, 149, 

427, 435, 324, 307 

and Sec 3 and 4 of 

T.N.P.P.L act 174 

of IPC 

Marimuthu, 

Gurumoothi 

Irulappan 

Rajendran 

Kott 

John Pandian and 15 

persons from Pacheri 

Village 

10 unidentified Person 

32 people from Pattam 

and Mannadi Mangalam 

villages 

(1) Parambai (2) Bala 

(3) Malaisamy (4) 

Ponniapuram (5) 

Ganesan (6) Jeyapaul 

(7) Vellaichammy (8) 

Manikkam (9) 

Theerthakani and 1000 

others. 

Attack on Mr. Arumugam 

the president 

Mandalmanikkam village 

and others as they warned 

the illegal writing on the 

walls of government 

premise 

Regarding the attack on 

the state Bus and also on 

other vehicles standing 

near the school by a mob. 

Damaged the Vehicles at 

Sinthamani road. 

Report of Public Inquest on the Paramakudi firing 229

6. 

7. 

8. 

9. 

10. 

Mr. A. Amudha 

Sub Inspector, All 

Women’s Police Station 

Paramakudi. 

Mr. G. Balaji S/o S.P 

Ganesan, Narkeeran 

Photo editor, 

6/21 Vanniyar Street, 

Paramakudi. 

P.Pandi 

Photographer, Junior 

Vikatan, 4/2397, Main 

Road, Thangatchi 

Maddam. 

Ms. Savarirani, W/o 

Nicholas, Meera filling 

station, Vasanthapuram, 

Paramakudi. 

Mr. V. Karthigan, 

Door no 3, Paambu 

Vilundhan Village, 

Melaikudi Post, 

Paramakudi Tk, Ramnad 

Dist. 

Paramakudi 

Town Police 

station 

Paramakudi 

Town Police 

station 

Paramakudi 

Town Police 

station, 

Paramakudi 

Town Police 

station. 

Paramakudi 

Town, 

11/09/2011 

12.30 hrs 

D/O 

11/09/2011 

13.00 hrs 

11/09/2011 

13.15 hrs. 

11/09/2011 

20.00hrs 

11/09/2011 

21.00 hrs 

11/09/2011 

22.30 hrs. 

11.09.2011 

13.00 hrs 12.09.2011 

14.00 hrs 

11.09.2011 

13.00hrs 

13.09.2011 

08.00 hrs 

Crno. 

301/11 

Crno. 

302/11 

Crno. 

303/11 

Crno. 

304/11 

Crno. 

305/11 

All Women’s 

Police 

Station, 

Paramakudi 

Near 

Government 

Women’s 

Hospital, 

Paramakudi 

Near 

Paramakudi 

Indian bank, 

Paramakudi 

Meera Filling 

Station, 

Vasanthapura 

m, 

Paramakudi. 

Paramakudi 

Kutthukal 

Street. 

147, 148, 

149,448,342,294,4 

36,307,511 of IPC 

and 3(1) of TN. 

PPDL Act and 4 of 

Women’s 

Harassment Act. 

147, 148, 341, 427 

of IPC 

147, 148, 341, 

427, 392 IPC 

147, 148, 149, 

447, 294(b), 427, 

324, 506(II) of IPC 

147, 148, 

149,427,436 IPC 

200 of Mr. Immanuel 

Sekarans Party men. 

10 Unidentified persons 

came to attend the 

Memorial Of Immanuel 

Sekaran. 

10 Party men of Mr. 

John Pandian who 

came to attend the 

Immanuel Sekarans 

Anniversary 

More than 100 

identifiable Partymen of 

Mr. John pandian. 

200 party men of Mr. 

John Pandian came to 

attend Immanuel 

Sekarans Memorial. 

11. 

Mr. Sundramoorthy 

S/o.Sankara Narayanan, 

1/120. Kamarajar Street, 

Emaneswaram, 

Paramakudi. 

Paramakudi 

Town, 

11.09.2011 

13.00 Hrs 13.09.2011 

10.00 Hrs 

Crno. 

306/11 

The 

petitioners 

shop near 

Aindhu 

Munai, 

Kuttukal 

Street, 

Paramakudi 

147, 148, 427, 436 

of IPC 


Sekaran 

Party men came to 

attend Martyr. 

Immanuel Sekarans 

Anniversary 

Attack on the petitioners 

shop and damaged his 

belongings. 


12. 

13. 

14. 

15. 

16. 

17. 

Mr.S.Moorthi 

Subramanian, 

Bharathiyar 

Paramakudi. 

S/o 

Nagar, 

Mr. S. Karigalan, S/O Mr. 

R. Subramanian, 

No.3/242-A3 Bharathi 

Nagar north 2 nd street, 

Paramakudi. 

Ms. Daisy Nirmala Rani, 

W/o. Irudhiya Raj, First 

Level Police Officer, 1252. 

Women’s Police Station, 

Ramanadhapuram 

Mr. S. Chelladurai, 

M.B.B.S. 

Deputy Director, Health 

Department 

Mr. Hakkim Batcha 

(42/11), Fire 

Service, 

Assistant Divisional 

Officer, 


Mr. Rama Chokkalingam, 

(46/ 2011), Asst. 

Engineer, 

S/o 

Ramanathan 7-3-2 

Sundharar Street, Shiram 

Nagar, Kottai vur, 

Sivagangai Dt 

Paramakudi 

Town 

Paramakudi 

Town 

Paramakudi 

Town 

Paramakudi 

Town 

Paramakudi 

Town 

Emaneshwar 

am 

11/09/2011 

13.00 hrs 

11/09/2011 

12.00hrs 

11.09.2011 

13.00 hrs 13.09.2011 

14.00 hrs 

11.09.2011 

12.30hrs 14.09.2011 

08.30 hrs 

11/09/2011 

11.30 hrs 

11/09/2011 

13.15 hrs 

11.09.2011 

13:30 hrs 

14/09/2011 

10.30 hrs 

14/09/2011 

12.15 hrs 

12.09.2011 

21:00 hrs 

Crno. 

307/11 

Crno. 

308/11 

Crno. 

309/11 

Crno. 

310/11 

Crno. 

311/11 

Crno 

54/11 

Paramakudi 

Kutthukal 

Street, 

Paramakudi 

Paramakudi 

kutthukal 

street, 

Paramakudi 

Railway Gate, 

Near 

Mudhukulathu 

r Paramakudi 

Road, 

Paramakudi 

NH49 near 

Deputy 

Director, 

Health 

Department 

office 

NH49Govern 

ment 

Highways 

Government 

Women’s 

Hospital, 

Paramakudi 

Seventh day 

Adventist 

school 

ground, 

Mudhukulathu 

r Road, 

Paramakudi 

147, 148, 

149,427,436 of 

IPC 

147, 148, 

149,427,436 IPC 

147, 148, 

149,341,323,332,3 

07 IPC and Sec 4 

of Women 

Harassment Act. 

147, 148, 149, 

427, 435, IPC 3 

and 4 of TN PPDL 

Act 

147, 148, 

149,427,435 of 

IPC 3&4 of TNPPD 

Act 

147,148,427,435 

IPC and Sec 3 and 

4 of PPDL Act 


Sekarans Party men. 

200 members from Mr. 

John Pandians Party 

came to attend 

Martyr.Immanuel 

Sekarans anniversary 

celebration. 

A gang of more than 

100 men. 

4 unidentifiable 

persons. 

Around 100 persons 

belong to a mob 

100 members of Mr. 

Immanuel Sekaran’s 

party 

Attack on the Petitioners 

Tailor shop. 

Attack on the Petitoners 

Shop. 

Attack on the Police 

Inspector who got 

admitted in the hospital 

later. 

Damaged the Vehicles 

parked near Health 

Department Office. 

Complain regarding the 

fire in the Valluthur fire 

extinguisher van TN 66 G 

0396 which went for the 

Paramakudi five point 

junctions was set fire by 

the people who were in 

the riot. 

Regarding the attack on 

the state bus and also on 

other vehicles standing 

near the school by a mob. 


18. 

19. 

20. 

Mr. S. Selvam S/o 

V.Ambalam 

Head Constable, 

Transport-Division, Armed 

forces, Dindugul District. 

Mr. MuthuRaman, 

(54/2011) Driver 

S/O Chokkalingam, State 

Transport Corporation, 


Division, 


Mr. S.Sakthivelu 

(30/2011)Driver, 

1100/1931 TNSTC Rma 

S/O. Subramanian 

Meelamankundu, 

Keelamankundu Post, 

Uchipulli way, 

Ramanadhapuram District 

Emaneshwar 

am 

Paramakudi 

Taluk Police 

Station 

Nayinar Kovil 


11/09/2011 

13.45 hrs 

11.09.2011 

12.30 hrs 

11.09.2011 

13.30 hrs 

13/09/2011 

12.00hrs 

17.09.2011 

18.00 hrs 

Crno. 55/11 

Crno 

104/11 

11.09.2011 

18.00 hrs CR no. 

79/11 

Seventh day 

School, 

Mudhukulathu 

r, Paramakudi 

NH49 links 

Madurai and 

Rameshwara 

m near 

Manjur Bus 

stand. 

Ramanadhap 

uram-Nainar 

Kovil Road 

near Sevur 

Bus Stand 

147, 148, 

427,353,435 of 

IPC and Sec 3 and 

4 of PPDL Act 

3 of PPDL Act 

Sec 3 of PPDLAct 

100 persons belong to a 

mob. 

Two 

persons. 

Unidentifiable 

2 unidentified persons 

in a two wheeler. 

Attack on bus No: TN 

63/1067 by two 

unidentified Person near 

Menjur bus stand. 

21. 

Mr. Selvaraj(51/2011) 

Driver, S/O Koodalingam, 

Nagachi Uttichi Punni 

Division, 

TN.63-N. 1285. 

RS Mangalam 

Police station 

11.09.2011 

15.30 hrs 

11.09.2011 

18.00 hrs 

Crno. 

127/11 

Before 

Annamalai 

Nagar village 

in NH10 

3 of PPDL 

Act,147,148 341 of 

IPC 


Persons. 

22. 

23. 

Mr. K. Muthupandi, S/O. 

Ganesan, Driver, TN63. 

N.1422 Govt, Bus Driver. 

2/1742 OmSakthi Nagar, 


Mr. P. Sundaram, S/O. 

Panjavarnam. 

Driver, Tamil Nadu State 

Transport Corporation, 

Ramanathapuram 

RS Mangalam 


Thiruvadalai 


11/09/2011 

16.10 hrs 

11/09/2011 

17.20 hrs 

1109/2011 

18.30 hrs 

11/09/2011 

19.45hrs 

Crno. 

128/11 

Crno. 

152/11 

Near NH210 

National 

Highway, 

Annamalai 

Nagar . 

near 

Devakottai 

Aeriyur Road, 

before 

Arasathur 

Vilaku road 

147, 148, 341 of 

IPC and 3(1) of 

PPDL Act. 

147,148,336 of 

IPC and 3 of 

TNPPDL Act 

15unidentifiable 

persons. 

21 persons out of which 

15 persons were 

wearing T-Shirts of 

Green and Red Color 

headed by Mr. Charles 

belongs to the 

Arasathur Village. 

Attack on bus number TN 

63 N. 1422 near RS 

Mangalam. 


24. 

25. 

26. 

Mr. V.Palanichamy 

(56/2011) Driver, S/o. 

Velu, Panniyur Sivagangai 

TNSTC Driver No 90076. 

Mr. S.Lakshmanan 

(56/2011)Driver, S/O. 

Shanmugam 

E-Block Collector 

Office,Ramanadhapuram 

Division. 

Mr. T. Gopal, S/o Thavasi, 

Driver, TNSTC, 

Ramanathapuram. 

SP Pattinam 


Chithirakudi 


Paramakudi 

Town Police 

station 

11.09.2011 

18.55 hrs 

13.09.2011 

11.30 hrs 

11.09.2011 

21.00 hrs Cr. 76/11 

13.09.2011 

15.30 hrs 

13/09/2011 

12.15 hrs 13/09/2011 

13.15hrs 

Crno. 

119/11 

Crno. 

150/11 

Near Oriyur 

Pudhuvayal 

Vilaku, on the 

bridge 

Near 

Thiruvadi Bus 

Stand 

Near NH49 

Madurai – 

Rameswaram 

Road. Near 

Somathur 

Diversion. 

Sec 3(1) PPDL Act 

147, 336 of IPC 

and Sec 

50 of PPDLAct 

3(1) of PPDL Act 

4 Person Unidentifiable 

Persons. 

5 unidentified Person. 


persons. 

The damage to bus 

bearing number TN 

63N1047 and attack on 

the conductor. 

27. 

28. 

Mr. Kanagaraj (46/2011) 

S/O. Arumugam, 

Edaiyavsai TNSTC Driver, 

Ramnad 

Mr. N. Karthikeyan S/o 

Natarajan 

Driver, TNSTC, 

Paramakudi division. 

Bazar Police 

station 

Emaneshwar 

am 

13.09.2011 

19.40 hrs 

D/O 

13/09/2011 

19.50 hrs 

13.09.2011 

21.45 hrs 

D/R 

13/09/2011 

21.00hrs 

Crno. 

449/11 

Crno. 

56/11 

Near R 

Kavanur 

School, 

Ramanadhap 

uram 

Gandhi Nagar 

Check post, 

Paramakudi 

Sec 30 of PPDL 

Act 

Sec 3 and 4 of 

PPDL Act 

4 persons 

Unidentifiable. 

One person 

unidentifiable. 

The damage of TN 

63/1393 bus mirror. 

29. 

Mr. Vinoth Kumar S/o 

Ramakrishnan. FT Vayal 

TNSTC, Ramnad. 

Bazzar Police 

Station 

17/09/2011 

19.30 hrs 

17/09/2011 

21.00hrs 

Crno 

453/11 

near Edaiyar 

valasai grave 

yard 

3(1) of PPDL act. 

Unidentifiable Persons 

Attack on bus TN 63 N 

0820. 

Note: 

The original printed FIR in Tamil are available in the enclosed CD 


FIR 32/11 

Received on 09/09/2011 at 21.00 hrs 

Mandalamanikkam Police Station - Crno. 32/11 09/09/2011 

U/s 147, 153(A), 506(i) IPC and Sec 3 of TN PPDL Act 

D/O 09/09/2011 18.30 hrs 

D/R 09/09/2011 21.00 hrs 

P/O near Vaigai Co-operative Public Distribution Shop 

Informant: Mr. N. Arumugam, S/o Nalla Maruthu Thevar, Village President, Mandalamanikam 

Perpetrators:- 

1. Marimuthu, President Pacheri, 

2. Gurumoorthi, Village Secretary 

3. Irulappan S/o Samuthram 

4. Rajendran S/o Arulanandam 

5. Kott S/o Muniyasami 

6. John Pandian and 15 persons from Pacheri Village 

Today the 9.9.2011 at night around 6.30 pm in the Vaigai Public Distribution shop belonging to the 

Government that is located near our village towards the west side of Pacheri road, about 15 persons 

including the Pacheri Village President Marimuthu, Secretary Gurumoorthi and Irulappan S/o 

Samuthram, Rajendran S/o Arulanandam, Kott S/o Muniyasami and others prompted by John Pandian 

came as a gang illegally and made crude remarks on the front and south walls of the government ration 

shop building stating our community leader Muthuramalinga Thevar as ‘9’ and verses praising John 

Pandian. On getting this information me and some of our villagers Karuppaiah, Pachamaal and others 

reached there. On seeing us, they started giving abusive comments on us saying “See here are the 

people of 9 coming”. As we shouted at them for that they threatened us. I request you to take action 

against the above said perpetrators who instilled caste-based violence by writing illegally on the walls of 

the government premise using charcoal thereby damaging it and also threatened us for we have 

warned them for such acts. 



Sd. Judicial Magistrate, Paramakudi. 

PS Police station, Mandala Manikkam, Cr.No. 33/11 10/09/2011 

U/S 147, 148, 341,302 IPC and Sec 3(II) (V) Sc/St Act 1989 

D/O 10.09.2011 12.30hrs 

D/R 10.09.2011 03.00 hrs 

Registration No. entered in the General reference Diary VOL III 

P/O Near Semman Road leading to Motor Room. 

Informant: 

Mr Thangavelu, 

S/o. Mr. Irulandi, 

Pacheri Village. 

Perpetrators: 10 unidentified persons. 

Incident: My name is Thangavelu and I am residing with my family in Pacherri Village. I have 3 sons 

and 1 daughter. My occupation is Agriculture. My second son whose name is Palanikumar was doing 

his eleventh standard in Anakulam high school. Yesterday 9.9.2011 night around 10o clock he 

accompanied with some boys informed me that he is going to attend the Drama of Veerapandia 

Kattabomman in Muthuramalingapuram Pudhur Village. By night 12.30 Barani son of Mr. Muniyandhi 

from our village rushed to my house and raised me from my bed and informed me that he and my son 

were returning after the getting up halfway in the drama made their way to their village through the river 

way ,When they reached the Motor room in the Semman Road 10 unidentified men with weapons and 

stopped my son . They also added that “Hey Boys of Patcherei stop, let’s see how you go to the guru 

pooja” by saying this one person from the gang stabbed him in the head with a sword seeing this 

Barani escaped from the scene and rushed towards my house to inform me. Hearing this I rushed to 

the spot after gathering some villagers. And I could see my son with a cut wound in his left head was 

lying down on the pool of blood. Seeing that Selvam, S/O Chakkarai, Driver Ganesan, Muniasamy S/O 

Savarimuthu and myself carried him to the Kamudhi Government Hospital and admitted him for 

treatment on 10/9/2011 early morning 01.10 am in the outpatient section. But by 1.30 am my son 

passed away as there was no response to the treatment. His body is in the Kamudhi Government 

Hospital mortuary. I would request you to take immediate actions against gang that attacked my son. 

R.Perumal, 

Kamudhi circle. 


Received On 11/09/2011 at 15.30 hrs 

D3 Avaniapuram Police station Crno. 459/11 05/09/2011 

U/s 147, 148, of IPC 3(1) of PPDL Act. 

D/O 11/09/2011 12.30hrs 

D/R 11/09/2011 15.30hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL IV 

P/O.Sinthamani Opposite to Ring Road. 

Informant: Ms. Kaliammal, (36/11), W/o. Arunan, 

Women Police , Avaniapuram Police Station, Madurai District. 

Perpetrators: Pandikumar S/o Palpandi, Malaichami S/o Chinnakaruppan, Nagendran S/o 

Periyakaruppan, Ravi S/o Naatarasu, Kaveri S/o Kuppaiyandi, Karthik S/o Rajamani, Mookan S/o 

Rajamani, Sonai S/o Paalaiyathan, Murugan S/o Kuttimuthu, Irulappan S/o Subbaiya, Ganesan S/o 

Pichai, Arumugam S/o Velaandi, Ramasami S/o Veerapandi, Mariappan S/o Mokkaiyan, and sons of 

Ayyavu, Bose and Arumugam and some others who came in Sumo, Tempo and a vehicle and the 

names and residence of those people were not known, others of Paatam village-Sivagangai District 

Kathiresan S/o Karuppaiya, Bose S/o Muthuchami, Jothimani S/o Ganapathi, Raja S/o Periyasami, 

Nesan S/o Visagan, Pandi S/o Ayyanar, Palpandi S/o Boopathi, Muneeswaran S/o Arumugam, 

Veeramani S/o Rasu, Jeyakumar S/o Palani, Kalaiarasan S/o Karuppaiya, Balakrishnan S/o Ramar, 

Jeyaprasanth S/o Dhanabalan, Sangupandi S/o Kailandhiri, Vellirasan , Sekar S/o Kakkan, and some 

more people from Mannaadi Mangalam village Sudhakaran S/o Raabel, RanjithKumar S/o Rayar, 

Sundarapandi S/o Kuzhandhairaj, Madurai Anupanadi Chandrasekar S/o Chinadurai. 

Sir, I am serving as the First grade Inspector in Avaniyapuram Police Station in Madurai. Today 

11.09.2011 on the occasion of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial duty in Ramanathapuram we were 

assigned the protection duty in that area to monitor the vehicles going from Madurai and other districts 

in which political parties and people from various movements proceeding to the ceremony and to 

prevent any law and order problems there. In this regard Avaniyapuram Police Station Inspector Mr. 

Gajendran, Special Sub-Inspector Shanmuganathan, Myself the woman constable, and constables 

1610 Murugan, 945 Deepachakravarthi, 237 Suseendhran, 216 Muthu, 388 Suresh and inspector 

Manikandan were involved in the protection duty on 10.09.2011 from 6.00 am in the Sinthamani OP 

Junction in Madurai Ring road. Mrs. Arul Rani, the Village Administrative Officer, Avaniyapuram 

Chintamani and the village assistant were in their duty. As I continued my protection duty on 

11.09.2011 at 12.30 p.m TMN 2878 Alagumalaiyan load lorry came from Pannaiyar side which had the 

flag of Puthiya Tamilagam. About 50 people were seated in the lorry cabin in an unsafe manner, were 


dancing and came with the intention of creating problems to the other class people. The inspector and 

the other policemen who saw this stopped the lorry and have warned them not to shout like that. But 

they have replied the inspector that they would repeat that act and raised their slogans against the 

policemen as “do whatever you want” and didn’t even listen to the inspector. Then they started to fight 

against the policemen. In the mean time about 50 people came in Sumo TN 58 AF 3 – 83 which came 

behind the lorry, Tempo TN 59 B 8434 and also in another vehicle. They were supporters of these 

protestors and they blocked the Chintamani ring road with their wooden logs, swords, big rods which 

they had brought with them. So a chaotic situation prevailed and all the transportation was stopped. 

Suddenly the protestors turned out to be a violent mob “As you didn’t allow us to go, wait and see now” 

and started to pelt stones at the buses which were standing in the traffic jam. They damaged the bus 

mirrors with their wooden logs and with big rods. They also pelted stones on the people who were 

standing there. The passengers who were seated in the bus were shocked and they started to run with 

fear. The nearby shops were also closed. As we the policemen and the inspector opposed their action 

and in turn they shouted us in abusive language. Moreover they dragged me in my uniform and pushed 

my shoulders and disrespected me. In addition to this they also hit me at my genital organ. The other 

people in the mob pelted stones on the inspector and brutally attacked them with wooden logs and with 

iron rods. The inspector told the riot mob that they had gathered against the law and told them to 

immediately disperse from the place. As the riot mob didn’t listen him the inspector told his policemen to 

lathicharge at the riot mob. As the mob went to the extreme and tried to burn the buses and to kill the 

policemen with their swords. One man in the riot mob told the inspector “You only opposed us and if 

you are alive only you will oppose us and so I will kill you” and he hit hard at the inspector’s head. 

In order to safeguard the lives of the government bus drivers and the public and in such 

circumstances no other measures can help, the Inspector used his guns initially to warn the gang in 

order to disperse. In spite of that warning, the gang never dispersed and as they tried to attack us the 

Inspector used the gun twice at the gang. Then the gang escaped in the vehicles in which they had 

come. Inspector Gajendran, Special Sub-inspector Shanmuganathan and other policemen got injured 

during the riot. Due to attack by the gang the government buses TN 58 N 1374, TN 63 N 1396, TN 58 N 

1666, TN 45 N 2820, TN 72 N 1397, TN 58 N 0626, TN 58 N 1224 and a Srinivasa Company Bus TN 

67 AC 1055 were damaged and the glasses were broken. Then the Special Sub-Inspector Azhagar 

brought me to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital and admitted for treatment. I learnt that the 

Inspector and Special Sub-Inspector Shanmuganathan were getting treatment in a private hospital. 

Also some other policemen who were on duty along with us also got injured. On enquired we got the 

information that the following persons who came in lorry were Sivagangai District Pulliyur village people 

Pandikumar S/o Palpandi, Malaichami S/o Chinnakaruppan, Nagendran S/o Periyakaruppan, Ravi S/o 


Naatarasu, Kaveri S/o Kuppaiyandi, Karthik S/o Rajamani, Mookan S/o Rajamani, Sonai S/o 

Paalaiyathan, Murugan S/o Kuttimuthu, Irulappan S/o Subbaiya, Ganesan S/o Pichai, Arumugam S/o 

Velaandi, Ramasami S/o Veerapandi, Mariappan S/o Mokkaiyan, and sons of Ayyavu, Bose and 

Arumugam and some others who came in Sumo, Tempo and a vehicle and the names and residence of 

those people were not known, others of Paatam village-Sivagangai District Kathiresan S/o Karuppaiya, 

Bose S/o Muthuchami, Jothimani S/o Ganapathi, Raja S/o Periyasami, Nesan S/o Visagan, Pandi S/o 

Ayyanar, Palpandi S/o Boopathi, Muneeswaran S/o Arumugam, Veeramani S/o Rasu, Jeyakumar S/o 

Palani, Kalaiarasan S/o Karuppaiya, Balakrishnan S/o Ramar, Jeyaprasanth S/o Dhanabalan, 

Sangupandi S/o Kailandhiri, Vellirasan, Sekar S/o Kakkan, and some more people from Mannaadi 

Mangalam village Sudhakaran S/o Raabel, RanjithKumar S/o Rayar, Sundarapandi S/o Kuzhandhairaj, 

Madurai Anupanadi Chandrasekar S/o Chinadurai were involved in the incident. I request to take 

necessary action on the above said gang who attacked us. (Sd) 


Received on 11.09.2011 at17.00 pm. 

Sd. Magistrate 

Paramakudi Nagar Police station, Cr no. 300/11 11/09/2011 

U/S 147, 148, 149, 427, 435, 324, 307 and Sec 3 and 4 of T.N.P.P.L act 174 of IPC 

D/O. 11.09.2011 between 11.45 to 16.00 hrs. 

D/R 11.09.2011 17.00 hrs. 

Registration No. entered in the General reference Diary D.G. VOL III 

P/0 Aindhu Munai Road 

Informant: Mr. Siva Kumar.S/o Bathmanaban 

Sub Inspector, 

Paramakudi Nagar, 

Ramanadhapuram district. 

Perpetrators: (1) Parambai (2) Bala (3) Malaisamy (4) Ponniapuram (5) Ganesan (6) Jeyapaul (7) 

Vellaichammy (8) Manikkam (9) Theerthakani and 1000 others. 

Brief of the First information report: 

Sir, I am working as a Circle Police Inspector, and today 11.09.2011, Emmanuel Sekaran’s 54 th death 

anniversary is being celebrated from morning 6.00 am. This death anniversary is conducted by the 

Paramakudi Devendra Traditional Association, Martyr Emmanuel’s Assembly. In general on his death 

anniversary thousands of his supporters would come to Paramakudi city, Maruthupandiya Nagar and 

pay their tribute at Emmanuel Sekaran’s memorial. Likewise this year also, on 11.9.2011 his death 

anniversary was celebrated. Lots of political party leaders and members from the various dalit 

organisations came and paid their homage and tribute at his memorial. Hence, to prevent the law and 

order problem, lots of police inspectors were appointed to provide protection and it was made well in 

advance. At this venture, the protection was headed under the Chennai Adayar Deputy Commissioner 

Dr. Mr. Senthilvellan IPS in the Paramakudi Ainthumunnai junction and in the morning around 11.30 

am, people heard the news of Mr. John Pandian arrest in Tuticorin and nearly 1000 of his supporters 

sat on the road blockage. In the mean time the Paramakudi Thasildar, the Ramanathapuram District 

Superintendent of Police and Deputy Inspector General of police saw the prevailing chaotic situation 

due to the road blockage by the supporters of Mr. John Pandian. So they told them to have a 

negotiation and to disperse. In the blockage, Parambai Balan, belonged to the Paramakudi 

Ponnaiyarpuram, Malaisammy and nearly 1000 people joined together and shouted slogans to 

immediately release John Pandian and also used abusive language against the policemen. Since it was 

against the law and order the Police Inspector and the Paramakudi Revenue Divisional Officer told the 

mob to disperse immediately. 

But, the above said gang involved in vandalism, and attempted to attack vehicles and shops and 

blocked transport. As the situation went out of control, the Thasildar verbally ordered to use tear gas 

bombs to disperse the mob. Immediately, the members of Ramanathapuram armed police force 8326 

Manimaran, 29442 Vembuselvam, 1832 Sundarapandi and 1197 Sandhanakrishnan threw tear gas 


ombs against the riot gang. The mob did not disperse and Ganesan, Vellaichami, Manikkam, 

Theerthakani and many others whose name and addresses were later obtained, pelted stones and 

attacked us with rage. On seeing the riot gang, the Thasildar ordered lathicharge to disperse the mob. 

Then the Deputy Superintendent of police ordered the mob to leave. But the mob did not disperse and 

attacked using wooden blocks and stones. We tried to use at least blows to disperse the mob. Inspite of 

that, the mob was not dispersed and again as they started to assault us using wooden blocks and 

stones we set back ourselves from the Mudhukulathur road and came running towards the Aaindhu 

munai. At that time, the gang set fire and shattered about fourteen vehicles and also the fire 

extinguishing trucks. During the attack Ramanathapuram Deputy Inspector Generl Mr. Sandeep Mittal 

suffered head injuries, Chennai Adyar Deputy Commissioner Dr. Mr. Senthil velan got injury in right 

hand, Parakudi deputy superintendent of police Mr. Ganesan’s left ear was injured and others who 

belong to the Police department including police inspector Mr. Selvin Selvakumar of Naanguneri Police 

station, Kuttralam Police station inspector Mr. Mani, Paarthibanur Police station inspector Mr. 

Boominathan, a woman inspector Ms. Daisi and Ms. Kalaivani, Sub inspector Ms. Narmadha and many 

others suffered severe injuries. Since the mob attacked me by throwing stones I got severe wounds on 

my left forehand, abdomen and right ankle. As the situation was out of control and in order to stop the 

destruction of lives and properties, the Thasildar looking at the crowd verbally ordered that if they do 

not disperse immediately then shooting will be carried out. Mr. Senthilvelan I.P.S also warned the mob 

to disperse immediately. 

As the mob started to attack the police the public properties brutally, the Thasildar of Paramakudi gave 

a written shooting order to control the mob. He also Identified a person who was standing straight and 

attacking the armed force police Officers he also ordered me to shoot him below the knee. As one 

person was about to Fire the police jeep the Thasildar ordered for immediate shooting. I took my pistol 

and shot that person right on his fore head. Even then the mob was not paying any undue attention 

towards us and keeps on attacking the police officers with the petrol bomb and stones who were 

standing in and around the Paramakudi aindhu munai road. Owing to this brutal attack of the mob 

which cannot be prohibited by the police, the inspector of Police started to shoot at the mob 30 times. 

Each time I shot at them the mob disbursed but once again they started to attack aggressively. As the 

mob started to attack and demolish the police and the public properties I started to fire on them using 

my pistol, Then the mob started to disperse later by 4 o clock in the evening the situation were under 

control. Then I sought the help of the Police Inspector of the armed force and counted that we had fired 

30 rounds through 303 pistols 410. And 30 people both the public and the persons engaged in the 

attack were injured and they were immediately rushed to the Government Hospital in an ambulance. 

From the 30 persons who were injured 4 of them died. And 60 police inspectors were injured and taken 

to the hospital. After ascertaining due protection I came back to the police station. I am also filing this 

case to take necessary action. 

B. Shiva Kumar 

Inspector of police, Paramakudi Nagar, Paramakudi Division. 


Received On 11/09/2011 

at 18.00 hrs Ilayakudi Police station Crno. 220/11 

11/09/2011 U/s 143,188, 341, 336, 332, 353 and 506(i) of 

IPC. D/O 11/09/2011 18.00 hrs D/R 11/09/2011 18.30 hrs 

P/O near Kilayur colony, Ilayankudi bye pass road. 

Informant: Mr.Savarimuthu, Head Constable No.674, Madhagupatti Police Station. Perpetrators: 

200 members from Karaikudi and Kilayur colony. 

I am serving as a Head Constable in the Madhagupatti Police Station. Today on 11.9.2011 on the eve 

of Immanuel Sekaran's Guru Pooja I was assigned the duty of taking video-graphs in the morning 

along with Sivagangai Division-Deputy Superintendent of Police. Along with me there were also 

others on duty including policemen from Sivagangai Armed force 295, 525, 1755, 241, 1223, 1985, and 

1658. Today on 11.9.2011 in the evening around 6 pm a mob of around 200 people gathered illegally in 

the Bypass road near Ilayankudi Police Station and they sat on the Tar roads blocking the way for 108 

Ambulance and other vehicles coming from Paramakudi and also used large stones and wooden logs 

to block the government vehicles and lorries to Sivagangai. They had disputes with us and quarreled 

"why have you shot our people in Paramakudi". At that time, the Sivagangai DSP negotiated with them 

to give way for 108 Ambulance. As I tried to take videos of that the people in that mob started pelting 

stones at me and shouted for I tried to take videos. Then the DSP and I tried to remove the stones and 

logs for the Ambulance to go, the people started running towards the buses in anger and tried to 

damage the buses and also passengers inside. To protect the people in the buses we chased the mob 

with lathis during which they ran inside the thorny bushes and threw stones on us and at the buses. 

Due to that I got injured. When the Armed force policemen Ramasubramani and Rajasekar tried to 

defend me and entered the thorny bush the mob shouted "these police only had killed our people in 

Paramakudi. Beat them to death" and attacked them. The DSP warned them to leave those two 

policemen. But as they did not respond and tried to kill them the DSP shot the guns twice towards the 

sky. Then the above said gang left the two policemen and started running towards the thorny bushes in 

a hurry. Due to the mob's attack the policemen suffered injuries. If the DSP did not shoot then the mob 

would have attacked us and damaged the buses and the people traveling in it. Hence I request you to 

take action against those people. 



Paramakudi Town Police station Crno. 301/11 11/09/2011 

U/s 147, 148, 149,448,342,294,436,307,511 of IPC and 3(1) of TN. PPDL Act and 4 of Womens 

Harassment act. 

D/O 11/09/2011 12.30 hrs 

D/R 11/09/2011 20.00hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL III 

P/O near All Women Police Station, Paramakudi 

Informant: Mr. A. Amudha 

Sub Inspector, All Women Police Station 

Paramakudi. 

Perpetrators: 200 of Mr. Immanuel Sekarans Party men. 

I am working as Sub Inspector in Paramakudi Women Police Station. Today 11.9.2011 myself and 

Writer GoI 553 Mrs. Irulayi wee on duty and GoI 131 Mrs. Tamilarasi were on duty in the station. At 

12.30 hrs around 300 identifiable persons whose names and addresses were unknown who have came 

to the Immanuel Pandian’s death anniversary surrounded the police station and started throwing stones 

and wooden logs inside the station by reciting some vulgar words. Then they shut the door of the 

station shouted saying that they will set fire to the station. Then they burnt some papers and garbage 

like things in front of the station. We were inside the station. Then they started breaking the vehicles 

that were parked near the station. They also broke my two-wheeler numbered TN 63 J 0217 Hero 

Honda Pleasure. The value of the damaged vehicle costs around 5000. Later, I called the Police 

Control and informed to higher officials after which they came for rescue at 3.00 pm in the evening. 

Otherwise, the mob would have set fire to the station along with us. I request you to take appropriate 

action against the perpetrators who entered the station illegally and caused damage to the properties 

and vehicles parked there. 



Sd 


U/s 147, 148, 341, 427 of IPC 

D/O 11/09/2011 13.00 hrs 

D/R 11/09/2011 21.00 hrs 


P/O near Government Womens Hospital, Paramakudi 

Informant : Mr. G. Balaji S/o S.P Ganesan, Narkeeran Photo editor, 

Mobile No.: 94429 69979 6/21 Vanniyar Street, 

Paramakudi. 

Perpetrators : 10 Unidentified persons came to attend the Memorial Of Immanuel Sekaran. 

I have been residing in the above mentioned address and I am working as a photographer in Nakeeran 

magazine of Ramanthapuram district. I came to Aaindhu munai to take photographs of the programme 

being arranged on the occasion of Memorial Day of Immanuel. Based on the information regarding the 

road blockade in Aaindhu munai, I accompanied by another photographer of Junior Vikatan Mr. Pandi 

were traveling in a single two-wheeler to reach the spot. We parked the two-wheeler near the 

Government Maternity Hospital and on seeing the agitated mob we both stand apart from the crowd. 

Within a few seconds, a mob of ten people surrounded us and started attacking me. They grabbed my 

camera and broke it. As they attacked me again, in order to safeguard my life I ran away through a 

small alley and reached the Police station. The camera which I had is of the model (NIKKON-D-ADX) 

and its Vivitar Plasmas were broken. It totally costs around Rs. 50,000. I suspect that the mob would 

have taken petrol from the two-wheeler which we had parked there and used it to set fire on the fireextinguishing 

truck. Hence, I request you to take prompt action regarding the complaint. 


Received on 11/09/2011 at 22.30 hrs., 

Sd. 

Paramakudi Town Police station, Crno. 303/2011 11/09/2011 

U/s 147, 148, 341, 427, 392 IPC. 

D/O. 11/09/2011 13.15 hrs. 

D/R. 11/09/2011 22.30 hrs. 


P/O near Paramakudi Indian bank, Paramakudi 

Informant : 

P. Pandi 

Photographer , Junior Vikatan, 

4/2397, Main Road, Thangatchi Maddam. 

Perpetrators: 10 Party men of Mr. John Pandian who came to attend the Immanuel Sekarans 

Anniversary. 

I came to video graph the function of Emmanuel’s Guru Pooja held in Paramakudi on 11.09.2011. As I 

was informed about the road blockage in Ainthumunnai junction and around 1.15pm I was standing 

near an Indian Bank and was trying to video graph it, when an unidentified mob surrounded me. They 

also pulled my belonging such as D - 90 Nikon Digital Camera - 1, Nikon 200 Tele Gim – 1, Nikon SB 

600 Flash and broke it on the road. As I was trying to escape from them they took away my Samsung 

Duos Champ Cell Phone and also RS. 500/- which I had in my pocket. Some how I escaped from them 

and reached the Paramakudi City Police Station My camera and all its related devices totally costs 

nearly RS.1 lakh (one lakh). Perhaps, I request the police to take action in this regard. Date: 

11.09.2011, Place: Paramakudi. Yours (sd) Pandian, 11.09.2011, Reference: Used Mobile Information: 

Aircel: 9003016680, Vodafone: 9787195404. Sir, today 11.09.2011, 22.30 hour, this compliant was 

received and registered under the Crime No: 303/ 2011, section 147, 148, 341, 427, 392 of I.P.C.(sd) 

M.Natarajan Date: 11.09.2011 

Submission: The original first information report and the petitioner’s complaint are appended and also 

sent to the criminal court judge, Paramakudi and was also sent to the respective officials. 


Received on 12.09.2011 at 14.00 hrs. 


PS Police station, Paramakudi Town, Crno. 304/2011 11/09/2011 

U/S 147, 148, 149, 447, 294(b), 427, 324, 506(II) of IPC 

D/O 11.09.2011 13.00 hrs 

D/R 12.09.2011 14.00 hrs 

Registration No. entered in the General reference Diary VOL II 

P/O Meera Filling Station, Vasanthapuram, Paramakudi. 

Informant: Ms. Savarirani, W/o Nicholas, Meera filling station, Vasanthapuram, 

Paramakudi. 

Perpetrators: More than 100 identifiable Partymen of Mr. John Pandian. 

On 11/9/11 at 13.00 around 100 persons who claimed themselves to be party men of Mr. John Pandian 

arrived to our Meera filling Station where I am working as a manager and started shouting on us in 

abusive lanuages “Our party leader is arrested by the police and how come you are running the petrol 

station and started attacking us with sticks and stones damaging many of our properties worth 8 lakh 

rupees. They even threw stones on me and Mr. Senthil Kumar who was also working in our petrol bulk 

that wounded my left leg. They also insisted us to provide them with petrol, which can be used for 

burning the public property. But I ran and switched off the machine that provides petrol. If I have not 

done that they might burn everything by using the petrol from here. As there exist severe riot every 

where I was unable to come and file a complaint yesterday, so I came today (12.09.2011 by 14.00 hrs) 

to lodge the complaint. Because of this incident we lost property worth 8, 00,000 (Eight Lakhs) so I 

request the police to take appropriate action immediately. 

(Sd) N. Sivarani 

Person who registered the case: Mr. Natarajan Sub-Inspector 

Person who took up the investigation under the direction of: Mr. Sivakumar, Inspector, Parmakudi 

Nagar. 


Received : 13.09.2011 at 08.00 hrs 

District Magistrate Paramakudi. 

Police Station: Paramakudi Town, Crno : 305/11 

U/S 147, 148, 149,427,436 IPC 

D/O 11.09.2011 13.00hrs 

D/R 13.09.2011 08.00 hrs 


P/O Paramakudi Kutthukal Street. 

Informant: 

Mr. V. Karthigan, 

Door no 3, Pambu Vilundhan Village, Melaikudi Post, 

Paramakudi Tk, Ramnad Dist. 

Perpetrators: 200 party men of Mr. John Pandian came to attend Immanuel Sekarans Memorial. 

Respectful Submission: 

Sir, I own a cell phone shop named Cell Parker and repairing shop in Kuthukal Street, Ainthumunnai 

road and earning through it. On 11.09.2011 at 1.00pm, as I was in my shop, about 200 supporters of 

John Pandian came to Emmanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary surrounded my shop. They broke the 

front shed of my shop and black boards and also set fire to it. I was frightened and hence I locked the 

shop and went off. Today morning (13.09.2011) as I came to my shop the black boards and the 

thatched sheds were burnt and spoiled. The burnt black boards and thatched shed costs about RS. 

15,000/-. The people who burnt my shop were supporters of John Pandian and I request you to take 

action in this regard. Yours, (sd) V. Karthick, 

Police Station received the complaint and registered under the Crime No: No: 305/11, section 147, 148, 

149, 427, and 436 of I.P.C. 




Received on 13.09.2011 at 10.00 hrs. 


PS Police station, Paramakudi Town, Crno. 306/11 13/09/2011 

U/S 147, 148, 427, 436 of IPC 

D/O 11.09.2011 13.00 Hrs 

D/R 13.09.2011 10.00 Hrs 


P/O near the petitioners shop near Aindhu Munai, Kuttukal Street, Paramakudi. 

Informant: 

Mr. Sundramoorthy S/o. Sankara Narayanan. 

1/120. Kamarajar Street, Emaneswaram, Paramakudi. 

Perpetrators: 

200 of Mr. Immanuel SekaranParty men came to attend Martyr. Immanuel Sekarans Anniversary. 

I am running Friends auto consulting shop in Kutthukal Street in Aaindhu munai, Paramakudi. On 

11/09/2011 around 1 pm as I was in shop a gang of 200 people who were John Pandian’s supporters 

came there and demolished the thatched shed of the shop and set fire to it. I was scared and so I 

locked out the shop and went to my home. Today 13.09.2011 Morning when reached the shop I found 

the shed completed burnt into ashes. The value of that shed which was fired is Rs. 10,000. I request 

you to take prompt action against the John Pandian’s supporters who set fire to my shop shed. 

Today 13/09/2011 at 10.00 am I (M. Natarajan), as was on duty as S.I. of the Station, I received a 

written petition from S. Sundaramoorthi s/o T. Sankaranarayanan of 1/120 Kamarajar Street 

Emaneshwaram, who appeared in the station and provided the complaint which I have filed under the 

Paramakudi Police Station Crime No. 306/11 IPC Sections 147, 148, 427 and 436 



Sd 


U/s 147, 148, 149,427,436 of IPC 

D/O 11/09/2011 13.00 hrs 

D/R 11/09/2011 12.00hrs 


P/O near Paramakudi Kutthukal Street, Paramakudi 

Informant : Mr. S. Moorthi S/o Subramanian, 

Bharathiyar Nagar, 

Paramakudi. 

Perpetrators: 200 of Mr. Immanuel Sekarans Party men. 

Sir, I am running a tailor shop named Dolphin, in Kuthukal Street, near Ainthumunnai. On 11.09.2011 

afternoon, around 1.00pm, nearly above 200 people, came as a crowd surrounded my shop and pulled 

down the thatched roofs covered on the front side of my shop and set fire on it. I was frightened and 

hence I locked the shop and went home. This morning (13.09.2011) as I came to my shop the entire 

thatched roofs were burned into ashes. The burnt roofs total costs are about RS. 10,000/- . The people 

who burnt my shop were supporters of John Pandian and I request you to take action in this regard. 

Yours, (sd) S. Moorthy, Sir, today 13.09.2011, at 12.00, I (M. Natarajan) ,Paramakudi City Police 

Station, received the complaint and registered under the Crime No: 307/2011, section 147, 148, 149, 

427, 436 of I.P.C. 






U/S 147, 148, 149,427,436 IPC 

D/O 11.09.2011 13.00 hrs 

D/R 13.09.2011 14.00 hrs 

Registration number entered in the general reference Diary VOL III 

P/O Paramakudi kutthukal street, Paramakudi 

Informant: Mr. S. Karigalan 

S/o Mr. R. Subramanian, 

No.3/242-A3 Bharathi Nagar north 2 nd street, 

Paramakudi. 

Perpetrators: 200 members from Mr. John Pandians Party came to attend 

Martyr.Immanuel Sekarans anniversary celebration. 

Sir I own a shop called Aero aqua tech in the Aindhu munai sandhippu of Paramakudi. On 

11.09.2011 by afternoon 13.00 hrs when I was in the shop 200 of Mr. John Pandians well 

wishers who are about to attend the Anniversary of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran came as a gang 

to my shop and started to pull down my thatched roof and also instigate fire on two flex boards 

that were kept outside the shop. On seeking this I got terrified and locked my shop and ran 

home. Today (13.09.2011) I went to the shop and was shocked to see that the entire thatched 

roof and the two flex boards were totally burnt. The cost of the same would be around 15,000 

rupees. I would request you to take appropriate actions on the perpetrators who instigated fire 

on my thatched roof and Flex boards. 

(Sd) S. Karigalan. 

Signature of the incharge of the police station : Mr. Natarajan, 

Sub-Inspector, 

Paramakudi Nagar Police station. 


Received on 1409.2011 at 08.30 hrs 


PS Police station, ParamakudiTown, Crno. 309/1113/09/2011 

U/S 147, 148, 149,341,323,332,307 IPC and Sec 4 of Women Harassment Act. 

D/O 11.09.2011 12.30hrs 

D/R 14.09.2011 08.30 hrs 


P/O Railway Gate, Near Mudhukulathur Paramakudi Road, Paramakudi. 

Informant : 

Ms. Daisy Nirmala Rani, 

W/o. Irudhiya Raj 

First Level Police Officer, 

1252, Womens Police Station, 

Ramanadhapuram. 

Perpetrators: A gang of more than 100 men. 

Today 14.09.2011 morning at 6 am After conducting an enquiry with Mrs. Daisi Nirmala Rani (34/11), 

All Women Police Station First Level Police inspector 1252, who was admitted in Preeti Hospital and 

undergoing medical treatment and recorded the statement given by her. Base on that at 8.30 am I filed 

the petition under the Paramakudi Police Station Crime No. 309/2011 IPC sections 147, 148, 149, 341, 

323, 332, 307 and 406 Women Harassment Act. 

The statement is as follows: 

Statement of Mrs. Daisi Nirmala Rani (34/11), First Level Police inspector 1252 of All Women Police 

Station, V.O.C Nagar, Ramanathapuram : Have been on service as first grade inspector in All women 

police station in Ramanathapuram for the past 2 ½ years. On 9.09.2011 I reached Paramakudi for the 

protection duty on the occasion of Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day. On 11.09.2011 protection duty 

was assigned for me in MGR Nagar, Ponnaiyapuram for the Mulaippari procession. Women Sub- 

Inspector Mrs. Narmdha and First grade inspector Ms. Kala, Ms. Jothi and Ms. Arulmeri accompanied 

me on the duty. On 11.09.2011 morning at 9.00 am we went for the duty in MGR Nagar and around 

10.00 am, men and women with wreaths proceeded towards the tomb. We gave full protection for the 

procession and after the homage being made we returned from there. Near Ponniapuram Railway 

crossing, approximately at a distance of about 200 feet away, there was a mob of more than 100 

people approaching us holding stones; flag tied iron rods and shouted with terrible noise. As they saw 

us, they said “we should not leave the police dogs that arrested our leader John Pandian” and one of 

the men came towards me and tried to attack on my head using the iron rod. However, I prevented 

using my hands. At the same time, some of them pelted stones. The mob also attacked and pelted 


stones at the Women Sub Inspector Mrs. Narmadha and others who came to rescue me and she 

suffered blood injuries on her head. Again the mob shouted on seeing us saying “kill them” and chased 

us. We ran away from there and escaped. We can identify them very well. I request to take legal action 

against them. (Sd.) B. Deicy. First Level Police inspector 1252 All Womens Police Station. 

Sir, 

On 14.9.11, morning at 6 am I recorded the statement in Preeti Hospital and came back to the station 

at 8.30 am and filed the petition under the Paramakudi City Police Station Crime No. 309/11 Sections 

147, 148, 149, 341, 323, 332, 307 and 406 Women Harassment Act. 




U/s 147, 148, 149, 427, 435, IPC 3 and 4 of TN PPDL Act 

D/O 11/09/2011 11.30 hrs 

D/R 14/09/2011 10.30 hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL I 

P/O in NH49 near Deputy Director, Health Department office. 

Informant: Mr. S. Chelladurai, M.B.B.S. 

Deputy Director, Health Department, 

Perpetrators: 4 unidentifiable persons. 

Sub: General Health – Deputy Director of Health Services Department, Paramakudi. Regarding - The 

incident of firing of vehicles on 11.09.2011 afternoon 1.30 pm. No. 054901-Plan1-811-2011. On 

10.9.2011 Director of General Health and Disease Prevention Department, Chennai – 6, I kindly inform 

you the following details through this Letter. 

It has been informed that due to the Parliament meet regarding the requisition of grants from People’s 

Welfare Department going to be held on 12.09.2011, all District Health Offices should function on 

Special duties on 11.09.2011 (Sunday). In this respect, all the Deputy Health Service department 

workers were on duty on that day. On 11.9.2011 the procession was carried out by the public on the 

occasion of Immanuel Sekaran’s Anniversary in the Madurai-Rameshwaram National Highway Road. 

During the procession, the riot broke out in the Five Point Junction which was 100 meters distant from 

our office. The riot spread out near the office also and at 1.30 pm the vehicles parked in the office 

portigo including the Officer’s Ambassador Car were dragged and was set fire by the gang. They also 

tried to attack the other workers using deadly weapons and as the entire area was filled with smoke the 

workers could not do anything. Then the Police fire service department and District Collector were 

informed about the incident through telephone. But the Police and Fire service department replied that 

they could not arrive as their vehicles has been set fire and were burning. 

1) Ambassador car TN 72 G 0532 (DDHS Office vehicle); 

2) Matador TN 01 G 1326 (DDHS Office vehicle); 

3) Mahendra Jeep TMR 6907 (DDHS Office vehicle); 

4) Ambassador TN 65 G 0108 (Parthibanur DHC vehicle). 

The above mentioned vehicles have been set fire by the riot gang and have been burnt completely. 5) 

The Tempo Vaccine Carrier TN 01 G 1517 (DDHS Office vehicle) mirror glasses were damaged and 

burnt at the backside alone. The photographs regarding the above said facts have been enclosed for 

your concern. (Sd) Chelladurai 



Sd 


U/s 147, 148, 149,427,435 of IPC 3&4 of TNPPD Act 

D/O 11/09/2011 13.15 hrs 

D/R 14/09/2011 12.15 hrs 


P/O near NH49Government Highways Government Womens Hospital, Paramakudi 

Informant: Mr. Hakkim Batcha (42/11) 

Fire Service, Assistant Divisional Officer, 


Perpetrators: Around 100 persons belong to a mob. 

Sir, 

The death anniversary of martyr Immanuel Sekaran was decided to take place on 11.09.2011. As per 

the instruction and order of the Ramanathapuram District Collector, District Superintendent of Police 

and by the order of the Deputy Commissioner of the south region the police protection was provided. 

As a part of providing protection the lorry bearing the water tank TN 38 G 0615 was placed at the 

Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial, another water tank lorry TN 38 G0398 at the five point junction and the 

Valluthur water tank lorry TN 66 G 0396 at the Paramakudi police station. As the vehicles were 

arranged for the protection, the police van TN 69 G 03337 (Vagra) was set fire by the people who were 

in the riot in the five point junction, Paramakudi. The water lorry which was at the spot helped to stop 

the fire. At 13.10 hrs, the Sub Inspectocvr of Motor vehicles Mr. Jothi Murugan called to the police 

station and told that two vans belonged to the Deputy Health service department, one jeep one 

ambassador car and a tractor was burning in the five point junction, near Madurai road. He informed 

and asked to send the fire extinguisher van. A fire extinguisher van set for the Paramakudi police 

station was sent to the spot. It was a new fire extinguisher van bearing a water tank TN 66 G 0396, Mr. 

K.Selvaraj 207, Mr. Vijayakumar, Mr. Bhuvaneswar, 2434 and Mr. Sheik Abdullah 7258 rushed to the 

spot. On the way, in front of the Women’s Government hospital at 13.15 hrs about 100 people started 

to attack the van big wooden logs and by pouring petrol on the van. The fire workers pleaded to the 

people who was attacking and asked to leave them. But the riot mob told to get down from the van and 

to run immediately and added that if not all their heads will be broken. Even then the fire workers again 

and again pleaded to the riot mob, but one group set fire to the tyres and the another group threw the 


urnt tyres in the van engine and in the seats. Another group set fire to the six tyres of the van. As the 

van was burning the fire workers asked help from the police to set off the fire, but due to the violent 

action of the riot mob the police was not able to help the fire workers. To safeguard their life the 

workers who were in the fire van got down and ran away. The new van which belonged to the fire 

services department was burnt to the extreme and can not be used any more. 



R. Emaneshwaram Police station Crno. 54/11 12/09/2011 

U/s 3 and 4 of PPDL 

D/O 11/09/2011 13.30 hrs 

D/R 12/09/2011 21.00hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL II 

P/O near Seventh Day Adventist School Ground Muthukulathur Road, Paramakudi. 

Informant: Mr. Rama Chokkalingam S/o Ramanathan 

7-3-2 Sundharar Street, Shriram Nagar, Kottaiyur(p) , Sivagangai. 

Perpetrators: 100 members of Mr. Immanuel Sekarans Party. 

On 12.09.11, 21.00 hrs, during my duty hours as I (Head Constable 1331) received a complaint from 

the Assistant Engineer of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Mr. Ramachokkalingam (46/11) who 

appeared in person to the station and then contacted the Paramakudi town Circle Inspector Mr. P. 

Sivakumar through phone and registered the complaint on his advice under the Police Station Crime 

No. 54/2011 Section 147, 148, 427, 435 IPC and Sections 3 & 4 of PPDL Act. 

The details of the complaint are as follows: 

From: Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Kumbakonam district. 

Mr. Ramachokkalingam, (46/2011) Assistant Engineer, TNSTC, S/o Ramanathan, 

7-3-2, Sundarar Street, SriRam Nagar, Kottaiyur (PO), Sivagangai district. 

To: The Police Inspector, Emaneshwaram Police Station, Paramakudi. 

Sir, I have been serving for the past 25 years in the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. At present 

I am working as an Assistant Engineer in Karaikudi Block Office. As per the Department’s order I was 

on the duty of regulating the traffic at 10.00 am from Ponnaipuram Seventh Day Adventist School via 

Mudhukulathur on the occasion of Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary. Around 13.30 hrs, some 

identified men pelted stones and set fire to the vehicles in the school campus using the petrol bottles. At 

that time, they shouted that John Pandian was arrested and they indulged in violent acts and caused 

damage to the vehicles. After some time, they started in the Tata 407 goods vehicle (Reg No.: TN674 

8595) which was standing there. As they damaged the vehicles, myself and other staffs including driver 

and conductors were scared and ran into the school. After an hr when we came back we saw the front 


and back side seats of the town bus TN 01/N3740 (Route No. 11) was burning with fire. The mob has 

broken all glasses and mirrors of the bus. The remaining three vehicles were also set fire and they did 

not catch fire fully. With the help of all the staffs we used sand and water and extinguished the fire and 

brought the vehicles to the depot. Hence, I request you to take prompt action against those who 

destructed the public property the four vehicles which accounts for a loss value of approximately Rs. 1 

Lakh. The register numbers of the other three vehicles are: TN 63 N 0888, TN 63/N 0832, and TN 

01/N3948. 

There was a delay in getting permission from the higher officials. Yours, Ramachokkalingam (Sd) 

12.09.11 Paramakudi. 

Sir, Received the petition and registered a case in Emaneshwaram Police Station Crime No. 54/2011 

under section 147, 148, 427, 435 IPC and Sections 3 & 4 of PPDL Act on 12.09.11 at 21.00 hrs. (Sd) R. 

Karunanithi, Head constable 1331, 12.09.11 

The original FIR along with complaint report to Judicial Magistrate, Paramakudi District and other 

copies are sent to the Inspector of Paramakudi Town Block for further investigation. 



Sd 

Emaneshwaram Police station Crno. 55/11 13/09/2011 

U/s 147, 148, 427,353,435 of IPC and Sec 3 and 4 of PPDL Act 

D/O 11/09/2011 13.45 hrs 

D/R 13/09/2011 12.00hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL V 

P/O near Seventh day School, Mudhugulathur, Paramakudi. 

Informant: Mr. S. Selvam S/o V.Ambalam 

Head Constable, Transport Division, Armed forces, Dindugal District. 

Perpetrators: 100 persons belong to a mob. 

To: The Inspector, Emaneshwaram Police Station, Paramakudi 

I have been working as driver in the Dindigul Armed Force, Motor vehicle department. I am in charge of 

the vehicle of register number TN 57 G 0349. Also, on 08.09.11 according to the protection duty 

ordered under SBO, DDO 081505 C HO 518-2/10 SB/Dindigul/2011 for Immanuel Sekaran’s death 

anniversary, I have been ordered to report to the Paramakudi Special Police Control room for which I 

had been to Paramakudi on 09.09.2011. Then on 11.09.11 at 6.30 in the morning I accompanied the 

Inspector of Dindigul town transport on duty for the vehicle number TN 57 G 0349 in a parking place 

near Seventh Day Adventist School near Mudhukulathur Road, Ponnaiyapuram, Paramakudi. At 

around 13.45 I received information through walki-talki that the ___women police station of 

Ponnayapuram has been attacked. Within a few minutes an aggressive riot group of more than 100 

unidentified persons came towards our vehicle, shouting that “Our leader John Pandian has been 

arrested. We should not leave these policemen alive and they threw stones at the vehicle due to which 

the front mirror was damaged. Then to safeguard the vehicle I tried to park it inside the Aagnesh School 

which is nearby. I could not drive the vehicle since there were bushes and also the mob chased and 

tried to pull me out. In order to protect myself, I left the vehicle there itself to escape from the mob which 

tried to stab me and rushed to the Paramakudi Special Police Control Room to provide the information. 

Then based on the advice of the Additional Superintendent of Police, at 7.30 pm as we I accompanied 

with two inspectors and head constables to rescue the vehicle, we saw that the vehicle was totally burnt 

before we reach there. Since it was a night time and also the riot group was staying there, the others 

who accompanied me suggested that we can take the vehicle in the next day. And I have given a 

complaint regarding the issue in Emaneshwaram Police station to take necessary action. Yours 

faithfully, (Sd)A. Selvam, Head Constable 117. 

Sir, I received a petition and registered a case in Emaneshwaram Police Station Crime No. 55/11 under 

section 147, 148, 427, 353, 435 and 3 & 4 of PPDL Act on 13.09.2011 at 12.00 pm. (Sd) M. 

Neelamegam, Special Sub Inspector. 


Received on 17.9.2011 at 18.00hrs 


PS Police station, Paramakudi Thaluk Crno 104/11 17/09/2011 

U/S 3 of PPDL Act 

D/O 11.09.2011 12.30 hrs 

D/R 17.09.2011 18.00 hrs 


P/O on NH49 links Madurai and Rameshwaram near Manjur Busstand. 

Informant: Mr. MuthuRaman, (54/2011) Driver 

S/O Chokkalingam, State Transport Corporation, Ramanadhapuram Division, 


Perpetrators: Two Unidentifiable persons. 

Sir, I was on duty on 11.09.2011 along with the conductor Mr. K. Murugesan, SL No: 09CR 3192 in the 

vehicle No: TN 63/1067. I was taking a trip form Paramakudi to Ramanathapuram at 12.30 pm. As the 

bus went near Manjar Villaku, I saw a lot crowd in the road that came for the death anniversary of 

Emmanuel Sekaran. So I reduced the speed of the bus. When people heard the about the arrest of Mr. 

John Pandian, a tall man at the right and a black short man at the left side started pelting stones at the 

front side, back side of the bus. The bus was damaged and it costs about Rs. 8,500/- Therefore I kindly 

request you to take appropriate actions in this regard. Yours, (sd). 



PS Naiyanar Kovil Police Station, CR no. 79/11 11/09/2011 

U/S Sec 3 of PPDLAct 

D/O 11.09.2011 13.30 hrs 

D/R 11.09.2011 18.00 hrs 

Registration number entered in the general reference Diary VOL V 

P/O Near Ramanadhapuram-Nainarkovil Road near Sevur Bus Stand. 

Informant: Mr. S.Sakthivelu (30/2011) 

Driver, 1100/1931 TNSTC Rma 

S/O. Subramanian 

Melamankundu, Keelamankundu Post, Ucchipulli way, Ramanadhapuram Dt 

Perpetrators: 2 unidentified persons in a two wheeler. 

Sir, I am working as a driver in suburban branch of Ramnad District. On 11.09.2011 I was assigned to 

drive the town bus TN 63 N 1090 at 1.30 pm along with the conductor Mr. Mahesh Kumar and with the 

passengers from Ramanathapuram to Madurai. Due to some law and order problem the transports was 

asked to go through Ramanathapuram Pandiyur Nainar Kovil Ilayankudi, Sivagangai. As the bus was 

coming to Madurai through Sivagangai and near chevvur bus stop two unidentified people came in a 

two wheeler and started pelting bricks in the front side mirror of the bus. The front side mirror was 

completely damaged. Moreover, I kindly request you to take actions in this regard. Yours sds. Mr. 

Sakthivel driver 11011/ 19319. Received the petition and registered a case in Nainar Kovil Police 

Station under the Crime No: 79/11 under section 3 of PPDL Act on 11.09.2011 at 18.00 hrs. sd H. 

Nagarajan SSI, 11.09.2011. Sir, the original complaint and the statement of the complainant appended 

and sent to the Judicial Magistrate, Paramakudi, and the other copies are sent to the officers concerned 

and one to the Nainar Kovil Police Inspector. 


Received on 11.9.2011 at 15.30 hrs 


RS Mangalam Police station, Crno. 127/2011 11/09/2011 

U/S 3 of PPDL Act,147,148 341 of IPC. 

D/O 11.09.2011 15.30 hrs 

D/R 11.09.2011 18.00 hrs 

Registration No. entered in the General reference Diary VOL VI 

P/O Before Annamalai Nagar village in NH10. 

Informant: Mr. Selvaraj(51/2011), Driver, S/O Koodalingam, 

Nagachi Uttichi Punni Division, TN.63-N. 1285. 

Perpetrators: 15 unidentifiable Persons. 

Sir, My native is Nagaachi village Uchipulli divisional police station. I’m working as a driver in State 

Transport Corporation, Kumbakonnam Division, Ramanathapuram suburban branch. Today 

(11.09.2011) at 1.50 in the noon I was driving the bus TN 63 N 1285 from Ervadi to Kumbakonnam 

along with the conductor Mr. Vellusamy, S/o Mr, Chandrasekar, Pannaikulam. At 15: 30 hrs in the 

evening in 210 national highways and when we were nearing R.S. Mangalam a group of 15 persons 

from Annamalai nagar blocked the bus and started pelting stones, wooden logs in the front side mirror 

of the bus. The damaged mirror costs about Rs. 10,000/- I can identify the aforementioned persons in 

case if I see them. Since they had caused damage to the government property, I kindly request you to 

take appropriate action in this regard. Yours sd Selvaraj. 

Confession Statement:- 

This was undersigned today (18.09.2011) morning at 10.30 hrs by 1. Mr. Rajendran VAO, age 57/2011, 

S/o Mr. Ganapathi, Thottamangalam. 2. Mr. Moorthy age 40/2011, S/o Mr. Panchavarnam, village 

assistant, Thiruvadanai group. The R.S. Mangalam Police Inspector arrested the opponents Mr. 

Karthick age 23/11, Mr, Chokkan, age 28/11 and was under signed by the witnesses. In the presence of 

Thiruvadanai group the opponents were arrested in C. K. Mangalam bus stop. The opponent Mr. 

Karthick without any hesitations and barriers willfully came forward and gave this confession statement. 

My native is R.S. Mangalam divisional police station, Ramanathamadai. I was living with my mother 

Mrs. Banu and with my father in Ramanathamadai. I have two sisters and with one younger brother. My 

elder sister Ms. Muthu Rani was married to Mr. Duraisamy, Thirupalaikudi Kanmai residence and my 

second sister Ms. Megana is at our home only. My younger brother Rajkumar is studying B.Sc in 

Ramanathapuram college. My father is a mason. I’m not yet married and I’m working in construction 

work. Every year I used to travel to martyr Emmanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary which takes place in 

Paramakudi. About 28 vehicles started from R.S. Mangalam bus stand and headed by Mr. 

Baghyasamy, deputy secretary, Tamilnadu Makkal Munnetra Kalagam which functions under the 

leadership of Mr. John Pandian. On 11.09.2011 at 11.15 am, we started from the bus stand to 

Paramakudi and it was headed by Mr. Baghyasamy. At 1.30 in the noon, as we went near Manjur we 


saw a chaotic situation in the transportation and also people standing in crowds. When we asked the 

people they said that police fire has taken place and a big riot is also going on and so we returned back. 

As we were coming back we knew that this big riot in Paramakudi is mainly due to the arrest of Mr. 

John Pandian. So we planned to prove our strength to the government whereby to break all the 

government vehicles coming from trichy to Rameshwaram. We talked among ourselves and finally 

decided to break all the government vehicles at large and at sharp 4.30 pm we 22 of us blocked the 

government bus TN 63 N 1285 which was coming from Ervadi to Kumbakonam. We blocked the bus at 

Annamalai main road and started pelting stones and wooden logs. The driver stopped the bus and we 

pelted the stones, wooden logs on the bus. Since the passengers in the bus shouted and screamed a 

lot, we were frightened and so we hidden the wooden logs, the stones in the backyard field of Ganesh 

Mahal and we escaped from there. Mr. Baghyasamy told that if we roam in crowds the police will 

definitely arrest us and so we all must disperse and to go near to their respective home towns. We were 

afraid of the police and so we slept in the fields and forests at the night. Since we didn’t go for work and 

were hiding from the police, we came to C.S. Mangalam. All of us were frightened of the riot and went 

back. Only I Mr. Abinath and few of us came in Vista car TN 65 H 905 and Mr. Prabhu, S/o Mr. Peter, 

Aavanenthal drove the car. He dropped us in Annamalai nagar. We were aggressive owing to the issue 

that they have arrested our leader Mr. John Pandian and the death anniversary of martyr Emmanuel 

Sekaran was also cancelled. So, our deputy secretary Mr. Baghyasamy, Mr. Devendran S/o Mr. 

Davamani, Mr. Tamilarasan, S/o Mr. Krishnan Perumalmadai, Mr. Siva, S/o Mr. Ramalingam, Mr. Mani 

S/o Mr. Rajendran Aavanenthal, Mr. Abinath S/o Mr. Chokkan Pacherri and each of us took karuvellai 

thorns and round big wooden logs. Mr. Dinesh, S/o Mr. Krishnan Perumalmadai, Mr. Abimanan S/o Mr. 

Sakthi Ramanathamadaiarul Purakarai, Mr. Vijayaraj S/o Mr. Kannu Annamalai Nagar, Mr. Kannan So 

Mr. Perumal, Mr. Karthick S/o Mr. Perumal, Mr. Ganeshprabhu S/o Mr. Indiran, Mr. Murali S/o Mr. 

Pokkar, Mr. Asaithambi S/o Mr. Chinnaponnu, Mr. Raja S/o Mr. Munniandi, Mr. Suresh S/o Mrs. Regina 

Mary, Mr. Rajesh S/o Mr. Balu Erruva Pacherri, Mr. Munnisamy S/o Mr. Panchasa, Mr. Ganesan S/o 

Mr. Subbiah, Mr. Vadivellu S/o Mr. Vairavan took stones in their hands and in their bags and were 

waiting for the government buses. We thought for how many days to hide in these fields and forest and 

so me and Mr. Abinath S/o Mr. Michael Raj, Chokkan Pacherri thought to go for work for our survival. 

So we both decided to come to Madurai and were standing at the C. K. Mangalam bus stop. Today 

18.09.2011 at 10.30 in the morning R.S. Mangalam Police Inspector caught us. If you take me, I will 

appear with the materials like wooden logs, stones which we used for damaging and breaking the bus. 



RS Mangalam Police station Crno. 128/11 11/09/2011 

U/s 147, 148, 341 of IPC and 3(1) of PPDL Act. 

D/O 11/09/2011 16.10 hrs 

D/R 1109/2011 18.30 hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL VI 

P/O near NH210 National Highway, Annamalai Nagar . 

Informant: Mr.K. Muthupandi, S/O. Ganesan. 

Driver, TN63. N.1422 Govt, Bus Driver. 

2/1742 OmSakthi Nagar, Ramanadhapuram 

Perpetrators: 15unidentifiable persons. 

Respectful submission: 

Sir, I’m residing in the above mentioned address and I’m working as a government bus driver in 

Ramanathapuram town branch. Today (11.09.2011) at 11.20 am I was driving the bus TN 63 N. 1422 

from Trichy to Rameshwaram. When we were nearing R.S. Mangalam at 4.10 pm, a group of 15 

persons from Annamalai nagar blocked the bus and started pelting stones, wooden logs in the front 

side mirror of the bus. The damaged mirror costs about Rs. 10,000/- Since they had caused damage to 

the government property, I kindly request you to take appropriate action in this regard. Yours sd G. 

Muthupandi , sd P. Vadivellu. Sir, received the petition and registered a case in R.S. Mangalam Police 

Station under the Crime No: 128/2011 under section 147, 148, 341 SC/ST act of I.P.C and 3 (1) of 

PPDL Act. On 11.09.2011 at 18.30 hrs (sd) S. Selvaraj SSI R.S. Mangalam Police Station, 11.09.2011. 

The original FIR along with the statement of the complainant has been submitted to the Judicial 

Magistrate Court, Thiruvadanai and the other copies are submitted to the officers concerned. 

Confession Statement:- 

This was undersigned today (18.09.2011) morning at 10.30 hrs by 1. Mr. Rajendran VAO, age 57/2011, 

S/o Mr. Ganapathi, Thottamangalam. 2. Mr. Moorthy age 40/2011, S/o Mr. Panchavarnam, VAO, 

Thiruvadanai group. In our presence R.S. Mangalam Police Inspector, arrested the opponent Mr. 

Alexandar, age 28/2011, S/o Mr. Arulandhu Paaranur in the C.K. Mangalam Bus Stop for an enquiry 

under the case registered in R.S. Mangalam Police Station in the Crime No: 128/2011 under section 

147, 148, 341 SC/ST act of I.P.C and 3 (1) of PPDL Act. This confession statement is willfully given by 

us and without any kind of threat (or) fear. 

I’m residing with my family in the Paaranur village and Im holding the post of deputy secretary in 

Tamilaga Munnetra Kalangam. I’m married to Ms. Munneswari, D/o Mr. Subramani, Purakarai and I 


have no child. My mother Grace, my father is working as a mason. My sister Jeevitha has married three 

years ago and living in Chennai. I’m working in Keelakottai petrol bunk station as a petrol pumper for 

the past four years. On 11.09.2011 I headed a group of people to Emmanuel Sekaran’s Guru Pooja in 

Paramakudi. They are Perumalmadai Durairaj’s son Vasu, Savariyar Nagar Mr. Sebastin’s son Mr. 

Jayakumar, Perumalmadai Govindan’s son Mr. Sakarai, Keelakottai Marimuthu’s son Mr. Prakash, 

Maavilangai A. Muthukannu’s son Mr. Palani, Maavilangai Enthal Muthukannu’s son Mr. Lakshmanan, 

Shayur Karupai’s son Mr. Parthiban, Shayur Jayaraman’s son Mr. Kumar, Shayur Jayaraman’s son Mr. 

Ganesan, Shayur Govindan’s son Mr. Dinesh, Shayur Munniyadi’s son Mr. Arjunan, Paalkulam 

Munnisamy’s son Mr. Raja, Raman Pusari’s son Mr. Vellu from Kanmai Residence, Kalangiyam’s son 

Mr. Munnisamy from Thirupalaikudi Devar Residence, Maavilangai Enthal Karuppan’s son Mr. 

Nagarajan, Shayur Kuppaiyan’s son Mr. Alagar, Pulankudi Maavilangai Enthal Krishnan’s son Mr. 

Sathaiyya, Maavilangai Enthal Govindan’s son Mr. Rajkumar, Shayur Muthukannu’s son Palanivel 

Eruvanpacherri Kaali’s son Mr. Senthil, Shayur Ganapathi’s son Mr. Senthil, Shayur Chinnathambi’s 

son Mr. Jayasankar, Keelakottai Marimuthu’s son Mr. Prakash and totally 25 of us went to Paramakudi. 

On 11.09.2011 at 9.30 am I along with nine persons went in Tata Magic vehicle TN 65 L 9862 and Mr. 

Jinnah drove the vehicle from R.S. Mangalam bus stop. And the other 15 of them came in another 

vehicle. Totally 28 vehicles started from R.S.Mangalam bus stop and went to Paramakudi. As we were 

going towards Chattirakudi and were nearing Manjur we heard that there was a big riot in Paramakudi, 

so we returned in the same vehicle to R.S. Mangalam villaku road and we 25 of us got down. We were 

aggressive and hostile that we were not able to go to the Guru Pooja of Emmanuel Sekaran and the 

police have also arrested our leader Mr. John Pandian, so we damaged the government vehicle TN 63 

N 1422 with wooden logs and stones and then we hidden the wooden logs and the stones in the 

backyard of Ganesh Mahal. As we were afraid of the police and so we absconded. Today (18.09.2011) 

I thought of going back to my home, to get some money and to run away. And as I was waiting in 

Thiruvadanai C.K. Mangalam bus stop you (the police) caught me along with 7 persons namely Mr. 

Nagarajan, Mr. Alagar, Mr. Sathiayya, Mr. Sivanadh, Mr. Rajkumar, Mr. Palanivel and Mr. Prakash. If 

you take me, I will appear with the materials like wooden logs, stones which we used for damaging and 

breaking the bus. 



Thiruvadalai Police station Crno. 152/11 11/09/2011 

U/s 147,148,336 of IPC and 3 of TNPPDL Act. 

D/O 11/09/2011 17.20 hrs 

D/R 11/09/2011 19.45hrs 


P/O near Devakottai Aeriyur Road, before Arasathur Vilaku road. 

Informant: Mr. P. Sundaram , S/O. Panjavarnam. 

Driver, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Ramanathapuram. 

Perpetrators: 21 persons out of which 15 persons were wearing T-Shirts of Green and Red Color 

headed by Mr. Charles belongs to the Arasathur Village. 

Respectful submission: 

Sir, Iam residing with my family in the above mentioned address and Im working as a government bus 

driver in Devakottai Depot and my job number – 10 DR 3631/ 19264. This evening I was driving the 

town bus TN/ 01/ N- 3968 accompanied by the trip conductor Mr. Algarsamy to Oriyur. As we were 

nearing Peruvakottai at 5.20 pm, about six individuals blocked the road in Arasandur villaku by laying 

the karuvellai thorn and they were wearing T- shirts mixed with red and green colour. They blocked the 

road along with another 15 persons and started shouting “Stop, Stop” and throwing granite stones, 

stones chips on the front side of the bus. Immediately I stopped the bus and I, the conductor and all the 

passengers got down of the bus. The front side mirror of the bus was completely damage. Thus the 

above mentioned persons shouted for10 minutes and since lot of people started to gather at the 

Arasathur villaku road they ran away from that place. And we asked about them to the nearby shop 

keepers. They told that these people came to the Emmanuel Sekaran’s Guru Pooja, Paramakudi under 

the guidance of Mr. Charles and belong to the Arasathur village. When we went inside Peruvakottai we 

saw the banners kept for the Guru Pooja. Then the police was informed about this and came to set right 

the transportation facilities and told me to safely drop all the passengers in Oriyur. Thereby I along with 

the conductor took the passengers from Oriyur at 6.20 pm and came to Thiruvadanai through 

pandukudi road. As I recited the complaint and the conductor Mr. Algarsamy wrote it. Therefore I kindly 

request you to take action against the abovementioned persons in this regard and I signed it. Yours 

faithfully, (sd) xxxx, P. Sundaram, 11//9/2011 

Sir, received the petition and registered a case in Thiruvadanai Police Station under the Crime No: 

152/11 under section 147, 148, 336, of I.P.C and 3 0f TN PPDL Act on 11.09.2011 at 19.45 hrs, (sd) 

xxxx, S. Muthuselvam, SI of police, Thiruvadanai Police Station. The original complaint and the 

petitioner’s complaint are appended and sent to the Judicial magistrate, Thiruvadanai and also to the 

respective authorities. 



SP Pattinam Police Station. Cr. 76/11 11.09.2011 

U/S Sec 3(1) PPDL Act 

D/O 11.09.2011 18.55 hrs 

D/R 11.09.2011 21.00 hrs 


P/O near OOriyur Pudhuvayal Vilaku, on the bridge. 

Informant: Mr. V.Palanichamy (56/2011) Driver, 

S/O. Velu 

Panniyur Sivagangai TNSTC Driver No 90076. 

Perpetrators: 4 Person Unidentifiable Persons. 

Sir, I’m working as a driver in Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation, Sivagangai. On 11.09.2011 I 

started from my Pannimalai, Sivagangai at 1.30 pm driving the bus TN 63 N 0936 to Madurai with the 

conductor Mr. Kannan, 36, S/o Mr. Muniappan, Pidikunam. We reached Madurai mattuthavani bus 

stand at 3.00 pm and at 3.10 pm we started from Madurai to Thirupunavasal and were going through 

Kaalaiyar Kovil, Sivagangai. We reached Thiruvadanai at 6.00 pm. There were about 65 passengers in 

the bus and dropped them in Oriyur and went to Thirupunavasal through Pudhuvayal villaku road, at 

6.55 pm. Four persons were standing in a bridge and the bus was going, suddenly two of them started 

pelting stones in the front side mirror of the bus and the other two pelted stones at the back side mirror. 

They also broke the left side mirror which was in the front side steps. The total costs of the damaged 

mirrors are Rs. 7,000/- There were no injuries for the conductor and the passengers. I informed this 

incident to Sivagangai Branch Manager. Since I don’t know to which police station I have to complain, I 

went to complain to the Thirupunavasal Police Station. They told me to complain in S. P Pattinam 

Police Station and I did so. I request you to take action in this regard. I will identify the aforementioned 

persons in case if I see them. Yours, (sd) Mr. V. Palanisamy, driver, 11.09.2011. Mr. M. Kannan. 

Received the petition and registered a case in S.P. Pattinam police station under the Crime No: 76/11 

under section 3 (1) of PPDL Act on 11.09.2011 at 21.00 hrs (sd) Ms. Padmavathy SI. The original FIR 

along with the statement of the complainant has been submitted to the Judicial Magistrate Court, 

Thiruvadanai and the other copies are submitted to the officers concerned. 



PS Chithirakudi Police station Crno. 119/201113/09/2011 

U/S 147, 336 of IPC and Sec 50 of PPDLAct 

D/O 13.09.2011 11.30 hrs 

D/R 13.09.2011 15.30 hrs 

Registration number entered in the general reference Diary --- 

P/O Near Thiruvadi Bus Stand. 

Informant: Mr. S.Lakshmanan (56/2011) 

Driver, 

S/O. Shanmugam 

E-Block Collector Office, Ramanadhapuram Division. 


Perpetrators: 5 unidentified Person. 

On 13.09.11, at 9.15 as I was on duty, took the Ramanathapuram Sub Urban Branch Bus TN 63N1047 

started from Ramanathapuram and was nearing a place in between Thiruvadi and Devendranallur and 

just before Vanangaanendhal and Thiruvadi Old road, in the NH 49 Road. At around 11.30 am some 

five unidentified persons threw stones at the bus due to which the front mirror of the bus got broken and 

the right side mirror and See through glass was also broken damaged. The loss of damage is Rs. 6500. 

Also the conductor of the bus Mr. R. Sanmugasundaram, (34/11) S/o Muthaiah, Pullandhai, Mayakulam 

(PO) Erwadi (Via), Ramanathapuram suffered blood injuries in the front side of the head. I had blood 

injuries on my right and left hands caused due to the broken glasses. Hence, I request you to take 

action against the unidentified persons who attacked us. 

Yours S. Lakshmanan 13.9.11. 

Sir, 

On 13.09.11 at 15.30 pm I received this above complaint and filed the case under Crime No. 119/11 

Sections 147, 336, IPC and 5 of PPDL Act. (Sd) S. Balasubramanian, SI, Chatrakudi PS. The original 

FIE along with the statement of the complainant has been sent to the Judicial Magistrate, Paramakudi 

and other copies are submitted to the officers concerned. 




U/s 3(1) of PPDL Act 

D/O 13/09/2011 12.15 hrs 

D/R 13/09/2011 13.15hrs 


P/O near NH49 Madurai – Rameshwaram Road. Near Somathur Diversion. 

Informant: Mr. T. Gopal, S/o Thavasi 

Driver, Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation, Ramanathapuram. 

Perpetrators: 4 unidentifiable persons. 

Sir, I am residing with my family in Idayaathur and I am working as a driver for Tamil Nadu State 

Transport Corporation in Ramanthapuram Suburban branch. Today 13.09.2011 morning I started 

from Ramanathapuram, reached Mattuthavani Bus stand, Madurai and again at 12.15 pm I was 

driving the government bus TN 63 N 1324, as conductor Mr. S. Murugan was on duty along with 

me. When were nearing the NH 49 Road of Somaathur, on the left side near Alo pulo Cement 

factory a group of four unidentified people were hiding there and they recited slogans in support of 

John Pandian and started throwing stones at the bus due to which the right and left side body 

mirrors were broken. The value of the damaged mirrors is Rs. 1600. I am requesting you to take 

appropriate action in this regard and submitting the complaint for the same. 



Bazar Police station Crno. 449/2011 13/09/2011 

U/S Sec 30 of PPDL Act 

D/O 13.09.2011 19.40 hrs 

D/R 13.09.2011 21.45 hrs 


P/O near R Kavanur School, Ramanadhapuram. 

Informant : Mr. Kanagaraj (46/2011) 

S/o Arumugam, 

Edaiyavsai THSTC Driver, Ramanadhapuram. 

Perpetrators: 4 persons Uidentifiable. 

Sir, On 13.09.11, as I was on duty as driver of the town bus TN 63N1393 and P. Kanaga Sabapathi No. 

0500031 as conductor on duty, we started from Nayinarkovil at 6.40 pm and on the way to 

Ramanathapuram at 7.40 near Kavalur, some unidentified persons threw stones at the bus and thus 

the backside mirror of the bus was broken. The value of the damaged mirror is approximately Rs. 4000. 

I request you to take action in this regard. 

Yours faithfully, (Sd) A. Kanagaraj (Driver). 

Sir, I received the complaint on 13.9.11 at 21.45 hrs and registered a case Bazaar Police Station Crime 

No. 449/11 under section 3 of PPDL Act (Sd) M. Jeyachandran 

Sent the original FIR along with complaint report to Judicial Magistrate, Paramakudi District and other 

copies are sent to concerned officer. 



Sd 

Emaneshwaram Police station Crno. 56/11 13/09/2011 

U/s Sec 3 and 4 of PPDL Act 

D/O 13/09/2011 19.50 hrs 

D/R 13/09/2011 21.00hrs 

Registration No. entered in the general reference Diary VOL V 

P/O near Gandhi Nagar Checkpost 

Informant: Mr. N. Karthikeyan S/o Natarajan 

Driver, Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation, Paramakudi division. 

Perpetrators: one person unidentifiable. 

Sir, I am working as a driver in Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. Today 13.09.11 I took the bus 

register number of which is TN 01/N 385 from Paramakudi to Chetthanur and after finishing the trip at 

7.00 while I was returning back to Paramakudi at 7.50 pm near Gandhi Nagar Check post, at a distance 

of about 20 feet a man wearing dhoti without upper garment who hiding behind the pond side bush 

suddenly threw stones at the Right side front mirror and ran away. The glass broke into pieces and 

caused a blood injury on my right forehead. Immediately, I rushed to the police station along with the 

passengers and informed to the police on duty. All the above said facts were known to the conductor 

Mr. IbrahimKani 87087 who was on duty along with me and two passengers named N. Nagesh of P. 

Kandani 45/11 S/o. Natarajan, and M. Murugesan 42/11, S/o Duraisami. Hence, I request you to find 

the and take action against him. 

Yours faithfully, (Sd) Driver N. Karthikeyan. 

Sir, received the petition and registered a case in Emaneshwaram Police station Crime No. 56/2011 

section 3 and 4 of PPDL Act on 13.09.2011 at 21.00 hrs. (Sd) K. Neelamegam 



Bazzar Police station Crno. 307/11 13/09/2011 

U/s 3(1) of PPDL act. 

D/O 17/09/2011 19.30 hrs 

D/R 17/09/2011 21.00hrs 


P/O near Edaiyar valasai grave yard 

Informant : Mr. Vinoth Kumar S/o Ramakrishnan. 

FT Vayal Tamilnadu State Transport Corporation, Ramnad. 

Perpetrators: Unidentifiable Persons. 

Respectful submission: As I the head constable 665 was in the station duty on 17.09.2011 and at 

night 21.00 hrs Mr. Vinoth Kumar, age 31/11, S/o of Mr. N. Ramakrishnan appeared in the station and 

wrote a complaint. The complaint was registered in the bazzar police station under the Crime No: 

453/11 under the section 3(1) of PPDL Act. The Complaint is as follows: From, Mr. Vinoth Kumar, PS 

19464 S/o Mr. Ramakrishnan, Driver TNSTC, Ramanathapuram town branch. To, Bazzar Police 

Inspector, Ramanathapuram. Sir, on 17.09.2011 I was driving the bus TN 63 N 0820 from the 3 rd route 

of Polaipugavayal to the Palace. And at around 7.30 pm I dropped the passengers at ayyar madam 

colony and as I was coming back and near Edaiyar valasai unidentified persons started pelting stones 

at the bus. The big mirror at the front side of the bus was completely broken and it costs about Rs. 

4,000/-Therefore, I kindly request you to take action in this regard. Yours sd M. Vinoth Kumar. Sir 

received the complaint on 17.09.2011 at 21.00 hrs and registered a case in bazzar police station under 

the Crime No: 3(1) of PPDL Act. Kamaraj, HC 665, B2/PS, 17.09.2011 

The original FIR along with the statement of the complainant has been submitted to the Judicial 

Magistrate/ No 1 court and the other copies are submitted to the officers concerned and one to the 

inspector for further investigation. 


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CHAPTER-X 

Writ Petition filed by Mr.J 

.John Pandian & Others 












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CHAPTER - XI 

Occurrence Video CD viewed by the Jury and 

Police Officers indicted 

Police officers who have been identified in the video as being 

engaged in the firing, violence and excesses 

1. Dr. Senthivelan IPS, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adayar 

2. Mr. Sandeep Mittal, DIG, Ramanathapuram 

3. Mr. Sivakumar, Inspector of Police, Paramakudi Town Police Station 

4. Mr. Navaneetha Krishnan, Reserve Sub Inspector of Police (AR), Ramanathapuram 

(Now working as SBCID) 

5. Mr. Veluchamy, (RSI), Reserve Sub Inspector of Police (AR), Ramanathapuram (DIG 

Striking Force Team) 

6. Mr. Saravana Pandian, Sub Inspector, Special Branch, Ramanathapuram 

7. Mr. Alagupandi, HC 811, Armed Reserve Police, Ramanathapuram 

8. Mr. Thanga Muniyasamy (RSI), Kamuthi Striking Force, Ramanathapuram District 

9. Mr. Murugesan, 688 Driver, Armed Reserve Police, Ramanathapuram 

10.Mr. Arun Prabakar, 1046, Mandabam Police Station, Ramanathapuram District 

11. Mr.Ashok Kumar, 1518, Driver, Armed Reserve Police, Ramanathapuram 

12.Mr.Gnanasekar, 1374, Armed Reserve Police, Kamuthi Striking Force 

13.Mr. Vijayakumar, 1352, Armed Reserve Police, Kamuthi Striking Force 

14.Mr. Jeyakodi, 467, Driver, Armed Reserve Police, Ramanathapuram 

15.Mr. Ganesan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Paramakudi 

Note: 

The occurrence video clipping is available in the DVD at 

back side inner cover 

Report of Public Inquest on the Paramakudi firing 

282


During the period of his life, the cruel practices of untouchability and mass repressions were prevalent. 

The discriminatory intimidation was going on in two-phases. The people of Pillaimar community did not 

suppress these low caste people physically. But the Maravar community people had physically 

suppressed and oppressed these people directly when these people violated the norms of 

untouchability. At that time, Immanuel Sekaran who came out from the Army had established the 

“Corporation of Oppressed Peoples’ Rights” there. Through this movement, he mobilized a team of 

people. It was a period where the lower caste people were ignorant and without awareness and hence 

they thought that it was their fate to be in a lower caste and getting suppressed. Hence Immanuel 

Sekaran had organised an art forum and went to those villages to create awareness among the people. 

They conducted campaigns by walk. It was the time where there was no electricity and other facilities; 

they used hurricane lights while campaigning to create awareness. 

After mobilizing people, he organised many struggles. He deliberately made these community 

people to walk through public roads, draw water from the ponds and use public places where they were 

restricted and also prepared them to use umbrellas and wear slippers. He also broke the shops where 

double tumbler system was practiced. In order to manage the threats and oppositions from the Maravar 

community, he organised a force group with 30 members. 

As he himself was trained in Karate, Kung fu and Silambu when he was in the army, he was 

able to train so many youths who were brave and physically strong enough. Many enemies were afraid 

because of these activities of Immanuel Sekaran. 

Having heard about the struggles of Immanuel Sekaran, Thiru Kamarajar wished to meet him 

personally. At that time, a person from the Nadar community namely Mr. Veluchamy who was in the 

congress party helped Immanuel Sekaran to meet Kamarajar and thereby joined in the Congress. In 

the same village of Perayur, Mr. Perumal Peter (Birth- 1885) registered a club named Pooviri Indra Kula 

Velalar Sangam in the same year when Immanuel Sekaran was born. The register number of that 

organisation was 1/1924. Immanuel Sekaran’s father was in-charge of that club. Later, Immanuel 

Sekaran joined with Perumal Peter and held the post of Vice President where Perumal Peter was the 

President of the same. Apart from this he also held the responsibility as leader of his own organisation 

“Corporation of Oppressed People’s Rights”. As his family belonged to TELC Christian religion, he 

was also the person in-charge of the TELC Church. The Maravar community who were living there was 

very dominating and they repressed the lower caste people by engaging in illegal activities like looting 

these people’s properties, illegally cutting the crops grown in their farm lands, stealing their cattle etc. 

The Nadar and Muslim community people elected Immanuel Sekaran as the Trade Union 

leader since they felt that it would be protective and supportive for them. Immanuel Sekaran has 

conducted a conference on eradication of untouchability in many places like Muthukulathur, 

Aruppukottai and Ramanathapuram. Through such movements, he influenced people to vote for the 

Congress party. His joining the Congress Party had a basic reason behind. During Immanuel Sekaran’s 

movements, Muthuramalinga Thevar was the leader of Forward the Block party. Muthuramalinga 


Thevar belonged to the community of Kondai Kattum Maravar. There were also people of the 

Aapanaattu Maravar community a sub-caste of Maravar Community lived there. The Kondai Kattum 

Maravar community people were quite distinct and they were the blood relations of Muthuramalinga 

Thevar. 

Before establishing his own party, Muthuramalinga Thevar was in the Congress Party. 

Kamarajar was also in the Congress at that time and held a higher post than him. Since 

Muthuramalinga Thevar got irritated that though he hailed from upper caste Mukulathor Maravar 

Community, Kamarajar – a lower caste Nadar of Saanar Community was given a bigger responsibility 

than him and being praised by Mahatma Gandhi for his deeds. Hence he quit from the Congress and 

started the Forward Block Party. The Forward Block Party was a progressive party in West Bengal and 

their main tasks were to support Indian National and spiritual worship. But, Muthuramalinga Thevar 

carried forward his party in the other way. In this regard, Muthuramalinga Thevar invited Kolvanger for 

the Conference arranged in Madurai. The motive behind the conference was that no other party should 

be on par with his party and also that no other community should claim the right to Equality. 

Immanuel Sekaran’s protests exist already and it was mainly for the equality among the caste. 

He didn’t ask these rights by mentioning/specifying others. These rights already exist in our law but only 

the dominant caste people were denying it. Thus a struggle was made against these denied rights by 

gathering the people and it was also done for self boosting. The Forward Block Party was undergoing a 

hard phase since Immanuel Sekaran and his people put their votes for the congress party. Because of 

his arrival there was a clash with the Forward Block Party. In particular, the Srivilliputhur block had two 

divisions and so in those days they had double Parliamentary constituency. Muthuramalinga Devar 

stood for the general candidate, another man stood for the SC candidate in the other block. Moreover, 

another man stood for the Congress Party. Mr. R.S.Arumugam stood for the SC candidate. 

Muthuramalinga Devar who stood for the general candidate won the post. The man who was 

suggested by Muthuramalinga Devar stood for the SC candidate was defeated. The main reason was 

that Immanuel Sekaran canvassed and advertised for the Congress SC candidate. Therefore, the SC 

candidate from the congress party won with a margin of 17,000 votes compared to the SC candidate 

who stood for the Forward Block Party. 

Another man who was also suggested by Muthuramalinga Devar was also defeated in 

Mutthukullathur. The backdrop reason was that the Harijans listened to Immanuel Sekaran. When 

these kinds of social struggles come in the state it becomes the state’s struggle. 

In 1957 Muthuramalinga Devar stood for the Member of Parliament as well as for the Member 

of Legislative Assembly and he won both the posts. But he resigned his post in the Legislative 

Assembly and because of his resignation a by-election was conducted. Mr. Sasivarna Devar who was 

in the Congress Party and the opponent of Muthuramalinga Devar stood on behalf of the Forward 

Block Party in that by –election. Another man in the Forward Block Party stood for the same post. 

Immanuel Sekaran worked hard for him and all the oppressed people who were close to Immanuel 


Sekaran put their 100% votes for the Congress Party. So the opponent party members became hostile, 

irritated and brutally damaged all the houses, cattle, goats and the belonging of the oppressed people. 

So as its effect, after the by – election a Peace meeting was arranged and was headed by the 

I.A.S officer in Mutthukullathur. Immanuel Sekaran and Perummal Peter participated in that meeting. 

Muthuramalinga Devar and Mr. Sasivarna Devar also participated in the peace meeting. 

Muthuramalinga Devar was a Member in the Legislative Assembly on behalf of the Forward Block 

Party. Immanuel Sekaran was neither the Member of Parliament nor the Member of Legislative 

Assembly but he was a Social Leader. There were many contradictions between Muthuramalinga 

Devar ’s and Immanuel Sekaran’s speech at the Peace meeting. The main aim of the Peace meeting 

was to create a smooth atmosphere because of the riot which happened during the 1957 by –election. 

In the beginning Muthuramalinga Devar put forward a statement that the Harijans had got money, 

weapons from the Congress Party and had brutally killed the Devar community people and damaged 

their belonging. 

The Harijans protested against his statement by replying that they were not involved in such 

acts and added that they lived on their own income and they were all agricultural labourers. Only the 

Devar community people had involved in the unlawful acts such as causing damage to the Harijans’ 

houses, beating the domestic animals like cattle and goats and also selling liquor. 

It was senseless when the Devar people told that that Harijans’ passed comments at the Devar 

community girls and robbed their belongings and place their opposition before the Collector. The 

Collector told that the peace meeting was to restore calm for what had already happened in the riots 

and he told that let us not talk about the past. Let us forget whatever was earlier said by 

Muthuramalinga Devar and start thinking of the ways for creating a peaceful atmosphere and asked 

what could be done for that. Mr. Perummal Peter replied that the message could be sent through hand 

bills to the people and through peaceful negotiations the leaders might disperse. Therefore the 

message i.e. not to indulge in riots will reach the people. But Muthuramalinga Devar was only rejecting 

the statement and replied that this message won’t reach the people if it is circulated through hand bills. 

Immediately Immanuel Sekaran became hostile and replied that the oppressed people had studied a 

lot. Only the Maravar people didn’t study well. The message will definitely reach the oppressed people 

even it was sent through hand bills and told that it won’t only reach the Maravar people. So this 

provoked a chaotic situation and a clash between Muthuramalinga Devar and Immanuel Sekaran. 

Immanuel Sekaran said that he will would the list of literates of their people and also asked 

Muthuramalinga Devar to give their list of literates. In addition to this he told that he will leave his public 

life in case the oppressed people are lower in studies than the Maravar people and in turn he also 

asked that if the Maravar people were lower compared to the Harijans’ he would quit his post. 

Muthuramalinga Devar was once again agitated through Immanuel Sekaran’s statement. 

But in this year 2011, if the census is taken there will be more number of literates among the 

Devendra community compared to the Maravar community. In particular there are about 41 lawyers 


from the tribal residents. But there are only 10 – 14 lawyers in the Maravar community. More than 17 

Doctors are from the Pallar community. But in Maravar community there are only 4 – 5 Doctors. In all 

ways these people are studying and succeeding and they do not involve themselves in Kangaroo 

courts, in taking contracts etc. Only the Maravar community people involve in such occupations and at 

last they came to a conclusion and decided to sign in it. At once Muthuramalinga Devar said that only 

the party leaders like him could put their signature. And he added that Immanuel Sekaran was only a 

Social leader and told that he should not sign. 

SC Perummal was in politics who was on behalf of the Forward Block Party and it was enough 

that if he signs. Immanuel Sekaran and the collector opposed this. Perummal Pitchai who belonged to 

your party and he was a SC by birth and so if he signs the SC people won’t agree to it. The people will 

agree only if Immanuel Sekaran signs it. Muthuramalinga Devar said that Immanuel Sekaran was not a 

leader equal to him and so he said that he won’t sign it. Immanuel Sekaran replied that our community 

people will decide their own leader. He told that he might be younger than Muthuramalinga Devar but 

the Devendra people had chosen Immanuel Sekaran as their leader. Step by step Muthuramalinga 

Devar ’s speech was going against the justice and though Immanuel Sekaran was opposing it, his 

speech had justice. So the collector agreed to Immanuel Sekaran’s speech. 

Muthuramalinga Devar refused to put his signature in the agreed decision. The S.P and the 

District Collector, who were there at that time, told him that he had to sign it and with no other 

alternative he finally signed it. And while coming out he came towards the Maravar community people 

and started to shout that a person had been born in the Pallar community to talk against me and you all 

were witnessing the same. Are you a Maravan? By telling this he left the place in his car. On hearing 

this, the Maravar community people who had gathered there started to talk to themselves that he had 

talked against our leader so we should not leave him. After that peaceful protest Mr. Immanuel Sekaran 

participated in two meetings on Bharathiyar Memorial conducted in Paramakudi. One meeting was on 

Bharathiar School and the other one was in Emaneshwaram he delivered a speech on Bharathiar and 

returned back. He was murdered on the same evening. 

Even the Naiyackar community people who were considered to be the forward section and also 

the Maravar and the Pillamar community people will call Muthuramalinga Thevar with respect as 

“Master”. So they were unable to digest that a Pallar community man talked against him.So that was 

the main root cause for the murder. Later on 12 th after the murder of Immanuel Sekaran, many people 

were mourning his death. 

A village near Parthibanur, Paramakudi Taluk hosted a customary function where theatre 

artists were performing.In that instant a group of persons from the crowd asked the performer to 

perform a song about Muthuramalinga Thevar. 

At that instant a lady who belonged to the Arundhadiyar Community commented that “Please 

don’t sing a song about a murderer” and stopped him from singing. On hearing this there created a lot 

of perplexity 5 to 6 men from both the sides were murdered. The impact of the incident was very high 


and it spread to all the places including Mudhukulathur, Paramakudi, Arupukottai. Went on for 18 days 

where majority of the houses were burnt down totally in 67 places there were cluster of persons who 

involved in theft, stealing of domestic animals and setting fire to many places. In order to bring the law 

and order under control the policemen initiated shooting in 27 places. In opposing the said act the 

Pallar community people started a protest with weapons. And the protest lasted for 18 days. Due to this 

act the Veerapan village people attacked the Elaingamanur village people, and that village majority 

comprises of TLC people and it refered to the Christian Pallar Community people. In return these 

people attacked the Veeramallai village where majority of the population were Maravars. So the 

Maravars went and attacked the TLC people. The Maravars joined together in thousands and went to 

the Veeramalai village and there they could witness that the Pallars were hiding in the church, even 

then they went straight to the church and killed one person in the church itself by shooting him with a 

gun. 

Later part in this incident the Maravars were joining together in the attack on the Kallar 

community people in Keelanthai. There was a road between the Mudhukulathur to Sayalkudi that leads 

to Kadaladi to Toothukudi in that area the Southern side comprises of the Pallar population and the 

Northern side comprises of the Maravar population. In order to attack the Kallar population the Maravar 

community joins as a whole in Keelanthai. While they join so they call a Pallar community man and 

insisted that he should join the Maravar community men while attacking. But the person was much 

worried because if he says no these men will attack him and if he says yes his community men will 

definitely kill him. So in a confused state of mind he accepted their request and tied a yellow turban 

round his head with an axe and he set forth. While coming they saw policemen were parading near the 

place where the aggression was about to take place. Without any hesitation the Pallar community men 

who were accompanying them strike at the policeman who belonged to the Maravar community with the 

axe that he brought with him. Owing to this attack the policemen started the shooting and 20 men were 

killed. 

This incident became so vigorous that it came under control only after 18 days. In that a police 

officer “Ra” ordered for immediate shooting on all persons who were involved in the mob without any 

partiality. The person who were involved in the murder of Mr. Immanuel Sekaran was absconding 

themselves near Keelathulal. The policemen went to the spot to arrest them. But the Maravar 

community people in order to forbid the policemen to enter into the village started to attack them. So in 

order to stop, the policemen started to shoot at them and 5 men were killed. 

Later in the evening Mr. Muthuramalinga Thevar learned the news through media while he was 

in the Parliament, and he immediately issued a telegram stating that the policemen tied the eyes of the 

5 men and shot them. So owing to this Commissioner Venkataraman was sent to the spot and he came 

to a conclusion that the telegram was a false one as the police men shot them only on the chest and 

other areas. But the now called Dravida Parties propogated that the 5 men were blind folded while the 

policemen shot them. As the Maravar community people were at the back of Muthuramalinga Thevar 


they wanted their vote. So the political parties like DMK exaggerated the fact. So by 1957 this great 

fight for equality and equal rights began and it still continues now. 

In 1979 violence took place. There is a village named Unjanai near Devakottai. There it is 

called Small Unjanai and Big Unjanai. In Devakottai they jointly call two are three cities together as 

“Nadu”. They do call Ujjanai as a nadu, Semman as a Nadu, Kappalur as one nadu and Thennilai as 

one nadu. This habit of calling it as Nadu was in practice even during the British reign and also during 

the Chola period. This practice comes from years and it is still in existence.In that area for more than 20 

Nadus the capital city is Kappalur Nadu. The leader of this Kappalur Nadu is Mr. Kariyamanikkam 

Ramasamy Ambalam the former Member of Parliament. Even when Kariamanikkam was alive there 

was a big conflict in Unjanai. The conflict mainly arises due to a Horse being used in a function in which 

both the Pallars and Maravars should jointly take up the function as they resisted and the matter went 

to the District Collector Ramanadhapuram and the talk was on in Madurai. And they came to a 

conclusion that the Maravar community people would take the horse one day and the Pallar community 

people also accepted the same. 

But under the leadership of Mr. Kariamanickam and the help from the police personnel’s they 

planned to stop the Pallar community people from taking the horse. They also brought some persons 

and murdered 5 of the Pallar community men in Small Unjanai village. Owing to this there started a big 

demonstration but the perpetrators were freed at the end. As the order was against Justice, Mr. 

Bakthavatchalam, Mr. Natarajan conducted a demonstration that was attended by 15,000 people in 

Devakottai. 

Likewise in the memory of Immanuel Sekaran many people were protesting peacefully for their 

rights. And on the other side the act of killing the Pallar and Maravar was also going on. In that Mr. 

Veenangudi Chelladurai who went at the back of Immanuel Sekaran and also working as a teacher 

after him helped the Pallar community people to approach the police station and speak for their justice. 

And the same person was killed by Muthuramalingam belonging to the Maravar Community. And that 

Muthuramalingam was murdered by one Mr. Ganesan who belonged to the Political party of Mr. John 

Pandian. Later the descendents of Muthuramalingam took vengeance and murdered Ganesan Pandian 

and Vellathurai. The fight for equality still continues even today. But the Maravar community people are 

not ready for the equality grounds and they still fight for the cause. The Pallar community people have 

their own lands and domestic animals and so they are not dependent on any one. Even after 

Independence they hold a high rank through their studies. This was not accepted by the Maravar 

Community me. 

The Keelathuval is a compex village. In the Southern district there is a leader in the congress 

known as Paraimalai who is still there. He left the congress and started his own party and organized a 

meeting. In that meeting the members of the Muthukulathur participated. This Paramalai after the 

murder of Immanuel Sekaran acted as a competent leader and mediator. He also filed cases against 

the perpetrators who were involved in the violence. Around 133 cases were filed and 17 people except 


Mr. Muthuramalinga Thevar were convicted. At the same time they filed 87 cases against the Pallar 

community people and none of them was accused. Mr. Paraimalai who fought for the welfare of the 

people, resigned from the Congress. As he fought for the rights of the Pallar community people they 

took a stand and went for the meeting. 

While they were about to reach the place they were stopped by the Maravar community people 

and started attacking them. Owing to this attack Jeyapandian a Lawyer was injured. Among the 

persons there was a policeman. And he insisted that they should not go to the village. On hearing this 

they resisted and shouted at them “Who are you to resist us” and killed him. Due to this incident 

criminal cases were filed against 80 persons and the case was being heard in Devakottai court. 

In 1991 In the Nagalandhapuram village on the occasion of Ambedkar Anniversary they 

erected a statue for Ambedkar. On the chair of the Guthsanthi collector and under the AIADMK head 

Kannappan inaugurated the statue. I gathered around 1000 persons from our village and attended the 

function and while coming back we were stopped by the Maravar community men near Illamanur village 

and asked to pay a fine for attending the function. While going for the function the Tamilaga Munetra 

Community men had a cassette. In that a song called “Manusangada” was played in the radio. In that a 

version of it goes “We cannot dance to your tunes, you only have shoulders that are made up of iron 

rods, if we happen to peep inside your house, and then your respect will be torn into pieces, and we are 

also human beings like you and him. Like you I am also a 8 foot human being. During your leader’s 

anniversaries and memorials we are here to paste posters, later we are the one who gets beatings, 

whether we should continue our whole life like this”. On playing this song the Maravar community men 

were angered that the song was meant to tease them. They made a plan thinking that the 

Nagalandhapuram village men were the root cause of it and attacked and looted the village. Under my 

leadership we got back all the materials that they looted from us. We even filed a case against them 

and the case is still pending in the court. Like the same way the violence amongst us was often shown 

in the Leaders functions, Political functions, other meetings and temple oriented functions. In 1991 Mr. 

John Pandian was in the Pattali Makkal party. Mr. Panrooti Ramachandran was the Member of the 

Parliament at that time and he belonged to the Pattali Makkal Party.In Melapannaiyur in Muthukulathur 

they hosted a function to unveil the statue of Ambedkar. Mr. John Pandian and Mr. Panrooti 

Ramachandran came to attend the event. 

From Parthipanur the District Superintendent of Police Mr. Paramasivam ordered for special 

protection. Mr. John Pandian was attacked near Keelathuval village. Owing to this attack many of them 

were injured. They sat on a road blockage near five junction road in Paramakudi. The protest started by 

3 and continued till 6.30. But policemen did not interrupt till that time. They planned accordingly and 

stopped the current supply and started firing on the protesters. Due to this police firing 3 persons were 

dead. 

Even in the present incident a person called Theepukani was dead near Keelathuval village. 

Near the Keelathuval village there is another village called the Melakodunganur. There a person called 


Thirunavukarasu got married just a month ago. He was also killed in the firing. Near Ramnadhapuram 

there is a village called the Uthiramosamangai and near there is Sumaithangi village and there lived a 

man called Ganesan and he was also dead due to this incident. 

Even one person belonging to the Yadhavar community who used to fetch water for his hotel 

was also dead while going to collect money. All this happened in 1991. In this protest the persons who 

were involved from Keelathuval village was not arrested by the police. But they simply instructed the 

persons to leave the place but Mr. Paramasivam tried to safe guard the persons who were really 

involved in the crime and instigated the shooting order. In the year 1981 one such riot took place in 

Ramanadhapuram. In the Ramanadhapuram Government Arts and Science College they had students 

from all communities and castes. There the boys belonged to the Servai community posted obscene 

comments at the Pallar community girls. On hearing this students from the Pallar community beat the 

Servai community students. Later after this incident the Pallar community men were about to get inside 

the Ramanadhapuaram they were attacked by the Servai community men and broke their heads. After 

this more than 2000 men joined together with a plan to attack Ramanadhapuram area. Attacking from 

all the sides was their sole initivative. In this the Peravur village men went inside the city before. They 

attacked the villagers and started shooting in the mean time other villagers also came inside and 5 to 6 

persons were killed. 

During that time Mr. M.G. Ramachandran was the chief minister of TamilNadu. Mr. 

Ramaswamy was the Member of Parliament at that time. He also held the post of Minister of Trade and 

Commerce. The ruling AIADMK party under the leadership of Mr.MGR and the Minister for Trade and 

Commerce Mr. Ramasamy acted in favour of the accused ordered for shooting by the policemen. On 

hearing this persons from 70 villages of Ramanadhapuram joined together and sat on a road blockade. 

They stopped all communication and attacked the police station in Chathirakudi. There also a police 

shooting took place. The police men killed a person called Raman from Thennisaiyendal. The struggle 

between the government and villagers continued for 16 days. More than 1000 cases were filed against 

persons. One teacher called Alagarsamy was also acquitted and a verdict came from the court that he 

should not live within Ramanadhapuram because he was the one who was the cause behind the riot 

and consequent incidents and he has been kidnapped outside the district. The violence mainly took 

place between the upper caste that was the Seravi community and the Pallar community. If the 

policemen did not come to the spot at the correct time the violence could not be stopped. The one 

portion of this incident, in the Nainar village a person from the Thevar community was murdered by the 

Pallar community persons. The village mainly comprises of the Thevar community people and after this 

murder the Thevar community people chased the Pallar community outside the villages (Kachadi, 

Vallam, Anjamadai). They also robbed their belongings of them such as their goats, cows and other 

house hold equipments. 

During this time a person called Makwana was the Central Minister for Internal affairs. 

Mr.Rakkan was a leading Advocate from Paramakudi belonging to the congress party. Another person 

called Rajamani was also an Advocate that time. They all took pains in meeting Paramalai from the 


congress party and with his support they met Makvana and requested him to come directly and inspect 

the incident on the spot. And accepting our request he came to Paramakudi and gave a statement that 

“It is really a big caste violence”. After that he did not take any action. 

Like wise in 1981 in the Virudhunagar district, Puliyangudi village there was a clash between 

the SC community men and a conductor and finally the person hit the conductor and there started a big 

violence owing to that, 

Even in that incident the policemen took the side of the upper class community people and 

suppressed the other people. So as a whole both in the Ramanadhapuram incident and the Puliyangudi 

incident the policemen took the side of the upper caste people. 

On seeing these incidents the political party, the police and also the ruling party was against us 

and under the heading of Mr. Govindhan an Advocate with 3000 men changed to the Muslim religion. 

Like the same way the Meenakshipuram village people were affected in the Ayyavaram village. So the 

entire community of the Meenakshipuram village converted to the Muslim religion. Only the Hindu 

religion protects the caste system. So as long as Hindu religion exists, the caste system will also exist. 

So they decided that they did not want the Hindu religion. 

Today in Christianity all churches have untouchability. Untouchability also prevails in the 

graveyard and in the burial ground. Like wise in the same way three Sivagiri Pallar were shot to death 

by the policemen in the riot which took place in the year 1981. In the year 1991 a man named AC 

Senisammy Devar went to release the criminals who were involved in Immanuel Sekaran’s murder at 

Keelathovalai and as a consequence the police fired on five people and the people symbolize it as a 

martyr’s death. And in order to reinstate their position a memorial pillar was erected for AC Senisammy 

Devar in 1991 at Keelathovalai. So the Kannicherri people all the time quarreled about this memorial 

pillar. In the mean time they made the statues for Immanuel Sekaran and for Ambedkar. Ambedkar’s 

statue was opened by Dr. Devakottai Subramanian and Mr. John Pandian opened Immanuel Sekaran’s 

statue. I hoisted the flag. Actually this function was headed by me and nearly some 15,000 people 

participated and paid their tributes at Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial and as we were going through the 

Mudukulathur road and near Keelathovalai they blocked the road and told us not to go that side.So we 

took another route to reach the place. We made a decision. No caste people would allow us to go 

through the highways. They were on one side and we were on the other side. We also informed the 

government about our decision. 

A village called Paambur is situated before Keelathovalai. Like wise there is also a village 

called Thalaikal. In this village Muthuramalinga Devar ’s Guru Pooja was arranged on October 30 th and 

on the same day I arranged for a function to erect a stone for Ambedkar. We printed all notices. I went 

to invite Mr. John Pandian for the stone erecting function. In one part a chaotic situation prevailed which 

led to the law and order problems. 

The RDO Mr. Rajagopal who was an Iyer headed a peace meeting together with the Maravar 

people and with our people. In that peace meeting a decision was made that our people can travel to 


Paramakudi by crossing the Keelathovalai to celebrate Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary. Like 

wise an agreement was made on October 30 th the Keelathovalai people can cross Kannicherri and go 

through Mudukulathur to Kammudhi. Till date this agreement exists. Now untouchability prevails also in 

crossing roads, that “you should cross my home town and go to the function. You cannot take another 

route”. If you do not permit us to go through the roads and we will also not permit you people to cross 

our roads. I was born in Uchiyanenthal village, Illayankudi Panchayat, Sivagangai District near 

Paramakudi. All our office related works are in Sivagangai District and all our studies, our daily living 

are in Paramakudi District only. I studied first standard to eighth standard in Yamuneswaram and from 

eighth to eleventh standard in Paramakudi. From the beginning itself we were not allowed to cross the 

roads of Brahma Cherri village. The water comes from the Vaigai River through Brahma Cherri and 

from Brahma Cherri only the water would come to our village. But the students stopped it. They didn’t 

give us water as well as to cross their roads. At that time I was studying SSLC. 

When I was studying my SSLC, I thought living without water and not able to cross the roads 

was a shame for me and so I stopped my studies and went for the struggle and finally got the water and 

the way to cross the roads. The drinking water tank was built and when we were ready to get the water 

the Maravar community people told that they won’t give drinking water for us. Nearly for about 13 days I 

didn’t enter the village. The District collector and the SP who were that time negotiated with me and 

then I entered the village. Then I did my PUC in 1976 and then I got married. 

After my marriage I got a contact and related with a M.L movement. Mr. Natarajan headed the 

Tamilaga Makkal Munnani which is a big democratic organisation. This big democratic organisation has 

a rights’ union inorder to gather the oppressed people, a big organisation to gather the agricultural 

people, an organisation for people who work in stone quarries and a democratic organisation for people 

who work as weavers were started by the Tamilaga Makkal Munnani. A hidden political movement was 

above this democratic organisation. I was with the oppressed people rights’ union. The function which 

took place on behalf of the oppressed people rights’ union was printed in the rights magazines and I 

took the printing charges for it. We collected money from the art academy in 70 – 80 villages and 

thereby run our magazine. I was there in the movement till the year 1985 and then as the oppressed 

people rights’ union was dissolved I also came out. 

From the year 1985- 1988 I had a milk dairy and was working in it. In 1988 I started a Block 

Union in 10 villages and abolished the Devar dominance altogether in that area. In the mean time a 

man named Karmegam belonged to Koodumannurai went missing. After few days his parents received 

a letter from him that he had joined the Viduthalai Puzhili movement and asked them not to search for 

him. And in the letter he has also mentioned not to tell this to his wife. Then he had sent a letter to his 

wife that “I joined the Viduthalai Puzhili movement for money and will return as soon as possible, when 

I come back I will bring more money” and he had mentioned that not to tell this to his parents. 

After one year his sister tried to search for him and as the elders in Paramakudi didn’t 

cooperate with her and so this issue came to me. I was completely involved in searching for 


Karmegam. I came to know that some people had kidnapped Karmegam to Ramanathapuram 

Uchipuzhli railway road and have murdered him. Then the railway department handed over his body to 

Ramanathapuram Municipal Corporation hospital. They did the postmortem of Karmegam’s body and 

they had buried him. As they enquired the accused persons and they came to know that it was a 

woman related issue. A man named Mr. David Ranjit had no child and had adopted a girl named 

Poonmenni from the Pillaimar community. 

The girl Poonmenni fell in love with Karmegam and they both got married. Mr. David Ranjit was 

afraid that all his properties would go to Karmegam and so he kidnapped Karmegam and then 

murdered him. When I took this issue I faced a lot of problems. 

I thought that I should not be separate and so I started martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s assembly in 

the year 1988. In those days as they had a Devar movement and I had no motive to start a Pallar 

movement for Devendra people. Mr. John Pandian had a Devendra community union. Moreover they 

also had Pallar Munnetra Sangam in that area. As I was in the ML movement which believed in the 

politics against casteism and I did not have any name based on a particular caste. 

I didn’t know much about Immanuel Sekaran who fought for the caste eradication and thereby 

sacrificed his life. But I decided to start an assembly in his name and in 1988 I started an event for 

paying tribute to Immanuel Sekaran from KattuParamakudi. In that event I placed three appeals before 

them. They were to name Ramanathapuram as Immanuel Sekaran, 18% of reservation was given to 

the oppressed people and based on the need the percentage must be increased and reservation in 

private departments and we organised a procession for it. In the same year as a continuation of this I 

organised an event in Yamuneswaram with 5000 people. At one stage a riot broke out in 

Naranyapuram. We condemned the police action and protested against it, whereby more women were 

arrested and kept in prison. In order to appreciate this act I organised a big conference in the name of 

Immanuel Sekaran in Paramakudi. Mr. P.V. Baghavaslam, Mr. Anthony Raj spoke in the conference. 

So we paid our tribute and homage to him by conducting this conference. 

In the year 1994 the Paramakudi people asked me not to keep martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s 

name for the assembly and told me to select another name. If so a riot would break out as had 

happened in 1957 and in turn will lead to a chaotic situation among our society. Some people told me 

that it would disturb our daily living and would also hinder our economy. But I didn’t heard to them and 

kept his name whereby conducted meeting for some thousands and ten thousands every year. I had 

crisis with my own people and with the Devar community people. I also had a crisis with the police 

department and with the income tax department. Because of these crises I shifted the Immanuel 

Sekaran’s assembly to Virudhunagar District. Almost 70% of the villages had this assembly. 

Mr. Karuppiyya who was the town guard engineer and now he is in charge of the SC/ST 

prevention of atrocities act. Dr. Kalirathinam was in Madurai government hospital. Mr. Ponnusamy was 

working in Deputy Taluk office. With the support of these people I strongly built the Immanuel Sekaran’s 

assembly and conducted meetings every Saturdays and Sundays. Then I went to places like Sivagiri, 


Nayagiri, Keelakarai panchayat, Sangaragiri panchayat and Mannur panchayat of Nellai District. I 

conducted Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary in the year 1994 in Paramakudi and gathered about 

40,000 people. People came in 310 Lorries from Virudhunagar District and I have all the photos of it. 

Those who were against Immanuel Sekaran’s assembly now celebrated his death anniversary with me. 

In 1995 because of the Koodiyankulam incident we didn’t conduct the function. In 

Koodiyankulam riot a big meeting was held under the leadership of Dr. Krishnasamy. In 1996 

Ambedkar’s statue was broken in Panthalkudi and in south gate Madurai and so a big riot broke out in 

Madurai. As a part of the riot in Madurai, Paramakudi announced a bandh. In this bandh a man 

belonging to the Immanuel Sekaran’s assembly, S/o of Mr. Krishnan Milk dairy owner attacked and 

killed the Devar people on 18 th March 1996. After this incident the additional DGP had a camp here. 

During the camp on 19 th March 1996, we did double murder. Only in the year 1996 murder took place in 

Paramakudi after Immanuel Sekaran’s murder. If we do not take revenge against the perpetrators who 

were involved in Immanuel Sekaran’s murder we can’t live here and so we did double murder. In 1992 

we hoisted the flag and opened the name board for Immanuel Sekaran. All our senior lawyers told that 

the place was dominated by the Devar community people and we could not protect our flag and the 

name board. 

Puthiya Tamilagam party was started and in the year 1998 they conducted a conference in 

Ramanathapuram. Mr. Krishnasamy took part in Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary on September 

11 and then conducted the conference. As this function was conducted only in Immanuel Sekaran’s 

assembly and because of the Puthiya Tamilagam party it became a big function. Till then people only 

from the districts like Nellai, Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram and Virudhunagar participated in function. 

The general public did not take part in it. 

Mr. M.M.K. Ibrahim from Keelakarai Puthiya Tamilagam Party took over all the expenses of the 

conference. Mr. Shanmugapandi of the DMK party was sent by Sasikala from ADMK party to conduct a 

conference to unite the Muslims and the Pallar community people. When he came to Usilampatti he 

brought two goons with him. A conference was arranged for him in Pattinakathan area in 

Ramanathapuram District. 

On their way to Ramanathapuram they damaged the houses of the oppressed people there. 

They broke the Paramakudi Suburban boards and entered Saraswathi Nagar. There they killed a 

woman named Raaki. They also killed an elderly person in Chatrakudi. The people who were cutting 

wood near the Laaptek Karikkulam village got this information that a group of people from Usilampatti 

were on their way to attend Sanmugaiya pandian’s conference beat our community people and set fire 

to villages, also two of the community people were killed by them. As they tried to fight against them, 

around 10 people were killed. During Sanmugaiya Pandian’s conference those people said that the 

conference should be advertised with blood. Hence a riot broke out and gun firing took place. 

Riots broke out in the northwestern parts of Ramanathapuram like Kulathur, Kavalur, Kiliyur 

villages. In that situation, they conducted the Sanmugaiyapandian’s conference. Those who came to 


attend the conference illegally broke some shops of the Muslim community people and also looted 

some textile shops. Their intention was not only to conduct the conference but also to threaten the 

Muslim and Pallar community people and to steal properties. 

In 1998, in Paramakudi once a Yadavar person was killed while he was grazing cattle and his 

cattle was also abducted. But the Devar and Yadava community people residing in the Eastern parts 

alleged that the Pallar community people only had stolen the cattle and killed him. All the Konar 

community people rose against the Pallars. In the meantime these issues were going on some of them 

caught the suspected person in Etticheri village near Muthukulathur area and handed him over to the 

police. When enquired it came to light that he was the one who stole the cattle and strangled the Konar 

person and that he was of Keezhathuval Devar community. 

Since the Yadava people blamed the Pallar community in this incident they got agitated and 

hence tried to stick posters against the Yadavas. The police intervened and stopped such things from 

happening. 

A bomb exploded at the five point junction. During that incident when the people asked the 

policemen to chase the perpetrators, they did not turn up. So the people got agitated and threw stones 

at buses. Because of that the police carried out a lathicharge. The person who threw bombs was a man 

from Panaayapuram. During that incident Mr. Kalisamy Maakali was the SP. He had arrested all the 

Rickshaw and auto drivers and other common people at night. The very next day all the women carried 

out a blockade against this. The Police planned to shift those arrested people to the Madurai Jail. We 

met Maakali, Sivagangai SP Kannappan. Thashildar Prakasam, Collector Anandhan and said that they 

had illegally arrested innocent people. When they remanded those people and took them to Central 

Prison, on the way nearing Kaatuparamakudi road the police was trapped in a blockade. Hence they 

carried out gun shots and killed a woman named Panjavarnam. But the Thashildar said that the old lady 

fell down during lathi charge and died. Later we struggled to get a CBI investigation into the case after 

which it was proved that the police only had shot dead the woman dead. but the lawyers did not take 

up the case to the next level. 

In 1994 when Jayalalitha was the chief minister the upper caste people decided that if any 

leader belonging to SC community attended a function related to a particular community leader then 

they would quit from that political party. In between all these incidents, I conducted so many protests 

against various such issues. One such protest was held in front of RDO office against the killing of 

Panjavarnam. Also protests against the killing of Mr. Pandithurai – supporter of John Pandian’s 

organization in Thondi for he leased the Sandal Shop. In 1994 I raised my voice in protest against the 

criminal case filed against John Pandian. In each stage I protested against the upper caste people, 

local leaders and police officers. 

The year 2007 was the centenary year of Muthuramalinga thevar. The government had spent 

lots of money for that festival in Mudukulathur. Then the Doctor’s degree ceremony took place in which 


Dravida Vizhippunarvu Kazhagam P.T. Kumar was awarded the Doctor’s degree. Some more festivals 

were also organised for which they have invited Congress party leader Krishnasami. 

When he was going to another programme via Mudhukulathur the police did not notice that. 

That road was already a restricted area. P.T. Kumar came to know that Krishnasami was going through 

that route and he immediately contacted Poovalingam staying in Konnaiyapuram which is 2 kms distant 

from the place and asked him to inform Krishnasami that he wanted to meet him. But Krishnasami 

refused to meet with him. Knowing this P.T. Kumar has planned to kill Krishnasami. At last, he went to 

Kamuthi via Keezhathuval and escaped. After getting this information they murdered Veerambur 

Vincent Samsant. this happened in 2007. 

In 2010 during Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary they murdered a person from Kondhagai 

Ariyanallur. In 2011 on 9 th September, Palanikumar was brutally killed by some people from 

Mandalamanikam area. 

Till 2007 it was celebrated as a community leader’s festival. But from 2007 it was transformed 

into guru pooja and a festival where many political leaders started attending it. Some of the leaders who 

visit the area came and paid tribute there at times. Once Ramadoss visited Immanuel Sekaran’s 

memorial and raised some decisions to be made such as to announce Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial 

Day as a Government’s Ceremony, and keeping the name of Immanuel Sekaran for Ramanathapuram, 

releasing the stamps of Immanuel Sekaran etc. and the people also demanded the same. In this regard 

the Central Government has released the stamp on 2 nd October 2010. 

About 80% people in that area had voted for ADMK party at that time with an assumption that 

the party will announce Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary as Government festival. After his anniversary 

was changed to Guru pooja and his stamp has been released, the people wished to name their leader 

as Desiya thirumagan Deivathirumagan. All the maravar people filed a complaint in the police station 

that the name Deivathirumagan suits only their leader Muthuramalinga Thevar and nobody should use 

the name and give that title to someone else. We asked them to show that if there are any court orders 

or Government orders regarding that, but the police could not show any such thing. At that time itself 

Sasikala deliberately planned to disrupt the anniversary function of Immanuel Sekaran. 

If they kill Palanikumar then John Pandian would definitely come there and if he comes there 

the police will arrest him for sure and there will be a riot and blockade will take place and that they can 

carry out a shooting so that they can prevent the political parties from attendig the ceremony. With that 

intention only Palanikumar was murdered. They have also written through the Maravar people that 

Palanikumar was killed because he degraded their leader Muthuramalinga Thevar. In this manner, 

Natarajan and the former District Collector of Tuticorin Panneerselvam with support from Jayalalitha 

and help from Policemen had arrested John Pandian in Valla naadu and carried out the riot on the day 

when 5 lakh people will come together. During the riot, transport was blocked and as there were no 

blockade in Madurai to Ramanathapuram highway road, there was no harm to the general public. Only 

those people who went there for paying tribute were the victims. But the police falsely stated that the 


public was affected and hence conducted lathicharge and killed 6 people alleging that they tried to 

attack the police. In this situation, they set up the Sampath Commission to hide the facts. Gajendran 

conducted the gun shooting near Madurai while the Assembly was in session. Through these things, it 

was known that all the incidents were happening with the consent of Jayalalitha. We have dedided to 

demand that the Human Rights Commission should investigate the case and to ignore the Sampath 

Commission and also to conduct a public hearing. In this regard, all the people affixed wall posters in 

the villages to ignore Sampath Commission and hoisted black flags. 

In this condition, many struggles were carried out demanding that the perpetrators should be 

punished under the Prevention of Atrocities Act, the victims should be paid at least ten lakh rupees and 

the injured persons must be paid at least Rs. 1 lakh each, the families of those who died during the 

incident must be ensured with employment. Today the Paramakudi police firing is the issue spoken of 

all over India. 

A committee was formed to examine the facts of the incident. SatyaChandran and some others 

in this committee joined together and examined the case. It was found that the incident was a preplanned 

one in order to ensure Immanuel Sekaran’s festival not to come on par with Muthuramalinga 

Thevar’s festival and to fulfil the desires of a particular community the police was used. 

In this regard, different committees were 

formed including a team under the head of Writers A. 

Marx Sukumaran, another team under the head of 

lawyers like Pugazhendi who fight with a Tamil 

National consciousness, and also a team from 

People’s Watch was involved in bringing out the facts 

in the incident of police firing which was a preplanned 

attack. For this purpose various 

movements, women-led organisations joined together and formed an action group in protest of 

Parmakudi police firing. I, the General Secretary of Immanuel Sekaran assembly, hold the responsibility 

as the leader of this above said group. Other friends like Natarajan, P.T. Pandian, Karaikudi lawyer 

Vincent were also members of this group. The group proposed demands such as to boycott Sampath 

Commission; the National Human Rights Commission should investigate the case, CBCID investigation 

should be ordered, and a public hearing be conducted. 

I am trying to convey that the demand of Right to Equality has been transformed into a struggle 

to get equality with a political upheaval. Today the form of untouchability has changed. The population 

density of Devendra community people is high in Southern districts. They live independently of other 

communities, and have developed through education and government employment opportunities. The 

upper caste people fear that they could not do politics if these community people are politically 

empowered. Also during Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary the oppressed people gather together and 


there are chances that this movement may turn into a political party. They plan deliberately to disrupt 

these kinds of public gathering in the form of attacks. 

The struggle started ever since the people were divided into upper caste, oppressed caste and 

dominant caste and the oppressed people were struggling more so many years till now. The incident of 

police firing is part of those people’s struggle to get right to equality. The dominant caste people were 

committing these kinds of violence with the political support and strength. The suppression of the 

community’s struggle to get right to equality is a State terrorism. As though many affected people had 

died during such repressions on one side, the next phase of this struggle is that the Immanuel 

Sekaran’s government festival should not collapse. In this regard, there is a need for support from 

Human Rights activists, democratic forces and Class conscious people. All these people must stand 

together for this struggle. 

Jayalalitha has been acting as a representative of a particular caste. Regarding Palanikumar’s 

murder and police firing, the message that she issued seems that she supports a particular community 

people and not speaking on behalf of the general public. We have demanded that Jayalalitha must 

apologise for this mistake. They should declare Immanuel Sekaran’s Memorial Day as a government 

festival. Only then those people will forgive Jayalalitha and the ADMK party. 

Coming October 9 th is the birthday of Immanuel and hence all the people joined together to 

hold the ceremony with great favour and spirit. We have taken the responsibility to carry out the 

programme as a challenge. 

Jury’s Question & Direction 

Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi: 

• How long the firing was going on? 

12.45 pm to till 5 pm 

• Where actually the firing took place? 

Five Road Junctions 

• How many injured people received medical treatment? 

37 People 

• Have the inured people been treated? 

Yes 

• How many rounds were fired? Is it 30 rounds or 300 rounds? 


We may not know the exact number but of many injured, 40 people are here 

to depose. 

Mr. Krishna Ananth: 

• RDO, Collector, Thasildhar – present? 

Only Thasildhar present – Sivakumar 

• Any suspicious or strange persons found in that crowd? 

Unknown lady who stimulated the crowd to carry out the blockade 

• Did the police take any precautionary steps or issue any warning before 

opening fire? 

No 

Mr. Sreekumar (IPS) 

• The police fired whether to disperse the crowd or after the crowd dispersed? 

Dr. Rajkumar 

Only after the crowd dispersed 

• Did they warn before firing? 

No 

• Any cell phone recording was done 

No 

Mr. Thiyagu 

• Which caste does the police personnel and other officials belong to? 

Tashildar Sivakumar - Servai, Sub-Inspector Sivakumar – Pillaimar 

• How many people were there? 

Very small group nearly about 50 people belonging to Pallar Community. 

Ms. Sudha Ramalingam 

• How many police personnel were there and when did they arrive there? 

About 3000 – 4000 policemen who arrived on 9 th September and stayed till 11 th 

of September 


• Where did they stay? 

In a local high school 

Mr.Karuppan IAS 

• When the police objected to the use of the word “Deiva Thirumagan”, did they 

furnish any legal sanction that prohibits other community using this term? 

No. they did not provide. 


Statement of Mr. Karuppiah 

Particular about the affected party: 

Name Age Sex Religion/Caste Education Occupation Full Address 

60 Male Hindu/Pallar -- Retired 

RI 

Karuppiah 

S/o. 

Karuppan 

Particular about the family of the affected party: 

Vasanthapuram 

Paramakudi 

Ramnad 

Ph:9442972944 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Edu. Qualification Occupation 

1 K.Padmavathi 55 Female Wife -- -- 

2 Karunai Kadal 22 Male Son BE -- 

3 Baghat Singh 20 Male Son AME -- 

Other Particulars about the affected party: 

1. He is a retired Revenue Inspector. 

2. He is the secretary of Devandra Kula Panpattu Kalagem. 

Karuppiah, 

S/o. Karuppan, 

Vasanthapuram, 

Paramakudi 

Ramanathapuram District 

Statement 

I am residing in the above mentioned address with my family. I belong to the Hindu Pallar 

community and I am a retired Inspector in the Revenue Department. I live with my wife Padmavathi (55) 

and my sons Karunai Kadal (22) and Baghat Singh (20). 

At present I am the Secretary of Devendra Kula Organisation. Since 2007 (the 50 th anniversary 

of Immanuel Sekaran) our organisation in collaboration with the other SC and ST organisations were 

involved in cleaning and decorating the memorial of Immanuel Sekaran. We used to share the 

expenses along with other organisations. 


Under these circumstances, since 2007 our organisation along with other fraternal 

organisations used to assemble in this place and pay homage to Immanuel Sekaran. All the political 

parties used to participate in this event every year. Even though this function was not announced by 

the Government as a Governmental function, this was conducted with the full participation of the 

revenue and the police departments. 

With this, last September 11, 2010 the former Minister from AIADMK party Mr. Nainar 

Nagendran made a promise that “Amma (Mother J.Jayalalithaa) will announce the anniversary of 

Martyr Immanuel Sekaran as a Government function when she returns to power”. 

In addition to this, the Union Government accepted the demands of Dalit organisations and 

issued a postal stamp with the portrait of Immanuel Sekaran on 9.10.2010. For the above reasons the 

fame of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran went beyond the borders of Tamil Nadu and the leader of our 

organisation under the leadership of Mr. Chandra Bose met the Honourable Chief Minister Ms. J. 

Jayalalitha and submitted a memorandum to announce the anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran in 2011 

as a Government function. 

As Martyr Immanuel Sekaran got national status because of the issuance of the postal stamp 

by the Union Government the Dalit organisations made it a custom to install flex banners on the 

occasion of the anniversary of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. In 2011 also the flex banners were installed 

to mark the occasion. In the flex banner the phrase, ‘The National Leader the Divine son Martyr 

Immanuel Sekaran’s 54 th Guru Pooja’ appeared. 

On seeing this, the members of Mara Thamilar 

Senai (Army of brave Tamils) lodged a complaint to the 

police to the effect that the phrase ‘Divine son’ is only 

meant for Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and it 

should not be used in praise of a Dalit Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran. 

On the basis of their complaint on 7.9.2011, the 

Deputy Superintendent of Police Mr. Ganesan and Inspector of Police Mr. Sivakumar commenced 

peace talks with the complainants including Mr. Prabakaran and the General Secretary of Martyr 

Immanuel Sekaran Federation Comrade Chandra Bose along with a few members of Devendra Kula 

Cultural Organisation at Paramakudi Town police station. In that meeting the DSP Ganesan instructed 

the Dalit organisations that they should not print digital boards without the knowledge of the police 

department and intimidate that they should have to feel if they did not cooperate with the police. 

In addition to this, the police intimidated the local printers also and warned them not to print the 

adage that is meant for Thevars to praise the Dalit leader. Hence, the local printers refused to print 

digital banners to Dalits. This prompted some Dalits to go to other districts for their flex banners and 

display them in Paramakudi. Outraged by this, some Maravar community men approached Sasikala 

Natarajan who is so close to the C.M. and prompted Sandeep Mital, DIG, Ramnad to go in person to 


Paramakudi on 9.11.2011 to video record, take photos and notes of the banners with the words “Divine 

Son’ in praise of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. 

Under these circumstances on 9.9.2011 around 12.30 a.m. at mid-night 8 persons from the 

Thevar community from Muthuramalingapuram brutally murdered Palanikumar, a eleventh standard 

student from the Dalit community in Pachery village. The police have arrested only five persons and 

registered cases under Crime No. 33/2011 U/S. 147,148, 341, 342 IPC and Sec. 3(1)(x) of SC/ST 

(Prevention of Atrocities) Act and arrested five persons. 

In addition to this, some Thevar community men poisoned the well in Pachery village where the 

Dalits were taking drinking water. A case has been registered on this in Mandala Manickam police 

station under IPC, Section 430 and Crime No. 34/11. The said poisoning incident was communicated 

by some members of Tamilaga Munnetra Kazhagam from Pachery village to their leader Mr. John 

Pandian. Mr. John Pandian promised them to visit their village to pay respects to the murdered 

Palanikumar on 11.9.2011. On the same day Mr. John Pandian already had the plan to participate in 

the Guru Pooja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran in Paramakudi. 

In this situation, as usual the people from Sellur village, the birth place of Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran, first paid homage to the Martyr at 7.00 a.m. in the morning on 11.9.2011. Secondly, our 

Devendrakula Cultural Organisation and SC/ST Organisations paid homage to Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran and we returned to our Devendrakula hall around 7.45 a.m. and I was with them. 

In the said hall, our community men numbering about 300 from out station were staying. 

Around 11.30 a.m., Mr. Sekar, Revenue Inspector informed me through phone that Mr. John Pandian 

has been arrested in Vallanadu near Thoothukudi and a few supporters of Mr. John Pandian were in 

demonstration in Indumukku Road demanding his release. He also requested me to come to the 

Indumukku Road to convince those persons to disperse. 

Then, Mr. Natarajan, a member of our organisation offered to accompany me to Indumukku 

Road and we went there. We reached that place by foot. Then, about 15 persons were sitting on the 

road and raising slogans demanding the release of Mr. John Pandian. On the other side of the road, 

the vehicles were going to pay respects to Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. In the middle of the road the 

police were standing. 

I was persuading the people who were demonstrating. I told them to participate in the Guru 

Pooja and take up the issue of Mr. John Pandian’s arrest afterwards and requested them to disperse. 

They went on shouting slogans demanding the release of Mr. John Pandian. I spoke to Mr. Ganesan, 

DSP that they were just 10 to 15 demonstrators and he could simply disperse them without any action, 

but the DSP never responded. 

Then I approached Mr. Senthilvelan, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adyar, Chennai and 

requested him to speak to Mr. Thavamani, the District Secretary of John Pandian’s party who was 

coming to the spot. I called him through my phone and gave it to Mr. Senthilvelan requesting him to 


talk to Thavamani. Mr. Senthilvelan angrily told me that Thavamani was a head strong fellow and he 

had no necessity to talk to him. 

As Mr. Senthilvelan angrily said, Natarajan and I started returning to Devendrakula hall by foot. 

We would have walked just 50 metres; we heard the gun shots by the police and the noise of the 

people running helter skelter. We stopped near SBI ATM and watched the scene. The police were 

chasing the people and beating them. 

Then I returned to the hall with Natarajan. Within a few minutes we heard the news that in the 

police firing three persons were killed on the spot. We stayed within the hall for fear of a police attack. 

As police were chasing, Muniasamy, a postal worker from Sikkal village jumped down from the roof of 

the Mahal got his leg fractured and cried out in pain. We sent him to the hospital in Paramakudi 

through a private ambulance. 

In the September 11 th incident, just a handful of persons were sitting in demonstration. The 

police could have easily dispersed them, but unnecessarily they have opened fire, charged and tortured 

the people and killed six persons. 

I plead with you to take appropriate action against the police and render justice and 

compensation to the affected people. 


Statement of Mr. Thangavel – father of Palanikumar who was brutally 

killed by the dominant caste people 

Name Age Sex Religion/ 

Community 

Palanikumar 16 Male Hindu/ 

Pallar 

Family details of the victim 

Educational 

qualification 

11 th Std 

Occupation Full Address 

--- 

S/o Thangavelu 

Pallappacheri, 

Mandalamanikkam Post, 

Kamudhi Taluk, 

Ramanathapuram Dist. 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Educational Occupation 

qualification 

1. Thangavelu 36 Male Father --- Coolie 

2. Bhuvaneswari 34 Female Mother --- Coolie 

3. Maheswari 19 Female Sister 5 th Std Coolie 

4. Muniasami 14 Male Brother 7 th Std Student 

5. Vicki 10 Male Brother 5 th Std Student 

6. Suriya 5 Male Brother 1 st Std Student 

Thangavelu (40) 

A. Pallappacheri 


Kamudhi Taluk 


STATEMENT 

I am residing in the above mentioned address along with my wife Bhuvaneswari (34), daughter 

Maheswari (19), and sons Palanikumar (16), Muniasami (14), Vicki (10), and Suriya (5). We belong to 

the Hindu Pallar community. My second son Palanikumar studied 11 th std in Aanaikulam Government 

Higher Secondary School. My wife and I were working as farm labourers wages and had been running 

the family. 

If our village people have to travel somewhere out we have to cross the Mandalamanikkam 

area where the Maravar community people live to take the bus. When our Dalit community youngsters 

or women pass through Mandalamanikam the Maravar community people pass caste-based comments 

on them and we could not say anything against them nor speak about it to others. The Pallar 

community students were being tortured inthe Government Hostel. Due to this about 40 students had 

shifted from Mandalamanikkam and joined the School in Aanaikulam. Hence I admitted my son in 


Aanaikulam for his studies. My son Palanikumar was able to study well. He is one among the bright 

students in his school and many of them know him well. 

On the 9.09.2011 at night around 10.00 pm he told me that he was going to watch the 

Kattabomman drama in Muthuramalingam Pudhur along with other villagers. Usually these kinds of 

dramas will be conducted at night only. It was usual that our people will go and see these kinds of 

dramas the whole night wherever it happens and I had gone to sleep as I was very tired. 

At around 12.45 pm Palani S/o Muniyandi of our village had woken me up and as I woke up 

and saw him he was tensed. I asked him to tell me what had happened. He narrated saying that when 

he and my son was crossing the cart-road of the river, a ration shop man and about 10 people who 

belong to Mandalamanikam village blocked them saying “Paccheri payalugalaada? Eppadi Guru 

poojaiku porenga nu parkirom.” And the ration shopkeeper took a sword that he had and stabbed my 

son. On seeing this Palani got scared and ran away from there and escaped. 

Immediately I got some villagers and rushedto the spot. There were others who went to see 

the Kattabomman Drama, they were surrounded and stood there even before we reached. My son was 

lying down covered with blood and he had a 

stab injury on his head. Immediately we took 

him in a vehicle and rushed him to the Kamudhi 

Government Hospital. But he died on the way 

to the hospital. Later the postmortem was done 

in Kamudhi Government Hospital and we 

buried his body in the Pallappacheri village 

burial ground. Then we heard that the 

Mandalamanikam police had filed a murder 

case against 5 persons and have arrested only 4 among them. 

My son Palanikumar was very calm. He never engaged in any quarrel with others. My family 

members and I do not have any personal enmity with anyone. We were very much worried as to why 

they have killed my son Palanikumar without any cause. 


Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi 

• Do you know the person who killed your son? 

I don’t know. They ran away immediately; but others told me those who were working 

in the local ration shop had committed this murder. 

• Till which class has he studied? In which area is he going to school? 

My son is studying in Aanaikulam which is 10 KM away from my village. 


• Why didn’t you admit your son in the respective village? 

Majority people belong to the Thevar community, they are studying in that school. 

They won’t allow my son to continue his studies there. 

Dr. Ruth Manorama 

• What is your expectation from the Government? 

The perpetrators should be punished 


• How many persons were involved in the firing? 

5 members 

• Was complaint given? 

Yes, it was given in the name of 5 persons, but it was registered under a different 

name. 

Prof. Kalvaimani 

• Did they arrest the persons whom you mentioned in the complaint? 

Not yet arrested 

Direction 

• The case should be Registered in the local police station if they negate it should be 

filed before the District Magistrate Court 


Statement of Palani 

M.Palani, 

10 th Government School, Mandala Manikkam. 

S/o. Muniandi, 

Mandalamanikkam, 

Kamudhi Talukh, 

Ramanadhapuram District. 

Details of the Victims: 

Name and Age Sex Religion/Caste Occupation Address 

Palani (15) 

S/o. Muniandi 

Male Hindhu/Pallar 10 th standard M. Pallapacheri, 


Kamudhi Talukh, 


Details of the Victims Family Members: 

S.No Name / Age Sex Relationship Educational Occupation 

Qualification 

1 Muniandi (60) Male Father - Coolie 

2 Pasungili (53) Female Mother - Coolie 

3 Muthukumar(30) Male Brother 10 th Coolie 

4 Vijeyakumar (24) Male Brother 10 th Coolie 

5 Muniyasamy(22) Male Brother 8 th Standard Coolie 

6 Chandra (18) Female Sister D.T.Ed. - 

I am studying 10 th standard in the Mandalamanickam Higher Secondary School. After this 

incident I was unable to continue my studies further. Last 9.9.2011 at 10 pm Palani Kumar and I went 

to the stage play of Kattabomman. We came back in the middle of the Skit as I was feeling sleepy. By 

12.30 at mid night we crossed the river bed and started walking on the mud road, at that instant Palani 

Kumar was playing a game on his mobile phone. 

While we reached the vehicle path, 5 to 6 persons with deadly weapons were approaching us. 

On seeing them we both ran to the motor room near the grave yard. They mob started to chase us from 

the back, on seeing them I started to shout, “They are coming to attack us, so run” on uttering this I ran 

and hid myself behind a bush and later ran to my village. After 15 minutes hr the other people from my 

village who came after the stage play saw Palani Kumar struggle for life and admitted him in the 

hospital. I also explained to them the incident. As I was shivering and fainting they asked me to take 

rest at home. Later the Kamudhi Government hospital announced that Palani Kumar is dead. As I could 

see them before I ran from the scene otherwise they might had murdered me also. Palani Kumar was 

playing on his cell phone so he could not notice them coming before he could realize and start running 

they have killed him. When I think of that my body is shivering even now. I am even afraid to go to 


school. Because the persons who killed Palani Kumar 

belongs to the Mandala Manikkam village. As I was 

the sole witness of the incident they may attack me 

also, because of this incident my studies are getting 

affected. 

Jury’s Question & Direction to the father (of the deceased) Mr. Thangavelu 


• Do you know the person who killed your son? 

I don’t know. They ran away immediately; but others told me those who were 

working in the local ration shop had committed this murder. 

• Till which class he has studied? In which area was he going to school? 

My son was studying in Aanaikulam which is 10 KM far from my village. 

• Why didn’t you admit your son in the respective village? 

Majority people belong to the Thevar community are studying in that school. They 

won’t allow my son to continue his study there. 


• What is your expectation from the Government? 

The perpetrators should be punished 


• How many persons were involved in the firing? 

5 members 

• Was a complaint given? 

Yes, it was given in the name of 5 persons, but it was registered under a different 

person’s name. 

Prof. Kalvaimani 

• Did they arrest the persons whom you mentioned in the complaint? 

Not yet arrested 

Directions 

• The case should be registered in the local police station if they negate it should 

be filed before the District Magistrate Court 


Statement of Mrs. Rebakkal 

Details of the victim 


Community 

Mr. 50 Male Christian/ 

Panneer 

Pallar 

Educational Occupation 

qualification 

- Farmer 

(Coolie) 

Full Address 

Veerambal, 

Veerambal Post, 

Ilam Sembur route, 

Mudhukulathur Taluk, 


District 


S. 

Educational 

Name Age Sex Relationship 

No 

qualification 

Occupation 

1. Sironmani 42 Female Wife --- Farmer – wage 

labour (Coolie) 

2. Anbu Rose 28 Male Son 10 th Std Residing in 

Malaysia 

3. Rebeccal 

W/o 

Amaladas 

23 Female Daughter Nursing --- 

Other details: 

- The colony house has been damaged 

- The victim does not own any farming land. 

Other Details of the Victim: 

1. The bullet pierced the forehead and expelled out through the back of the head. 

2. There were swelling, injuries caused due to the lathi charge and bruises found all over the 

body. 

3. Post mortem was done in Ramanathapuram Government Hospital. 

4. The corpse of the victim has been buried in Veerambal Cemetery. 


Statement given by Ms. Rebeccal: 

I Rebeccal 27 years old, D/o Panneer and wife of Ponnayapuram Amaladas hereby provide the 

following statement with my full consciousness. 

I have been residing with my husband in Paramakudi, Ponnayapuram. My brother Anbu Rose 

is abroad. We left our native village Veerambal and have been residing in Gandhipuram near 

Emaneshwaram for the past 10 years. My marriage took place there. On the day of the incident 

11.9.2011, my father started from Gandhi Nagar to attend Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s Guru Pooja. 

That day in the afternoon around 12.30 pm he called me through his cell phone and informed me that 

the police are carrying out a lathicharge and firing in Paramakudi Mudhukulathur Road and so he could 

return home only after the crisis gets solved. 

know that he had not gone anywhere else. 

I asked him to come earlier as it was time for 

lunch. For that my father told that he is standing on 

the side and there is no problem. But time passed on 

yet my father did not reach home. So, I called his cell 

phone at around 2.30 pm. But he did not attend the 

phone. Later I called my relatives and enquired 

whether my father came to their places and came to 

Later, at night around 7.00 pm when I called my father’s mobile someone answered and it was a man’s 

voice who asked who was speaking. In reply I asked who was talking on the other side. But without 

replying he asked whose cell phone was that. I said that it was my father’s cell phone. Then he asked 

me the reason for my father’s arrival to Paramakudi and other family details and later switched off the 

phone. 

Then I came to know from the Sun Tv News that my father was shot dead by the police in Paramakudi. 

My relatives also informed me through phone about the issue after they had seen the Sun News. 

Immediately, through a lawyer who was known to us, we came to know that my father’s dead body was 

kept in Ramanathapuram Government Hospital. 

The next day 12.9.2011, when we saw my father’s dead body in Ramanathapuram Government 

Hospital Mortuary, we noticed that the bullet pierced through his forehead and came out through the 

back of the head and he was bleeding. The body was partially covered. There were lathi injuries all 

over his chest, face and hands. The police did not allow us to see the entire body. Later after the post 

mortem we received our father’s dead body and buried it in Veerambal Cemetery of our native village. 



Ms. Ruth Manorama 

• Do you have the post mortem copy? 

Yes we have 

• Is there any case filed? 

No 

Direction 

• The victim was shot in a nearby distance which is unlawful. Action must be taken 

against the perpetrators 

Prayer from the victim side: 

• CBI enquiry and special court enquiry must be made 

• Cases should be filed 302,307 and SC/ST (PoA) Act 

• Government employment must be guaranteed to the young widow 

• Withdraw the false cases against the dalit people 


Statement of deceased victim’s wife Mrs. Gayathri 

Details of the victim: 


Community 

Mr. Jeyapaul 

S/o Mr. Pandi 

Family details of the victim: 

Educational 

qualification 


20 Male Hindu/ Pallar 10 th standard Cooley Manjur Colony, 

Manjur Post, 

Paramakudi taluk, 


district 

S. Name Age Sex Relationship Educational Occupation 

No 

qualification 

1 Gayathri 19 Female Wife 10 th standard Farmer for daily 

wages 

2. Pandi 43 Male Father 8 th standard 

3. Indra 38 Female Mother --- 

Other details of the victim: 

1. A bullet injury in Jeyapaul’s right side of his chest. 

2. A bullet injury on the left side of his shoulder. 

3. Injury and swelling on the right side of his throat because of the lathi charge. 

4. Bleeding from his mouth, nose and ears and so his face was covered with blood. 

5. Postmortem was done at the Ramanathapuram government hospital on 12.09.2011 

6. His body was buried in Manjur graveyard. 

7. Jeyapaul of Pallar community married Gayathri of Vellalar and it is an inter caste marriage. 

Mrs. Gayathri, W/o Mr. Jeyapaul’s statement 

I belong to the Hindu – Vellalar community and have completed 19 years, residing in Manjur 

colony, Paramakudi taluk Ramnad district. I give this statement in a conscious mind. 


I am residing in the above mentioned address with my husband Mr. Jeyapaul (20), my father in 

law Mr. Pandi and my mother in law Mrs. Indra. In the year 2010 I was studying in my home town and 

our wedding took place in a temple without the consent of my husband’s family members. But then my 

husband was the only child so his parents accepted us. 

After the marriage I conceived and on 4.09.2011 in 

my ninth month all my traditional ceremony got over at 

Manjur and I went to my mother’s home in Paramakudi. 

Since, my husband worked as a driver for daily wages in 

Manjur Chamber, he told me that on Sunday (11.09.2011) 

he will come and see me. 

On 11.09.2011 at 11.00 a.m he told me that he will come to see me after paying his tribute at 

Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial. Around 1.00 p.m, my mother in law called me and informed that a 

police firing has taken place at the Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial. I heard that he started from his 

home and I was very much worried and told my mother that still he didn’t come home. My mother went 

near the five road junction and said that the police was shooting whoever was going on that road. Since 

I was pregnant and in my ninth month at 4.00 p.m I made a call to my husband’s mobile and a 

policeman spoke over phone. He asked for my family details and asked me to go and see Mr. 

Sivakumar, the police inspector and he switched off the mobile phone. 

Immediately we went to the Paramakudi town police station and saw Mr. Sivakumar. He asked 

us to go to the Kaattu Paramakudi hospital and we went there. We enquired to the policemen in the 

hospital; they said that the injured people had been sent to Madurai. The policemen asked us to go 

back to our home and told that they will inform us about the whereabouts of my husband in the 

morning. 

We searched for him in many places. People 

who saw the police fire told me that more people have 

died in this incident which in turn made me anxious. 

Then the next day (12.09.2011) early in the morning at 

5.00 a.m the news came on Sun TV that my husband 

had died and we started weeping. Then, we went to the 

Ramnad government hospital to get my husband’s 

body. Since I was in my full term they did not allow me 

and so my father in law went inside to see his body. 

Statement of the victim’s father Mr. Pandi (43) S/o Mr. Sivannandi, after seeing the dead body of 

Mr. Jeyapaul in Ramanathapuram government hospital 

As I lifted my son’s body I saw that a bullet had pierced the right side of his chest and slightly 

had come out of his left shoulder. On both the sides there was a big hole where one hand could go in 

and come out. And there was also a big hole on his right side thigh. As a father seeing my son in this 


situation made my heart to burst. My son’s body was laid as an orphan and I lifted his body and kept it 

on my lap. Suddenly the policemen dragged me and pushed me outside. My son’s body went for post 

mortem and they gave his body at 5.30 p.m. The entire hospital campus was filled with policemen and 

inspite of this large number of police I could not imagine how a riot might break out. I was clear that the 

police had planned and killed the people. And at 7.00 p.m we buried my son’s body at our village 

graveyard. I and my wife had only one son and my daughter in law is in her full term and I do not know 

who is going to support us? Since it was a planned action by the government, it has given us Rs. 1 lakh 

as compensation. We are sure that no truth will come out as the state itself has appointed the Justice 

Sampath Commission. Only if the National Human Rights Commission and CBI enquire into this 

incident, the state’s act of terrorism will be revealed. 


Mr. Karappan IAS (Retd) 

• What caste does your husband belong to? 

My husband belongs to SC. But I belong to Vellaalar community. We had intercaste 

marriage. 

• Have you registered an FIR? 

No. No separate FIR was filed but regarding this incident there is a case filled in the 

Ramnad police station in which my husband is name has been mentioned in that 

statement. 

Directions 

• This case should be filed under SC/ST POA act under section 5 as individual 

case. 

General instructions by Justice Suresh: 

• To bring out the truth file RTI applications in this case. 

• We have to take some actions for individual cases. 

• First of all people need to understand the objective of this Public Inquest. Objective 

of this Public Inquest is not to give relief; it is to give justice to victims. We are sorry 

that we have no power so we are unable to do it. But we can record your 

statement, the truth of the incident appropriately and send these to the government, 

the media and we can recommend the action which should be taken by individualls, 

organization and the government. This report will be sent to the “Justice Sampath 

Committee” to take proper actions. We will strongly give our recommendations for 

such horrible incidents, where in this incident will not happen again. 


Deceased victim’s wife statement 

Name, Age Sex Religion/ 

Community 

Mr. Muthukumar 

(26) 


Educational Occupation 

Qualification 

Male Hindu/ Pallar 8 th standard Gas man for 

daily wages 


Sadaiyanneri, 

Sadaiyanneri Post, 

Mutthukullathur 


District 

S. Name Sex Relationship Educational Occupation 

No 

Qualification 

1 Pandeeswari (22) Female Wife --- -- 

2. Logeshwaran (4) Male Son 8 th standard -- 

3. Kaaviya (2) Female Daughter --- -- 

4. Gnanaprakasham Male Father --- Coolie 

(54) 

5. Munniammal (48) Female Mother --- Coolie 

Other details of the victim 

1. A bullet had pierced the right side of his ribs, above his hip and came out through his left side 

ribs. 

2. The post mortem was done in Madurai government hospital on 12.09.2011. 

3. Muthukumaran’s body was cremated. 

4. His family was residing in a mud house which was in a very bad condition. 

5. His family was only dependent on Muthukumaran income. 

Ms. Pandeeswari’s statement 

I am residing in the above mentioned address with my husband Muthukumaran (26), my son 

Logeshwaran, my daughter Kaaviya, my father in law Mr. Gnanaprakasham and my mother in law Mrs. 

Munniammal and we are completely dependent on my husband’s income for our livelihood. My 

husband was working in distributing gas cylinders in Paramakudi. So we were living in Kaattu 

Paramakudi area. My father in law and my mother in law were living in our native place Sadaiyanneri. 

Lakhs of dalit people used to gather in Paramakudi on the Guru Pooja of martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran on 11.09.2011. Therefore, the transportation and the shops will be closed. Only the people 


who come to the Guru Pooja will have their vehicles parked in Paramakudi. On 11.09.2011 was leave 

for my husband and he did not go for work. On that day about 10.00 a.m he had his breakfast and told 

me that he was going to the Guru Pooja and would be back for lunch. The police, who had planned to 

stop the Guru Pooja, also arrested Mr. John Pandian and nearly 50 supporters who engaged in a road 

blockage in order to release Mr. John Pandian and to control the mob the police fired on them. My 

husband who was in that mob was also lathi charged, injured by the policemen and was taken asked to 

get into the police van. Several people have seen this incident. When I came to know the afore 

mentioned incident I and my relatives went to the Paramakudi town police station and asked for my 

husband. The policemen replied that the injured people were taken to the Illayankudi government 

hospital and immediately we went there. 

When we went to the Madurai government hospital they told that my husband had died in the 

police firing. How come my husband had died due to the bullet injury when the police took him in the 

van? Therefore I suspect that the police must 

have killed my husband in the van. 

We went to see my husband’s body in 

the mortuary a bullet had pierced the right side 

of his ribs, above his hip and came out through 

his left side ribs. His whole body was 

completely swollen and shattered. 

Therefore, I was clear that the 

policemen have brutally tortured and killed my 

husband while he was in custody. Now I have 

lost my husband, my little children who don’t even know that what had happened to my husband and 

my old aged in laws. We are suffering a lot and do not know how to face our future. I request you to 

take legal measures against the police perpetrators. 



• Did you get compensation? 

Yes. we received Rs. 1 lakh by cheque through VAO 

Mr. Rajkumar 

• How you came to know about the incident? 

One of our neighbors told us. 

• Was he alive? 

Yes, he was alive when he was taken from the spot 

• Whether you find any complaint? 


No. Case not registered 

• What should you expect from the government? 

The perpetrator should be punished, we should get justice 


Statement of Mr. Kannan, S/o Mr. Ganesan 

who was killed in the police firing 

Name, Age Sex Caste, 

Religion 

Ganesan Male Hindu, 

(55) 

Pallar 

S/O (Late) 

Raman 

Education Occupation Address 

- Agricultural 

labour for daily 

wages 

Pallavarasanendal 

Nayinar Kovil Post, 



District,99439 17747, 

9787791190 

Ganesan’s Family Details: 

S. Name, Age Sex Relationship Education, Occupation Other Details 

No 

1. Kannan (35) Male Son 9 th Std, working for daily 

wages as driver. 

• An old house built 

with the help of 

sand. 

2. Anushya(32) Female Daughter 10 th Std, Agricultural • As the two 

W/o Bose Rajan 

Work 

daughters do not 

3. Pushpalatha Female Daughter 10 th Std, 

have separate 

W/o Sakthivel 

Agricultural Work 

houses they are 

also living in the 

4. Gunasekaran Male Son 9 th Std, Agricultural 

same house. 

(28) 

labour 

• They hold a 

property of 5 acres 

5. Soundaram (50) Female Wife 9 th Std, Agricultural 

labour 

of uncultivable 

land. 

1. The bullet has pierced the upper portion of the naval area (Front) and it came out from the 

shoulder at the back. 

2. On his body, there were bruises owing to rigorous beating with the lathis which could be seen. 

3. The Postmortem was done on 12.09.2011 at Paramakudi Government Hospital. 

4. The body of Ganesan was cremated in Pallavarasanendal Grave yard. 


The Statement of Mr. Kannan: 

I, Kannan (32) S/o Ganesan belong to the Hindu Pallar Caste and am residing at 

Pallavarasanendal, Near Nainar Kovil Paramakudi Taluk Ramnad District. 

I am residing in the above address with my father Ganesan, Mother Soundaram, and Brothers 

and Sisters Karunakaran, Anushya, Gunasekaran, Pushpalatha and they all are involved in Agricultural 

labour. I am working as a driver for daily wages. I am basing this statement of mine on information that I 

know and also on information I have gathered from different people who saw my father at the place of 

death. 

My brother Gunasekaran returned from 

Saudi after working there. We had engaged a 

bride for him named Rajalakshmi D/o of 

Munianvalasai and Parvathi and fixed the 

marriage date on 15.09.2011. 

On 11.09.2011 we performed certain 

customary ceremonies at our home from 

morning 6.30 to 7.30 a.m. My father Ganesan 

left home by 9 a.m with an intention that, as it is the 54 th Guru Pooja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran, a 

majority of our relatives will be at home, so he could distribute the marriage invitations. There in 

Paramakudi I came to know that he distributed the invitations to many of our relatives in Vasantha 

puram and later he went near Paramakudi Town Police station to Ponniah mess. At that time I was 

informed that about 500 policemen attacked him with lathis and threw stones on the Dalit Community 

people who were around the five road junction area, Illayangudi Road, the road towards the Bus Depot, 

the road leading to the Shopping Center were all flooded with policemen. 

I came to know that while my father was crossing the Ponniah mess two policemen wearing 

uniform were breaking the glasses of the Police Vehicles. On seeing that my father had stated, “You 

are breaking the glasses and putting the blame on our community people and attacking them”. On 

hearing this, the policemen with guns came straight away to my father and said what have you come 

here, to spy us and shot my father in the stomach. As he shot my father closely the bullet had gone out 

from the back. They shot my father at around 1 o’ clock in the afternoon. On the road that leads to 

Illayangudi from Aindhu Munnai near the Ponniah mess my father was suffering due to the bullet wound 

from 1 p.m. 

But the Policemen did not come to his rescue even after he shouted many times for his life by 

waving his hands. 

On seeing the above said condition of my father (a member of the audience not willing to reveal his 

name) ran to his rescue and pleaded with the Policemen who were standing there to take him in the 

ambulance and after half an hour of the incident they admitted him in the Kattu Paramakudi 


Government Hospital. But he died after 10 minutes after reaching the hospital and his body was kept in 

the mortuary. 

After being informed by my relative, that my father has been shot dead by the police, my entire family 

rushed to the hospital. My father was hunted like a small bird and I request you to take appropriate 

action in this regard and to punish the policemen under the law. 


Statement of deceased victim’s brother 

Mr. Thirunavukarasu 



Community 

Mr. Theerpukani 

S/o Velu 

22 Male Hindu/ 

Pallar 

Educational 

qualification 

DME 

2 nd year 

Occupation 

Student 


Keela Kodumalur, 

Mela Kodumalur 

Post, 

Abiramam route, 

Mudhukulathur 

Taluk, 


District 



qualification 

1. Velu 45 Male Father --- Farmer 

2. Selvam 40 Female Mother --- --- 

3. Thirunavukarasu 27 Male Brother 8 th Std Daily wage 

driver 

4. Karpagam 25 Female Sister --- --- 

W/o Gopal 

5. Thenmozhi 21 Female Sister --- --- 


5. The victim has been tortured severely and brutally by the police and he was shot dead when he 

was in police custody. 

6. There was wounds in his throat which was caused by lathi sticks. 

7. The victim suffered bullet injuries bekind of the head. 

8. The police informed that first aid was given to the victim at Ilayankudi hospital 

9. Post mortem was done in Madurai Government Hospital. 

10. The corpse was buried in Keela Kodumalur Cemetery. 


I, Thirunavukarasu 27 years old, S/o Velu and belonging to the Hindu Pallar community, residing in, 

Keela Kodumalur, Mudhukulathur Taluk of Ramanathapuram district hereby provide the following 

statement with my full consciousness. 

I have been residing with my father Velu (45), mother Selvam (40), sisters Karpagam w/o 

Gopal, Thenmozhi and brother Theerpukani the above mentioned address, living under the support of 

my father. At present I am working as a driver for daily wages in J.C.B, Paramakudi. My brother 

Theerpukani had been in the 2 nd year in Muthalamman Polytechnic College in Paramakudi. 

On 11.9.2011, for the 54 th anniversary of 

Martyr Immanuel Sekaran, my brother Theerpukani 

went along with other villagers on a two-wheeler. 

After the tribute had been paid to Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran, my brother started from there and while 

on the way he parked the two-wheeler near a water 

tank in five point junction-Mudhukulathur road. 

Afternoon around 12.45 p.m, when police was carrying out the lathi charge and opening fire, 

my brother along with some other villagers were standing and observing the incidents near the Railway 

gate on the Mudukulathur route. At that time, our villagers suspected that the police were doing 

something deliberately and decided that they should return to our village. 

Immediately, my brother went near the water tank to take his two-wheeler, more than 10 

policemen surrounded him and brutally attacked him with strong lathis by which my brother screamed 

and fell down. At that time, the above said policemen kicked and trampled him with their shoes. Then, 

they dragged and threw him inside the police vehicle which was standing nearby. Many of those 

persons who were known to me had witnessed the whole incident. But now they fear that if they open it 

out, then they will get into trouble. 

On that evening they shot my brother with their guns inside the vehicle where they threw him 

and around 7.00 pm they have brought him to Sivagangai District, Ilayankudi Government Hospital. My 

brother died only after 15 minutes of reaching the hospital. They took my brother’s dead body to the 

Madurai Government Hospital from Ilayankudi. At 10.00 pm, we got news from our Village 

Administrative Officer that my brother was dead. 

At 3.30 p.m my brother was caught alive by the policemen and was brought to the Ilayankudi 

Hospital only at 7.00 p.m in the night 15 minutes before died. During the mean time, they must have 

kept him somewhere and tortured him. 


When my brother’s dead body was seen in the Madurai Government Hospital’s mortuary, we 

noticed that his throat had lathi marks and injuries caused by the lathi all over the body and also he had 

a bullet injury behind his head. 

Later, we brought my brother’s dead body after the post-mortem to our village Keela 

Kodumalur with police protection and buried it in our village cemetery. 


Additional in Affidavit: 

There was no need for lathi charge and firing because the public were disturbed already 

and they did not harm anyone. The police only do these mistakes (throwing stones, 

burning the vehicles, lathi charge and firing). All the police were from the higher caste, 

they first asked, what your caste is when they come to know that we are Dalits they don’t 

give any importance to our complaints. 

Discussions 


• Which are the police stations, where you were not respected or treated well? 

Abhiramam, Parthibanur, Paramakuddi police stations; They abused us using 

caste words. 

Mr. Thiyagu 

• Did they shoot your brother in the vehicle? 

I don’t know what happened in the vehicle. But he was first beaten up and then 

put in the police vehicle. (Information by Henri that after beating up he was put in 

the police vehicle and then shot.) 

Direction 

Let us look at the postmortem report since the boy was first beaten to death and 

later shot at. Therefore this amounts to brutal murder. Therefore, postmortem report 

must be studied carefully. 


Deceased victim’s son statement 


Community 

Mr. Vellaisamy 

S/o. Mr. Kaandan 


Occupation 


54 Male Hindu/ Pallar Coolie Kaathanendhal, 

Kaman Kottai Post, 

Chatrakudi Route, 

Ramanathapuram Taluk & Dist. 

S. 

No 

Name Age Sex Relationship Educational 

Qualification 

1. Arumugam 45 Female Wife --- 

2. Sakthivel 30 Male Son 10 th standard 

3. Kalliammal 29 Female Daughter --- 

4. Raju 26 Female Daughter --- 

5. Arasammal 24 Female Daughter --- 

6. Nandini 18 Female Daughter --- 


1. A bullet shot in the middle of his chest. 

2. Due to the police attack his stomach was swollen. 

3. The post mortem was done at the government hospital in Madurai on 12.09.2011 

4. His body was buried in Kaathanendhal graveyard. 

Statement of Mr. Sakthivel, S/o Mr. Vellaisamy 

Occupation 

We have only old 

thatched roof house 

and ¾ acre of 

cultivable land 

I (Sakthivel) completed 30 years and I belong to the Hindu Pallar community son of Mr. 

Vellaisamy Kaathanendhal, Kaman Kottai Post, Chathirakudi Route, Ramnad taluk and district. I give 

this statement with a conscious mind. 

I am residing in the above mentioned address with my family. I am working as a farmer for daily 

wages and through this income I manage livelihood. My family is a joint family whereby my father Mr. 

Vellaisamy, my mother Mrs. Arumugam and my brother Raju were living. All my three sisters were 

married. 

On 11.09.2011, a man named Mr. Soundarajan (TNSTC Staff) who belonged to our village 

conducted his son’s wedding at Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai and the reception was at Aarthy 


hotel. My father Mr. Vellaisamy and a man from our village Mr. Chinnaan, S/o Mr. Vairavan was 

planning to go for the wedding in Madurai. They planned to leave at 10.00 a.m by crossing the 

Ootapallam and without knowing anything they both went to the five road junction at 12.45 p.m. 

My father was going before Chinnaan on the bridge which was from the five point junction 

through the Madurai route and more than 10 policemen surrounded him and brutally attacked him. Mr. 

Chinnaan who followed my father was attacked by another 2 policemen. After 10 minutes a police van 

came there and put my father inside and left that place. 

On 11.09.2011 no one from our village went to Paramakudi for the Immanuel Sekaran’s guru 

Pooja. But we heard that the policemen have opened fired at the people who went for the guru Pooja. 

The next day when we saw the Dhinakaran news paper we knew that my father was shot dead. 

They took my father’s diary from his pocket and called to one of my relatives’ cell phone number which 

was in that diary. Then they informed that my father was dead and his body was kept in Madurai 

government hospital. 

After the postmortem we asked them to provide us an ambulance to take my father’s body to 

our village. The policemen demanded for the rent for the ambulance. Immediately we gave the 

policemen Rs. 6,000/- (which we got after a 

mortgage) and finally they gave us an 

ambulance. We brought our father’s body to our 

village and about 30 policemen came along with 

us in a big vehicle. The policemen told us that we 

have travelled a long distance and it is better to 

cremate the body. As we could not anything 

against the police we cremated our father’s body. 

Jury’s Questions & Directions 

Mr. Rajkumar 

• Who are you? 

I am son of Vellachamy. 

• How many persons ran away from your village? 

Nearly 30 persons ran away. 


• How many police were there and what have they done? 

60 to 70 police men were there, without any announcement they were shooting. 


Statement of Witness 

Name Age Sex Religion/ Occupation Full Address 

Community 

Mr. Chinnalu, 

S/o Mr. Vairavan 

65 Male Hindu/ Pallar Coolie Kakanenthal, 

Kamankottai Post, 

Chatrakudi route, 

Paramakudi Taluk 



S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Occupation 

1. Arasammal 40 Female Daughter Farmer for daily wages 


1. A swollen wound on the right thigh. 

2. A swollen wound in the nose due to the lathicharge. 

Mr. Chinnalu’s statement 

I (Chinnalu) completed 65 years and belonged to the Hindu Pallar, son of Mr. Vairavan, 

Kaathanendhal Kaman Kottai Post Chatrakudi Route Ramanathapuram District. I gave this statement in 

my conscious mind. 

I’m residing in the above mentioned address with my daughter Mrs. Arasammal (40) who was 

living separately from her husband. We both are working as farmers for daily wages and with that 

income we are living under difficult conditions. 

On 11.09.2011, the conductor of Soundarajan bus, Kaman Kottai conducted his son’s wedding 

in Meenakshi Amman temple in Madurai and the reception was arranged at the Aarthy hotel. Mr. 

Vellaisamy and I from our village went to Chatrakudi at 10.00 a.m and then we went in the bus to 

Paramakudi Krishnan theatre. 


We planned to travel through Ootapallam and we both were going to the five point junction. 

There were many people coming to Paramakudi for Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary. The 

policemen started to lathicharge the crowd who were watching the function. 

Mr. Vellaisamy was going 10 feet a head and I was going 10 feet behind him. As Vellaisamy 

was walking on the bridge near the Akshaya hospital, five point junction roads, Madurai route about 10 

policemen surrounded him and brutally attacked him. Within few minutes he was collapsed and fell on 

the ground. And then two policemen brutally attacked me. 

Since I was shocked I jumped into the nearby sewage canal. I was hiding behind a house and 

was watching Vellaisamy from there. After some time a police van came there and took him. I thought 

that he was dead because that was the brutality of the attack by the policemen and he was lying like a 

dead body without any movement and they pushed him into the van. 

On seeing the condition of Vellaisamy I cried a lot. As I was standing behind a house suddenly 

a woman came from that house and took me into the house. She washed my wounds and applied 

medicines for my wounds. I had severe pain. 

In addition to this she gave me food to eat. Because of the police firing she told me to stay in 

her house that night. The next day on 12.09.2011 at 6.00 in the morning I started to walk and reached 

my home at 12.00 p.m. When I reached my home and I came to know that Vellaisamy was dead. 

People also said that he was brutally attacked and killed by the policemen. I don’t know how 

Vellaisamy was shot to death during the attack by the policemen. 


Statement of Mr. Muruganantham S/o Velu 

who was died during the police raid 

Details of the deceased victim 


Community 

Mr. Velu 

48 Male Hindu / 

S/o 

Pallar 

Periyakaruppan 


Educational 

qualification 


- Coolie Mr. Velu 

S/o 

Periyakaruppan, 

Kizhakutheru, 

Thoruvalur village, 


District 


qualification 

1. Soundiram 44 Female Wife --- Coolie 

2. Deivanai 27 Female Daughter --- --- 

3. Muruganantham 24 Male Son B.A. English --- 

4. Selvaraj 21 Male Son 10 th Std --- 


11. The victim died after falling down and got injured as he tried to run away in fear of the police. 

12. There was no action taken in this regard even after informing the Revenue Divisional Officers. 

13. No post-mortem was done due to the 144 Order. 

Statement given by Mr. Muruganandham: 

I, Muruganandham (24/11) S/o Velu, Kizhakutheru, Thoruvalur village, Ramnad District, 

belonging to the Hindu Pallar community provide this statement with my full consciousness. 

I have been residing in the above mentioned address with my father Velu (48), mother- 

Soundiram (40), Selvaraj (21) and the family being run with our earnings through daily wage. 

No one from our village had attended the Guru Pooja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran that 

occurred on 11.09.2011 in Paramakudi. On the same day, two persons from Thoruvalur colony namely 


S. Arumugam (70) S/o Satthan and Ukirapandi (34) S/o Aandi had been to Madurai in a two-wheeler to 

attend a marriage function. As they were not aware about the incident that was going on in Paramakudi 

Ottapalam - Five road junction at that time, they were filling petrol for the two-wheeler in a petrol station. 

During this the policemen caught them and tortured him severely. Later they were arrested and sent to 

the Central Jail. 

As they both were from Thoruvalur, on 11.09.2011 at around 11 PM, the policemen started 

chasing the village men. Due to this, all the men of our village hid themselves in nearby forests and 

resided there. But, the police raided all the houses searching for them. The District Collector then said 

that hereafter the police will not come for raids. As the community leaders of Ramnad have met with 

him and discussed about the issue, we felt assured that the police will not come to our village 

thereafter. 

On 13.09.2011 night around 7.30 pm, Community Leader Mr. Muniasami (45) S/o Munniandi, 

and Community Secretary Mr. Parvendan S/o Aandi, and my father Mr. Velu (48) S/o Periya Karuppan 

and others were seeing the accounts related to the festival in Kasiviswanathan Ayyanar temple. At the 

time as the police entered our village. Those who were seeing accounts and all other men started 

running towards the forest area on the east side of the village. As the area was completely dark and 

made of ridges and furrows we fell down and again ran away in tension. 

During this time, while my father was also running in fear of the police, he tripped and fell down. 

Some of the men who were running behind my father noticed that he was lying unconscious they took 

him to the village. Within that time, the police who came to our village and stood near the street for 

some time had returned. 

Immediately Ms. Pushpa (30) D/o Murugan of our village has informed the 108 Ambulance 

from her cell phone (94892-73859) and the ambulance arrived after some time. The Doctor who came 

in the Ambulance tested my father and declared that he was dead so they refused to lift him in the 

vehicle and returned. 

Mr. Mahadevan (Cell No. 94431-83379) of our village had informed the Thoruvalur Village 

Administrative Officer Mr. Jeyakumar (Cell No. 99940-24561) through his cell phone that my father died 

as he fell down while running due to fear of the police. He replied that as there was Sec 144 order 

imposed in the village. He stated that he will inform this incident to his higher officials, but he had not 

taken any steps in this regard. 

Then we thought of taking our father’s dead body to the Ramnad Government Hospital for postmortem 

and contacted many private ambulances. But all of them refused with the reason that they 

could not come without police permission and as long as Sec 144 orders were in promulgation. 

As there was no effect for our efforts being taken, on 14.09.2011, evening around 4.00 p.m we 

cremated our father’s body as per our family customs. And then, I gave a complaint petition to the 

District Superintendent of Police and the Deputy Inspector General of police in this regard. 




• From which area did they go to the thorny bushes? 

From Thoruvalur 

• How many people ran? 

Nearly 25 

• Was any action taken in this regard? 

No 

Prof. Kalvimani 

• Were any cases registered? 

Yes, the appeal to the District Collector and a complaint was registered to the SP 

of Ramanathapuram District 


Statement of Ms. Jothi 



Community 

Mr. Kaaliappan 

S/o. Mr. Kilavan 


Occupation 


66/11 Male Hindu/ Pallar Cooley Kalakudi Uttrakholasa mangai 

post, Ramanathapuram taluk & 

district 

Contact: 83442 – 07367, 

80128 - 94307 


1. Kaali 60 Female First Wife Farmer for daily wages 

2. Panchavarnam 50 Female Second Wife -- 

3. Munniammal 40 Female Daughter -- 

4. Saraswathi 38 Female Daughter -- 

5. Nagavalli 35 Female ---- -- 

6. Jothi 24 Female Daughter -- 


1. Police chased him in the night with the intention to arrest him. As he escaped and was hiding in 

a forest area, a snake bit him and he died. 

Mrs. Jothi gave her statement to the fact finding team 

Mrs. K. Jothi (24) 

W/o Mr. Piramaiyya 

Kalakudi , Thir Uttrakholasa mangai post, 


I (Jothi) completed 24 years and belong to the Hindu Pallar community daughter of Mr. 

Kaaliappan Kalakudi, Thir Uttrakholasa mangai Ramanathapuram District taluk, and wife of Mr. 

Piramaiyya. I give this statement in my conscious mind. 

I’m residing in the above-mentioned address. My father Mr. Kaaliappan (66) has two wives. The first 

wife Mrs. Kaali (60) has three girls, Munniammal, Saraswathi and Nagavalli. The second wife Mrs. 

Panchavarnam (50) has only one girl and that is me (Jothi). 


My wedding was taking place on 11.09.2011 in the temple. Since my wedding was on the same 

day, no one in our village went to martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary. 

We heard the news that on 11.09.2011 the police firing had taken place in Paramakudi and six persons 

were dead and also many were injured. 

The next day on 12.09.2011, we heard that the police was arresting the people living in the 

Pallar area. The same night the police came into our area and started chasing our people. Due to this 

the men who were above 10 years went out of the village and were hiding themselves in the forest 

area. Likewise my father was also hiding in the forest area. As the women were very tensed and afraid, 

the whole night all the women gathered in a place at the centre of the village and were together. 

The next day at 6’o clock in the 

morning the people who went out of the 

village started returning to their homes. But 

my father alone didn’t return. So our family 

members and relatives started searching for 

my father and we came to know that a snake 

bit my father and he was dead in the 

Chinnanadai area. Since the men who were 

afraid of the police didn’t come out, so only 

the women went to the Maalankudi village 

officer Mr. Aadhilingam and complained about the incident. 

Then, as we were trying to take my father’s body to the Ramanathapuram Government 

Hospital because of 144 the private ambulance didn’t come and with no other way all the women in our 

village took my father’s body to the our village graveyard and he was cremated at 4.00 in the evening. 

So the reporters who heard about my father’s death started asking for more details. 

After that, on 21.09.2011 at 11.00 in the morning the SI of Keelakarai Police Station asked us to come 

to the station and inquired about the violent incident and told that he will help us to get the 

compensation. 



• How many people went inside the bushes? 

We don’t have a list, but we can provide the list if you need 

• Whether any case was registered? 

No 

Directions 

• Unless a case is registered you will not get justice. So immediately file a complaint 


Statement of Mr. Balakrishnan from Pattam Village 

who was shot by the Policemen in Chinthamani 

Details about Balakrishnan: 

Name Age Sex Caste/ 

Religion 

Balakrishnan 18 Male Hindu/ 

S/o Ramar 

Pallan 

Details of the family of the Victim: 

Qualification Occupation Address 

10 th Standard Student 1/16. North 

Street, Pattam, 

Manamadurai 

Taluk, 

Sivagangai 

District. 

S.NO Name Age Sex Relationship Qualification Occupation 

1 Ramar 45 Male Father - Coolie 

2 Indhira 40 Female Mother - Coolie 

3 Gopalakrishnan 22 Male Brother 10 Driver 

Other details about the Victim: 

1. The bullet has pierced the shoulders and gone out from the left side of the chest. 

Statement of Mr. S.Balakrishnan: 

S. Balakrishnan 

S/o Ramar, 

1/1/16. North Street, Pattam-1, 

Pottapalayam (po), Manamadurai Taluk, 

Sivagangai District 

I Balakrishnan s/o Ramar belonged to the Hindu Pallar community, residing at Pattam, 

Manamadurai Taluk Sivagangai District narrated this statement with my full consciousness. 

I am residing at the above mentioned address with my father Ramar (45/11), mother Indhira 

(40/11), and elder brother Gopala Krishnan (22). I belong to the Hindu-Pallar community. I studied up to 

my 10 th grade. My parents are working as agricultural labourers. Around 500 families in our Pattam 

Village belong to the Hindu pallar community. 

Our community leader Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s anniversary had been celebrated by us 

every year. Like the same way on 11.09.2011around 50 members from our village started towards 


Paramakudi by 11.30 pm to pay tribute to our leader in a Qualis car, a Tata sumo and in a tempo 

traveller. 

As we were nearing the Chintamani ring road people belonged to our village came running 

towards our vehicle and was shouting that the policemen were chasing them to attack them. 

Immediately we got down from the vehicle. They chased few important people and they asked them 

why they were chasing them. Without replying to them the policemen started to attack them. 

Since the police attacked the persons 

who came along with us and we were afraid and 

stood near the TASMAC shop, Chintamani ring 

road, Madurai. A man who was dressed up like a 

police tried to shoot us. People who stood before 

me started running and on seeing that I started 

running as I was stunned to see it. But before 

that, inspector Gajendran shot me. The bullet 

pierced my right side shoulder and went out from 

the right side of my chest. In the mean time the people who came from Chintamani, Burma Colony and 

from Panniyur were watching this incident. 

Inspite of the bullet injury and severe pain I started to run away from that place and went to the 

Burma Colony and ran about a distance of 20 kms. But later I was not able to run and I fainted and fell 

to the ground. 

Two persons belonged to the Burma Colony took me in a two wheeler and admitted me in the 

Government Rajaji Hospital at 1:00 p.m. And at 2:00 p.m Mr. Murugavel Rajan and Dr. Krishnasamy 

came to see me and asked who shot me. I replied to them that a man who was dressed up like a police 

having a pistol shot me and he must be an Inspector only. Since I belong to Sivagangai District and I 

was not able to recognise them. But the Burma Colony people who were gathered during the incident 

might know about the police. The next day when I saw the news paper I came to know that Mr. 

Gajendran the Avaniyapuram Inspector had shot me. 

After the bullet injury on 11.09.2011 at 1:00 p.m onwards and till 26.09.2011 I was receiving my 

treatment as an in patient. But then my bullet injury was not healed and so I am receiving my treatment 

from a private hospital in Madurai. While I was in the government hospital the Revenue Department 

gave me a cheque of Rs. 15,000/- . I request you to take legal measures against the policemen opened 

fire and also to provide safety and security to me. 




• Who fired at you? 

Sub-Inspector Sanmuganathan ordered to shoot. SI Gajendran carried out the 

firing. 

• At what distance did the police fire at you? 

About 20 feet 

• Whether they shot you with a small gun or a big one? 

They used a hand pistol 

• How many people are clamped with cases? 

In our village and our neighboring village, nearly 35 people are booked under 

article 307 


Statement of Mr. Jeya Prasanth belongs to the Pattam 

Village who was injured during the Police firing in 

Chinthamani, Madurai. 

List of affected persons: 

Name Age Sex Caste Qualification Address 

Jeyaprasanth 19 Male Hindu-Pallar Electrician 1/18 Pattam, 

Manamadurai. 

Relatives of the affected the Person: 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Qualification Business 

1 Dhanabalan 41 Male Father 8 th Standard - 

2 Jeyasudha 36 Female Mother - - 

3 Jeyalakshmi 21 Female Sister 12 th Standard - 

I am residing in the above mentioned address with my father Dhanabalan 41/11, mother 

Jeyasudha 36/11 and sister Jeyalakshmi 21/11. I belong to the Hindu Pallar community. I completed 

my ECE diploma course and currently working as Electrician with Airtel communication in Trichy. 

On 10.9.2011 I came from Trichy to my native place to meet my parents. On 11.09.2011 by 

afternoon 11.00 I came to Chinthamani in order to put petrol in my bike. During that time I could see 

more than 200 dalit community people on the Sinthamani ring road paying tribute to Immanuel Sekaran 

by putting garlands to his photographs nearby. I parked my vehicle and started to witness the incident. 

By 11.30, Mr. Gajendran the inspector of police rushed to the spot in his Tata Sumo. 

At that instant the Sub Inspector of Avaniyapuram Police station Mr. Shanmuganathan showed 

his hands towards the Pattam dalit community people and shouted saying “shoot them sir”. On hearing 

this Mr. Gajendran took his revolver and pointed it towards my chest and said “Palla die” on hearing this 

I began to run but the inspector shot me on my right shoulder and the bullet ejected out from my ribs. It 

also wounded my right hand in the upper part of my elbow. Once again the inspector shot Balakrishnan 

s/o Raman from Pattam. I witnessed the scene when the inspector shot him in the right side of his 

chest. Balakrishnan ran after the incident. 

I collapsed to the ground. On seeing this Ravi s/o Mallaisamy, Mani s/o Muthu, Duraipandi s/o 

Muniyandi, Alaguram s/o Pandi and Eashwaran s/o Aadhimoolam from Sinthamani ran towards me but 

hearing the sound of the gun, they got afraid and ran away. 


I was struggling for my life when the Inspector Mr. Gajendran and Sub Inspector Mr. 

Shanmuganathan hit me on my wound with their Lathis continuously. Unable to bear the pain I pleaded 

with them asking why did you shoot me? 

Later Mr. Shanmuganathan placed his revolver in my Genitals and said can I shoot you here? 

As I have already done a surgery in my Genitals I suffered an acute pain and fainted. The Sub 

Inspector sprinkled water on my face and I gained consciousness at that time I can understand that I 

had been brought to the Avaniyapuram police station. The sub inspector showed a white paper and 

threatened me to sign it. But I refused to sign on a plain paper. 

I was suffering from acute pain and also I was struggling for life but even then the police was 

delaying in taking me to the hospital. They even chased my parents who came to see me. 

Later I pleaded to the officers to show mercy on me. Only after that they took me in their police 

jeep and admitted me in the Government Rajaji Hospital. As there were no specialists to treat me Mr. 

Vaiko who came to meet me approached the doctors and immediately discharged me and admitted me 

in the Apollo hospital and helped to save my life. 

The Sub Inspector had previous vengeance with our community people in our village. In order 

to take revenge on us he instigated this entire incident by sending false news to the Inspector. My 

village people, my community people including me did not interrupt the general public, police or the 

transport. 

So I would request to file a case under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act, 1989 and also 

the Sec 307 IPC against the Avaniyapuram Police Inspector Mr. Gajendran, Sub Inspector, 

Shanmuganathan, Kalliammal and also 30 unidentifiable police men who were involved in the shooting. 

I would request to provide a just compensation and also order for a CBI enquiry. 


Prof Kalvimani 

• How many police were there on the spot? 

30 Police and 40 People 

• What did they use to scold? 

They scolded with the caste name, “they are dalits , pallar” shoot them 

• How did you come? 

We two came by bike. The police asked us to get down. I got down from the bike and 

answered his questions. While I was answering the questions of the police they 


started beating me, when I was running away from the shooting nearly about 20 th 

feet, away. 


Statement of the victim injured during the Police 

firing incident in Paramakud 


Name Age Sex Religion/Caste Educational Occupation Full Address 

Qualification 

Anand 16 Male Hindu -Pallar 12 th Std --- Karaikudi, Kilaayur 

Post, 

Ilayankudi Taluk, 


Details of the victim’s family: 


to the victim Qualification 

1. Ramachandran 49 Male Father --- Wage Labourer 

2. Chellammal 42 Female Mother --- Wage Labourer 

3. Thirumurugan 20 Male Elder brother --- Wage Labourer 

Mr. Anand (16/11) 

S/o Ramachandran, 

Karaikudi, Killayur Post, 



I am residing in the above mentioned address. I belong to the Hindu Pallar community. I am 

pursuing my 12 th Standard in the Ilayankudi Government Higher Secondary School in the Arts and 

computer group. 

On September 11, 2011 at around 2.00 pm I went for tuition in Killayur colony and while I was 

returning home at 6.00 pm in the evening I parked my bicycle near a Petty shop that was near the 

Ilayankudi Police Station to buy some eatables after which I was about to take my bicycle. At that time 

a mob of 25 men were standing at the Ring Road Junction and about 50 policemen rushed towards 

them. I went there with a curiosity to know what was happening. During that time the people shouted 

and were running here and there. As I was not aware of the situation, I ran away to take my cycle back. 

At that time, the policemen chased me and other people. I heard the sound of gun shots twice. Then as 


I noticed my right hand wrist was bleeding profusely I fainted and fell down and I did not know what had 

happened after that. 

Following the incident when I regained my consciousness at around 6.30 pm in the evening, I 

got to know that I was admitted in the Ilayankudi Government Hospital. The Doctor tested my hand and 

then said that during the firing itself the bullet pierced my hand and came out. I do not know who had 

brought me to the hospital. My parents also did not know that I was injured by the gun shots. Later 

through some of my relatives they came to know about it and they reached Ilayankudi Government 

Hospital and were weeping for me. 

Later, at night around 9.00 pm I was brought to the Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital by 

Ambulance and I was admitted there and the ward number was 99. But due to lack of bed facilities, the 

next day (12.09.11) five members including me and four other victims of the firing incident were shifted 

to the new building of the Government Hospital near Anna Bus Stand. 

Hence, I request you to take criminal action against the Police perpetrators who shot me with a 

gun as I was simply observing the crowd. My parents fear that if the police file any false case against 

me, then my studies will be spoiled. Hence I kindly ask you to help in this regard. 


Discussions: 

• Did they give you proper medical treatment in the hospital? 

Yes they gave. 

• Did such kind of incidents take place before? 

Yes, it takes place for every guru Pooja. 

• When did you come back from the forest? 

Only after five days I came back. 

• Did the police enquire the women? 

Yes, some of them replied that their husbands are abroad, and so the police 

asked them, then how do you get your babies… 

• When were you arrested? 

8 days after police firing, I was arrested on 18 th September . 


Victim Mr. Kumar’s Statement: 

Mr. T. Kumar 

S/o Mr. Thavamani 

Mani Nagar, Paramakudi Taluk, 


I am residing in the above said address. I belong to the Hindu Vanniar. I have no connection 

with the blockade incident. On 11 th September, 2011 when I was returning home after buying some 

grocery items around 1 pm near the Paramakudi five point junction road, the policemen were chasing 

and beating the people. As I started running, more than 20 policemen surrounded and beat me very 

severely. 

Later they admitted me at Illayangudi Hospital at around 6:30 p.m and first aid services were 

given. After that, they brought me to Madurai the Government Hospital at around 10:30 p.m in the night. 

There at around 11.30 p.m first aid was given to me. I request you to take legal action against the 

policemen who had tortured and broken my legs and hands thereby making me bedridden even though 

I am not connected to the case in any way. I demand legal protection. So I request you to provide me 

with appropriate legal aid. 



• Who beat you? Were they all police or some others 

All were policemen only 

• What weapon did they use to beat you? 

They beat me with Lathi and the butt of the guns 


• Were you conscious after the police beating? 

I was unconscious and left at the mortuary along with the dead bodies. Only after my 

family members reached the hospital and enquired about me, they poured water and 

I regained consciousness then they shifted me to the ward. 


Mr. Karuppan IAS (Retd.) 

• What caste do you belong to? 

I am from the washer men community 

• How many persons were arrested? 

The police conducted raids on all the villages in and around Paramakudi and 

arrested 1000 persons just because they wanted to arrest. 

Directions 

• Register complaint first with the police station; if they refuse bring it up to the District 

Judicial Magistrate with all the records and documents 


Statement of S. Velu 

Name : S.Velu S/o Shanmugam 

Age : 50 

Sex 

: Male 

Religion/ Caste: Hindu Pallar 

Qualification : 7 th Std. 

Profession : Water Tank Watchman 

Full Address : Watchman,Ponniahpuram Bharathiyar Water Tank, 

Paramakudi Municipality, Mudukulathur Road, 

Paramakudi. 

Details of family of the victim: 

Sl.No Name Age Sex Relationship Educational Profession 

Qualification 

1. Panjavarnam 49 Female Wife -- -- 

2. Radika 35 Female Daughter -- --- 

3. Rajeswari 29 Female Daughter -- --- 

4. Ranjumathi 25 Female Daughter -- --- 


Paramakudi municipality Bharathiar water tank watchman Velu, was beaten, in his on duty 

room, by the police, on the centre of his head which caused grievous injury. 

S. Velu [50] S/o Shanmugam, Bharathiar Overhead Tank Watchman, Paramakudi 

Municipality, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District.. 

Me, Velu 50 year old, S/o Shanmugam residing at Ponniahpuram Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram 

District and watchman Bharathiyar water Tank, Paramakudi Municipality give consciously the following 

statement. 

I am residing in the above-mentioned address with my family. During the year 1991 I entered 

into service as a daily wage laborer, and confirmed as a permanent employee in 2006. Due to the 

insufficiency of staff I am also doing the water tank work of Ponniahpuram and Uzhavar Santhai. 

As I am at Paramakudi since 1991, I regularly witness the Gurupooja function of Thiyagi 

Immanual Sekaran. Since 2007, the function changed in a function to gather lakhs of peoples. 

During this year, on 11.09.2011 loads of people came here at 8.00 am. After finishing my work 

at Uzhavar Santhai, and Ponniahpuram tanks, at about 2.00 am, I sat at the Bharathiar Water Tank 


situated on the way from 5 road Junction to Mudukulathur. Suddenly more than 10 policemen entered 

in the complex of the water tank with lathies. They entered into the room and beat me vigorously, I cried 

loudly and begged them to let me leave. During that time a policeman beat me severely on the centre 

of my head. My head started to bleed. After that they violently attacked me on my back and all over my 

body which caused me severe pain. They violently pulled me on the ground and when I informed them 

that I am municipality employee they brought me into a police vehicle. After showing my identity card 

stating that I am a municipal employee, the higher police official sitting in the police van took me out of 

the vehicle and ordered me to go to a private hospital instead of the government hospital. 

I went so to the private hospital named Krishnamoorthy Hospital, and took treatment. I got 11 

sutures. Till today I am taking treatment there as a patient. 


The Statement of Singathurai the victim of Police 

lathicharge in Paramakudi incidence 

Particulars of the affected person 


Caste 

Singathurai 32 Male Hindu- 

S/o Muthu 

Pallar 

Education Occupation Full 

Address 

5 th Driver Singathurai 

S/o Muthu 

Burma colony, 

Paramakudi Taluk. 

Ramnad District 

Particulars of the family of party: 

S. Name Age Sex Relationship Education Occupation 

No 

Qualification 

1. Radhika 28 Female Wife - Coolie 

2. Gurujith 3 months Male son - - 

Other Particulars of the affected party: 

1. Fracture in Right hand 

2. Blood injured 

3. Finger cut and broken 

4. Injury on the right leg 

5. Scars and swelling in the back 

Singathurai 

S/o Muthu 

Burma colony, 

Paramakudi, Ramnad District 

I am residing in the above address with my wife Radhika (28) and son Gurujith (3 months). I 

belong to Hindu-Pallar community. I am working as a driver. 

On 11.09.2011 around 11.am I participated in the Guru Puja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. On 

the same day in the afternoon around 3pm I was in the place and watching the scenes. 

I saw the crowd running out of four over the police. Then, around 3.30pm about 30 Policeman 

surrounded me near the railway gate, questioned about my participation in the Guru Puja and attacked 


me with lathis. Then they dragged me to Iyndu Mukku Road and attacked me again. In that attack I 

sustained a fracture in my right hand, a cut and a fracture in the finger, bruises and swelling in the 

back, damage in the kidney and blood clot through out the body. 

After severe torture they dragged me to the hospital and admitted. I was treated for fracture 

and the doctor told that my kidney was also affected. Then he gave treatments for my blood clots. After 

the advocates who appealed in the High Court that the people who were injured in the Paramakudi 

firing must be admitted at the private hospital and so I was taken to the Apollo Hospital and receiving 

my treatment there. 


The Statement of Mr. Siva S/o Ravichandran the 

victim of Police Firing in Paramakudi 

Particulars of affected party 


Caste 

Siva 

19 Male Hindu- 

S/o Ravichandran 

Pallar 

Other Particular of the affected party: 

1. Gun shot in the leg. 

Education 

Qualification 

Occupation Full 

Address 

AC Mechanic - Udayar Valasai, 


Taluk. 


I live in the above address. I belong to Hindu Pallar Community. I have completed the A/c 

Mechanic course and waiting for a job. 

On 11.09.11 around 12.30 pm I went 

near five point junction road to participate in the 

Guru Pooja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. 

Then, about 25 persons, the supporters 

of John Pandian, were in demonstration, shouting 

slogan for the release of John Pandian. I stood 

near the road and was watching the 

demonstration. 

The policemen numbering above 100, with helmet, shield, lathis and arms were positioned 

there. In the afternoon, around 12.45pm the supporters of the John Pandian were suddenly 

lathicharged by them. 

I ran away from that place. Then a bullet hit me on my leg with blood gushing out I was limping 

and I reached Gutter Bridge. Then one of my relatives Mr. Gopal accompanied me and admitted me in 

Government. Hospital Paramakudi in his two wheeler and I was admitted as inpatient. Then I was 

shifted to the Madurai Apollo Hospital and the bullet was removed from my leg. 




• Do you have medical report for the bullet injury? 

Yes 

• Whether the bullet is removed? 

Yes. It was removed in the Appollo Hospital not in the Government Hospital 

where I was admitted for 8 days. 

• Where is that bullet kept now? 

That was kept in Apollo Hospital 

• Was there any compensation given? 

Yes I received Rs.15, 000 from the RDO 

• Are you working? 

No 

• When did you go for a job at last? 

Before the police firing I was working. 

• Are you able to walk by yourself? 

No, only with others support I am walking now. 

• Did you satisfied in treatment? 

No 

Directions 

• Separate case should be filed before Magistrate court and Consumer court as 

the Art 21 is visibly violated. 

• Special care needs to be taken by getting direction from High court. 

• He must be given a government job 

• Contempt against District Collector, Madurai 


Statement of Mr. Rajkumar 

Mr.Rajkumar, 

Keela Kannicheri, 

Paramakudi Taluk, 


I am residing in the above mentioned address with my family. I was going to Paramakudi on 

September 11 to pay tribute to Martyr. Immanuel Sekaran. 

By 11 am when the people started to learn that Mr. John Pandian was arrested while arriving for 

the anniversary they sat on a road blockade and the police personnel’s were instigating lathie charges 

and they were also firing at the mob. While I was walking through the streets I could see policemen 

chasing the innocent gathering and also they were attacking them brutally. At that time more than 10 

policemen started to attack me, they trampled me down and started beating me with their lathies and 

also with the butts of their gun. They treadle me with their shoes and I was injured on my genitals. Due 

to this brutal attack my right leg got fractured. After their rigorous attack I was admitted in the 

Illayankudi Government hospital. Later in the evening they took me to the Madurai, Government 

Hospital where I was given the first aid. I was plastered in my legs and also by a special tube they 

helped me to pass out my urine. 

So I would request to take appropriate actions against the policemen who attacked me brutally. 

I would also plead before you that necessary security and legal assistance be provided to me. 



• What kind of torture you have undergone by the police? Whether they kicked in 

your private parts? 

I was simply walking; police had attacked me from behind. Police beat me with 

lathi. They intentionally crushed my private parts with shoes. I am not able to 

urinate even till now as I suffer severe pain due to that. I am also injured in my 


head. I fell unconscious and the police had taken my cell phone and Rs. 5000 

which fell from my pocket. Nearly 15 police men thrashed me while abusing me 

along caste lines. 

Dr. Raj Kumar 

• Do you feel that medical treatment 

given to you is adequate? 

Treatment is not adequate and I require 

further treatment. 


• Where have you taken the treatment? 

At what level you have relieved from there? 

I have taken treatment in private hospital at Paramakudi. I have fracture in the 

right leg. I am unable to walk and need other’s support. Need further good 

treatment. 

Directions: 

• File a writ petition in High Court 

• Appeal to the SHRC and NHRC to get compensation 


Statement of Mr. Naganathan 



Community 

Occupation 


Mr. V. Naganathan 38 Male Hindu/ Pallar Driver Ponnaiyarpuram, 



District 


S. No Name Age Sex Relationship Educational 

Qualification 

1. N. Parvati 36 Female Wife --- 

2. Yogeshwari 14 Female Daughter 8 th standard 

Occupation 

Farmer for daily 

wages 

3. Gayatri Devi 12 Female Daughter 6 th standard 

4. Gavaskar 8 Male Son 2 nd standard 


1. The policemen shot him with the rubber bullet and the bone at his right hand was fractured and 

his hand turned backside. 

2. As he was afraid of the police he received his treatment from a private hospital and due to the 

shortage of paying the money he is at his home 

Mr. M. Naganathan (38/11) 

Ponnaiyarpuram, Paramakudi Taluk, 


I am residing in the above mentioned address with my wife Parvati (36/11), and with my 

children Yogeshwari (14/11), Gayatri Devi (12/11), Gavaskar (8/11). We belonged to the Hindu Pallar 

community. I migrated from my home town Thiruvadi and at present I’m living in a rental house, 

Ponnaiyarpuram. In the Kalaingar’s period I worked as a driver in TNSTC and in Jayalalithaa’s rule I 


was taken out from my work. After meeting many people and through them I asked to join in the same 

work on 13.09.2011 and I was preparing myself. 

Every year on September 11 th our martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary was 

celebrated and like wise this year also all the arrangements were made for the function. I also took part 

in that function. As we got information that Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kalagam’s leader Mr. John 

Pandian who was on his way to the anniversary was unlawfully arrested by the police. At 11.00 a.m 

about 30 supporters of Mr. John Pandian started to block the roads in the five point junction. I also 

participated in the protest. 

About 100 policemen who were headed by Mr. Senthilvellan took all of us and left outside of 

the crowd. So the protesting peoples’ number went high in the protest. The Police commissioner Mr. 

Senthilvellan started kicking the protestors who were seated in the protest. A man who was in the 

protest pushed to the SP’s leg and the supporters of John Pandian got angry and pulled the SP’s shirt. 

Immediately the next minute the SP commanded the policemen to lathicharge and to fire at the people. 

During the lathicharge a young man was killed and they took him like a snake and threw him on the 

corner. 

So our anger went to the extreme and we blocked Madurai road. The policemen lathicharged 

and pelted stones and we also did the same thing for them. Then they fired with rubber bullet and a 

bullet hit me between my right wrist and my shoulder. 

The bone between my right wrist and my shoulder was fractured. I cried out of pain and tried to 

escape from there. In front of me our youngsters and the supporters were shot dead. 

In this situation at 4.00 p.m I went to the Paramakudi government hospital. The people who 

were injured in the lathicharge and in the firing came to the hospital, but the policemen again started to 

lathicharge on the people who were in the hospital campus. The policemen violated the human rights 

and in their attack a man was brutally attacked and tortured him. (A man who witnessed the incident 

started crying). Because of the policemen attack I jumped into the sewage canal. Five people came 

along with me. 

We took a train from Paramakudi and we reached Madurai. I didn’t know where the people who 

came with me had gone. I went to R.V.S ortho hospital opposite to Ganesh theatre for my treatment. 

The doctors in that hospital refused to give treatment for me. Immediately I called Dr. Ramadoss and 

explained the situation to him and then he spoke to the R.V.S doctor and then only they gave treatment 

to me. On 20.09.2011 I was discharged from the hospital and still I have severe pain. As per their 

demands and mainly because of my poor situation I was not able to give money for my treatment. Now 

I have no work and no peace and I’m staying as a prisoner at my home. Owing to this incident I was 

totally upset and because of my poor situation I was not able to give money for my treatment. 



Dr. Vasanthi Devi 

• In which part of your body you were hurt? 

I was injured at my right hand and it was a rubber bullet injury 

• In which hospital you were admitted? 

In R.V.S hospital and nearly 40,000 rupees were spent for my treatment. 

• How much so far you have spent for your medical treatment? 

Nearly one and a half lakh rupees I had spent so far. 

Mr. Ponneelan 

• For how long you were there in the Immanuel Sekaran’s Guru Pooja? 

I was there for only half and hour 

• Are you working? 

I worked as a driver in TNSTC in DMK rule and I was sent out during the ADMK 

party’s rule. 


Statement of Mr. Muniasamy 



Community 

Educational 

Qualification 

Occupation 

Mr. Muniyasamy 42 Male Hindu/ Pallar 10 th standard Packer in Sikkal 

Post Office 


North Street, 

Sikkal, Sikkal 

Kadal Aadi taluk, 

Ramanathapura 

m District 


S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Educational 

Qualification 

1. Sangeetha 

Devi 

28 Female Wife 10 th standard 

2. Nishathini 8 Female Daughter 3 rd standard 

3. Mukesh 

Kumar 

5 Male Son 1 st standard 


1. As he saw the brutal attack of the police, he was afraid, ran away, went to the top roof of the 

Devendra traditional marriage hall and in order to escape from the police he jumped from the top roof 

and thereby both his legs were broken. 


Mr. M. Munniyasamy, 

S/o Mr. M. Muthu, 

North Street, Sikkal, Sikkal Kadal Aadi taluk, 


I (Munniyasamy) have completed 42 years and belong to the Hindu Pallar community, Son of 

Mr. (late) Muthu, North Street, Sikkal, Sikkal Kadal Aadi taluk, Ramanathapuram District. I gave this 

statement in my conscious mind. 

I’m residing with my family in 

the above-mentioned address and 

working as a packer in Sikkal Post 

office. We went to the 54 th Guru Pooja 

of Immanuel Sekaran on 11.09.2011. 

From the year 1997, especially the 50 th 

Guru Pooja created a revolution among 

the Devendra people and made them 

participate in large numbers. 

Many arrangements were 

made and the community leaders were prepared to participate in this Pooja and thereby this Pooja 

would have been announced as a government function. With an intention and inner motive the entire 

plan was completely shattered. Suddenly the police started to fire and as I and many members from 

Nagapattinam were scared and ran to the Devendra traditional marriage hall. Around 30 policemen 

came to attack us, so we ran to the rooftop of the marriage hall and jumped from the rooftop. I fell down 

and was not able to get up. A man from Nagapattinam was injured like me. People who came with that 

man lifted him and escaped from the spot. 

After that, at 4.00 in the evening a man named Suresh, from Koolunthurai who fortunately 

came to the near side of the hall saw me, lifted and took me inside the hall. After the policemen’s brutal 

attack he took me at 7:30 p.m to Kaattu Paramakudi government hospital and I was admitted as 

patient. That night the policemen came and disturbed the people who were in the police firing. I 

escaped from them by saying that I had fever. 

The next day on 12.09.2011 I came out from the government hospital for one day and with the 

help of my neighbor I came to his house and a traditional physician from Pallavalasai, near nayinar 

temple treated me. The doctor told that the bones in both my feet have been broken. Since, I was afraid 

of the police, I didn’t receive treatment from the government hospital. Only with the help of others I’m 

able to pass my urine and stools. 

Therefore, I would request you to take legal measures against the policemen who did this 

brutal attack and to ensure protection to me. 


Statement of the victim of police lathis charge, 

who sustained grievous injury at the forehead 

above left eyebrow 

Details of the affected Party: 

Name Age Sex Religion Education Occupation Full Address 

Govindraj 

S/o Vellaian 

48 Male Hindu Pallar - Coolie Katchatha nallur, 

Telichanallur, 


Sivagangai Dt. 

Details of the family of the affected party: 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Education Occupation 

Qualification 

1. Rajammal 38 Female Wife - Coolie 

2. Gowthami 20 Female Daughter B.A - 

3. Raja 18 Male Son 9 th Standard - 

4. Vinoth 16 Male Son 11 th Standard - 

Statement of Mr. Govindarajan: 

I, Govindarajan (48), S/oVellaian, residing at 2/193 door no, Katchatha nallur, village 

Ilayankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District, belonging to Hindu Pallar Community is consciously making the 

following statement as given below 

I live at the above given address with my wife Rajammal (38), daughter Gowthami (18), and 

sons Raja (18), and Vinoth (16). I am an agricultural coolie and with that meager income I make my 

livelihood and educate my children. 

Under these circumstances on 11.09.2011, on behalf of my village I engaged the band of folk 

musicians from Sellur and proceeded to Paramakudi to participate in the Immanuel Sekaran Guru 

Pooja, with folk music and dancing. On that afternoon, around 3 pm when we were going near 

Valaianenthal Village we heard that police opened fire on people who were taking part in the Guru 

Pooja of Immanuel Sekaran at Paramakudi. Fearing danger, men and women of our village returned to 

our own village. The band of folk musicians whom we engaged fled with fear on hearing police firing. 

They fled to Paramakudi and waiting near Devendra Mahal shivering as they didn’t have money to go 

back. They called Mr. Perumal (42) Vice –President of Katchatha nallur Panchayat Union for financial 

assistance with their mobile phone. Immediately Mr. Perumal called me and offered Rs. 5000/- and 


asked me to hand over the money to the Sellur band of musicians who were waiting for money at 

Paramakudi. 

Immediately, I rushed to Paramakudi by foot, through short cut, reached the band that was 

waiting in nervousness in Devendra Community Hall near Om Shanmuga Theatre in Paramakudi and 

handed over the money. Thinking that the police firing was over, I wanted to return to my village via 

‘Telichatha nallur’, and so walked along the five point junction road around 4p.m. 

At this moment, around 10 policemen surrounded me with big studded lathis in their hands and 

started delivering blows on me. I could not bear, I cried bitterly. I sustained a grievous injury on the 

forehead just above the left eyebrow and blood was gushing out of the cut wound. I was terribly 

shocked, pressed the cut injury with my left hand, with utmost fear, I rushed towards the Government 

Hospital Kattu Paramakudi. I was even more shocked when I saw the police with lathis and arms 

surrounding the hospital. Frightened by this, I was hiding in the bushes in the Vaigai River. I was 

wiping the blood with my hands, tore off my dhothi into two pieces, made a dressing on the wound with 

a part of my dhothi and managed to reach the hospital around 5 pm when the police team moved from 

that place. Then I was admitted to hospital. 

After that, on 16.09.11 around 9.45 pm in the night, a policeman came and enquired about my 

name; village etc. but he didn’t record anything and left. After that on 19.09.2011, a Judge District 

Collector and the RDO visited me, enquired about my health condition, treatment given in the hospital 

and my personal details. After some time the RDO visited me again and handed over to me a cheque 

of Rs.15, 000/-. Till now I am undergoing treatment as an in patient of the Government Hospital at 

Paramakudi (Kattu Paramakudi). In the same hospital, my neighbor, Mr. Sonaimuthu (54) from 

Podurakudi village who sustained grievous head injury is because of the police lathi charge, is also 

undergoing treatment as a patient. 

While I stay in the hospital my family is experiencing extreme poverty and the education of my 

children is at stake. 


Statement of Mr. Sonaimuthu 

Details of the Witness 


Community 

Mr. Sonaimuthu, 

S/o Mr. Koori Kilavan 


Occupation 


54 Male Hindu/ Pallar Cooley Pothuvakkudi 

Paramakudi Post 


1. Karruppayi 58 Female Wife Cooley 

2. Maariammal 36 Female Daughter Cooley 

3. Annapattu 34 Female Daughter Cooley 

4. Veeralakshmi 33 Female Daughter Cooley 

5. Satthaiya 31 Male Son Cooley 


1. On 11.09.2011 at 12.45 pm, as Sonaimuthu came to the farmer’s market was brutally attacked by 

the police whereby lost his consciousness and was taken to the Paramakudi government hospital by 

one of his relatives and was receiving treatment. 

Mr. Sonaimuthu, 

S/o Mr. Koori Kilavan, 

Pothuvakkudi, 

Paramakudi Post, 


I’m residing in the above-mentioned address with my wife Mrs. Karruppayi, my three daughters 

and my son. All my children are married and at present I and my wife are living together. 

On the day of the incident (11.09.2011) at 1.00 pm I went to the farmer’s market. And as I was 

nearing the north side of the kaaladaiyan temple I saw the police were pelting stones on the dalits. 


Suddenly, about 10 policemen surrounded me and brutally attacked me with the lathis on my head, 

shoulders and on my wrists. I fainted and fell down then the policemen left the place. 

The same night at 7.00 pm, my brother in law Mr. Bose heard the news that I had fainted and 

rushed to the spot. He took me and admitted me at Paramakudi hospital for treatment. Only the next 

day (12.09.2011) at 6.00 am I became conscious and 6 stitches were put on my broken head and saw 

the blood clots on my shoulders and in my wrists. At present I’m receiving treatment in Paramakudi 

government hospital and the Revenue Divisional Officer came to see me and gave a cheque of Rs. 

15,000/- 

Later I slowly came to know the news that the policemen have attacked our community people. 

It was clearly evident that it was only because of the fact that I belong to the Hindu Pallar community 

that the police have brutally attacked and lathi charged me. 

Finally, he concluded the statement by saying that the police had a deep intention to stop the 

Immanuel Sekaran’s death anniversary and have lathi charged and did the police firing. So I plead to 

you to take legal actions against the police and provide legal assistance and ensure protection to me. 


Statement of Senthil Kumar the victim of Police 

lathicharge in Paramakudi incidence 

Particulars of the affected party 


Caste 

Senthil Kumar 

S/o Nagu 

Education/ 

Qualification 

Occupation Full 

Address 

30 Male Hindu-Pallar - Agricultural Vengalur 

Paramakudi 

Taluk, 


Other details of the affected party: 

Statement 

1. Head injury due to lathi charge 

2. Injury on the right hand 

I reside in the above address with my family members. I belong to Hindu-Pallar community. I 

make my livelihood through my earning as an agricultural coolie. On 11.09.11 I participated in the Guru 

Pooja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran in Paramakudi. When I went to Iyndu Mukku Road around 12.45pm 

I saw the supporters of John Pandian, numbering about 50 standing on road side and shouting slogans 

demanding the release of John Pandian. Following this, they tried to sit in the road for demonstration. 

I was just standing on the road side and was watching this. At that time, around12.45pm, 

suddenly the police opened fire at the supporters of John Pandian. Frightened at this, the people 

started running. Along with them I too ran. The Policemen were chasing then and beating them with 

lathis, In that group of Policeman, an identifiable policeman, of but his name I don’t know, hit me on my 

head with his lathi He hit me again on my right hand. I sustained blood injuries. Then the policemen 

dragged me to Iyndu Mukku Road and took me to Ilayankudi Government. Hospital at 7:00 p.m and 

admitted me. 


Statement of Ramasamy 

Details of the Victim: 

Name Age Gender Caste Education Occupation Address 

Rangasamy 16 Male Hindu 

/Pallar 

11 Standard - Shanmugam 

Pamboor 

East Street, 



district 

Family Details of the Victim: 

S.No Name Age Gender Relation Education Occupation 

1 Shanmugam 38 Male Father - Agriculture 

2 Karpagam 30 Female Mother - - 

3 Ramkumar 14 Male Brother 8 th - 

Pamboor Higher 

Secondary 

School. 

- 

Case Details: 

1. The police beat the victims with lathis in the five road junction. Rangasamy was injured on his 

left arm and leg and it started bleeding. He was also injured on his wrist and sustained serious 

internal injuries. 

Rangasamy 

S/of Shanmugham 

Pamboor East Street, 



Rangasamy narrated this incident to the fact finding team. 

Rangasamy (16/11), son of Shanmugham presently studying in 11th Standard in Sethupathi 

Higher Secondary School, Paramakudi belonged to the Hindu Pallar community. On 11.09.2011, I went 

to observe the celebration of the death anniversary of Dalit Leader Tyagi Immanuel Sekaran. At 11.30 

a.m, police started lathi charge in Five Junction road. I was injured in my left arm and leg and it started 


leeding and was also injured at my wrist and sustained serious internal injuries. I did not go to the 

hospital and took treatment in the village primary health centre where Band-Aid was put. I am still 

continuing my treatment. 


Additional in Affidavit: 

One week I had no food and I stayed in the forests only. I and my friends were 

hiding together. 

Discussions 

Vasanthi Devi 

• Did you see who had beaten you? 

Yes I saw, it was police men who had beaten me up. 

• How many people were with you during the lathicharge by police? 

Three boys of my age 

• When did the police lathi charge take place? 

It took place before the police firing 

• Where did you hide? 

Behind the Akila Clinic 


Statement of Mr. Sathyamoorthi 

Details about the Person Injured: 

Name Age Sex Religion/ Caste Qualification Occupation Address 

Sathyamoorthi 16 Male Hindu/Pallar 10 th Standard - Ganeshan, Pambur 

Post, Paramakudi 

Taluk, 


District, 

9442046140(Veluch 

amy Ward 

Member)94864039 

45 (Veluchamy 

Ward Member) 

Details about the Family members: 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Qualification Occupation 

1 Ganeshan 54 Male Father - Agriculture 

2 Pappa 40 Female Mother - Agriculture 

3 Eashwaran 24 Male Brother B.ED Medical work 

4 Rajammal 22 Female Sister B.Sc, MBA - 

Details about the person injured: 

1. The Policemen chased me till a Tamarind tree in the Mudhukulathur road and there they hit me 

with the lathis. As they attacked me suddenly I was wounded in my head with a deep wound 

measuring the size of a finger. 

Sathyamoorthi (16) 

S/O. Ganeshan, 

Pambur Post, 



Statement of Mr. Sathyamoorthi, S/o Mr. Ganeshan, Ramathapuram District, 

Paramakudi Division, Resident of Pambur village. 

My name is Sathyamoorthi, 16/11, s/o Ganeshan and I am studying in the costal Pambur 

Government High School. I belong to the Hindu Pallar community. 


On 11.09.2011 I went to see the Guru Pooja of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. By 12.45 pm while I 

was walking along the Paramakudi five junction road, I saw policemen chasing people with their lathis. I 

also started to run on seeing the same. The policemen chased me till I reached the tamarind tree in the 

Paramakudi- Mudhukulathur road and there they started to beat me with their lathis. Due to severe 

beating I was wounded on my fore head and was bleeding. 

I ran to the Kattu Paramakudi hospital while I was bleeding heavily. When I went there it was 

locked. It was paining severely so unable to bear the pain I went to Akila Private nursing home and had 

7 stichches on my head. As I am continuing my studies and due to fear of police I am continuing my 

treatment outside. 


Mr. Thiyagu 

• Did the policemen were dressed in uniform? 

No I didn’t see because I was running fast in order to save my life 


• Where did you get the treatment from? 

AVS shanmuganathan clinic in Madurai 

• Why did not you go to government hospital? 

For fear of chasing police, I did not go. 

• In which part of your body you were very hurt? 

I had a brutal injury at my head. 

• Did they hurt with you with lathis? 

Yes, it was a very big stick 


Statement of Muniasamy 

Name : Muniasamy 

Age : 48 

Sex 

: Male 

Religion/ Caste : Hindu Pallar 

Qualification : Nil 

Profession 

: Farmer 

Full Address : East Street, Pampur Post, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District. 

President of Thalakkal Panchayat Board 

Veluchamy [9442046140] Pampur Village President 

Veluchamy- 9486403945 

Details of family of the victim: 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Educational Profession 

Qualification 

1. Indira 45 Female Wife Agriculturist 

2. Amuthamalar 16 Female Daughter 11 th . Paramakudi 

Govt. High 

--- 

Schools 

3. Arunkumar 12 Male Son 7 th -do- --- 

4. Pooveskumar 7 Male Son 3 rd Primary 

School Pampur --- 


During the riots, bone fracture on the left hand near the wrist and a wound on the left leg due to 

violence of police inflicted to Indira [45], Muniasamy [48] East Street, Pampur Post, Paramakudi Taluk, 


Statement of the victim, Muniasamy, S/o Mr. Nalluran residing at East Street, Pampur 

post, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, before our fact finding team 

I am residing in the above-mentioned address. My name is Muniasamy 48/11. I belong to Hindu 

Pallar caste. I and my wife work as farmers. 

On 11.09.2011 I and my wife went to attend martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s Guru Pooja function. At 

about 11.30 a.m, at five point road junction, at the edge of the road, 5 persons, who were raising 

slogans and was demanding to release Mr. John Pandian, after receiving the information about his 

arrest, protested for his release. During that time about 500 people around were watching this incident 


Afterwards at about 12.45 pm policemen suddenly came and beat people with lathis so people 

standing there tried to flee. We were also standing near by a shop, witnessing the incident and began 

to run likewise. The policemen had chased, caught and beaten me. Due to the knocks inflicted by 

police I got a fracture in my left wrist .I cried due to pain, even then the policemen kept beating me. 

Those knocks occurred a wound on my leg that was bleeding. I escaped from them in fear and returned 

to home. 

Due to the prohibition of transport facilities, two days afterwards I went to the private hospital at 

Thiruppachetti and took treatment for the fracture and wound. They bandaged the fracture and wound 

and still I’m receiving my treatment. 



• Why did you go upstairs? 

Due to the police chasing I went to upstairs 

Directions 

• The complaint should be given to local police station if they negate filed before 

Magistrate Court 


Statement of Mr. Yesu, who Suffered bullet injuries in the 

Police firing Paramakudi 

Mr. Yesu (28/11) 

S/o, Mr. Joseph, 

Kamuthakudi Post, Paramakudi, 


I am residing in the above mentioned address and I belong to the Christian Devendra Vellalar 

community. On September 11, I travelled to Paramakudi, for the death anniversary of the martyr 

Emmanuel Sekaran. 

At around 12.45 pm, people heard the news that Mr. John Pandian, the Devendra community 

leader, who was about to come for the death anniversary, was arrested by the Tuticorin police and 

after receiving the information of John Pandian’s arrest around 30 people of our community started to 

block the roads in the five point road junction, Paramakudi. I didn’t sit in the protest, but I was in that 

place where the protest was going on. The policemen were negotiating with the protesting people. 

At this juncture the policemen suddenly started to lathicharge at the people. The policemen 

lathicharged not only who were involved in the protest, but also on the people who were standing, 

watching this incident and almost all the people who were in that area. Therefore people started 

running with fear and without any prior information the policemen started to fire at the public. A bullet 

pierced my lower left knee and came out. 

After, I was taken to the Paramakudi Government Hospital at 1:00 p.m and first aid treatment 

was given and then I was taken Government Rajaji Hospital around 5:00 p.m and was put in the ward 

number 99 and only after 8.30 p.m treatment was provided to me. Since we didn’t have enough bed 

facilities in the ward number 99, on 12.09.2011 we five of us were shifted to the Government hospital 

new building in Anna Nagar. There we had proper bed facilities and proper treatment. 

I request you to support me to take legal actions against the policemen who shot me without 

any cause. 


Statement of Mr. Senthil Murugan, who Suffered 

bullet injuries in the police firing Paramakudi 

Mr. Senthil Murugan, S/o, Mr. Duraisamy, Bala nagar, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram 

I am residing in the above mentioned address with my family and I belong to the Hindu Pallar 

community. I and my father are working as drivers. I have two sisters namely Ms. Sumithra and Ms. 

Chitra Devi and a brother named Mr. Thirumurugan. 

On September 11 th , at 11:30 p.m I and a boy named Raja, from Paramakudi was suppose to 

take trip in the afternoon. And we went to the petrol bunk for putting petrol to the car. Since lots of 

people were coming from the Immanuel Sekaran’s guru Pooja we went in the Bharathi nagar route and 

went near the Lonna Mahal. I got down from the car and asked Raja to fill petrol for the car and he 

went. I was walking through the Lonna Mahal in the five road junction and suddenly I saw the people 

started running here and there. I heard the sound of the gun shot. Without knowing anything I started to 

run and as I came near the Mutharasi Hospital a bullet from a very long distance pierced my right thigh 

where I couldn’t even realize what was happening to me. The bullet had torn my flesh and I was 

bleeding. With in a few seconds I fainted to the ground and a man gave me some water. 

And then one person tried to start his bike and another man was trying to hold me from the 

back side. Immediately the policemen were shouting and came with lathis and attacked the person who 

was holding me from the backside. And with the help of the person who drove the bike some how took 

me to the Kattu Paramakudi hospital. I did not know about my treatment but my wounds were tied. I 

saw many injured people in that hospital. And the same night at 9:00 p.m I was shifted to the Madurai 

Government Hospital. Later I came to know that a bullet had pierced my thigh and had come out 

through the front side. 

I was in the Madurai Government Hospital for 18 days. A man named Mr. Kannappan asked 

my family details and went off. I was not able to walk well as before and still I have the pain. Nearly for 

about Rs.30, 000/- has been spent for my treatment. I have no connection with the people who were 

involved in the road blockade on September 11, 2011. 

My entire family was stressed without knowing my condition. Later on they came to the hospital 

after hearing the incident through other sources. As there was not enough space in ward no 99 of the 

Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai. 

I have both physical and mental pain and I would request you to support me to take actions 

against the Policemen who shot me without any cause. I also request you to provide justice and 

compensation. 


Statements of Mr. Arumugam 

Arumugasami (28/11) 

S/o Ammasi, 

S. Andakkudi, 

T. Nallur Post, 



I am residing in the above said address. I belong to the Hindu Devendra Community. It’s a 

practice that every year on September 11 we used to pay homage to martyr Immanuel Sekaran on his 

death anniversary. 

In a similar manner, this year also on September 11 th we took the city bus from our village and 

reached Paramakudi five road junction. At that time, around 12:45 p.m we received information that the 

Devendra Community leader, Mr. John Pandian was arrested by the police in Tuticorin. At that time, 

around 30 people who came to pay homage involved in a road blockade in the five point road junction. 

At that time, suddenly the policemen started lathicharge. I was not involved in the blockade and 

was just standing near a shop. As the police started chasing people with lathis, all who were gathered 

there started running to escape. During the lathicharge there were not many police men. But later many 

of them arrived in a police vehicle. 

I was scared of the lathicharge and hence hide myself near the railway gate. Within half an 

hour of the lathicharge and gun shot all the people ran and hid themselves. However, for more than two 

hours the police beaten up and brutally assaulted those who were caught alone. In the same way they 

also caught me when I was hiding near the railway gate and they dragged me to the five road junction 

and around 30 police trampled me with their shoes, hit me with the butts of their guns and severely 

tortured me. They tortured me even after I pleaded with them so much. Then, they pulled and pushed 

me into the vehicle and took me to Ilayankudi Hospital. 

Only first aid was given in Ilayankudi Government Hospital and at 7:15 p.m. And at 9:30 p.m 

they brought me to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital from Illayankudi hospital without any clothes in 

my body except the underwear and we reached Madurai at 11:30 p.m. Then I was wearing a small 

towel which was given by a person next to my bed. In the night round 12.30 p.m, they started treatment 

in Madurai government hospital. In that too, they did not treat our wounds but only glucose drips were 

provided and until the next day (12.09.2011) no doctors came and they made us wait for a long time. 

Some of them who were admitted at the hospital along with me who had hand and leg fractures were 

alone treated with Plaster of Paris bandage. But they never treated me and others who had wounds 

and subtle injuries all over the body. 


I had swelling on both my hands and they were immovable. I was suggested by the Ilayankudi 

Hospital and they had also given me a letter to take a CT scan for the head injury. Hence, in Madurai 

they took the CT scan. But they never gave any information regarding that. 

Since Section 144 was clamped in our village and more than 1000 people were detained under 

false charges, my relatives and others who were also admitted there like me could not come and see 

us in the hospital. Without assistance for basic needs I was suffering a lot even to go to the toilet. 

The police department says that they have carried out lathicharge to disperse the mob. But then why 

they brutally attacked me when I was hiding alone? So I request you to provide legal aid to those who 

were affected. 


Statement of Mr. K.Pandi, injured by a bullet during the Paramakudi 

Police Firing: 

K.Pandi, S/o. Kallimuttan, K. Valasai, Paramakudi, Ramanad 

I am residing in the above address. I belong to the Hindu Devendra Kula Vellalar Community. I 

went to pay my tribute to Martyr Immanuel Sekaran on his death anniversary on September 11 th 2011. 

Then, hearing the arrest of Mr. John Pandian head of the Devendra Kula community 30 men 

who belong to our community sat on a road blockade by 12.45 PM near the five point road junction, 

Paramakudi. In the mean time suddenly the policeman started to lathicharge at the crowd. They not 

only attacked the persons who involved in the protest but also the people who are standing and 

witnessing the incident. Seeing this every body started to run in all directions. At that time, suddenly the 

police started gun firing at the crowd without any prior notice. While this incident was happening about 

30 policemen came with long pine woods and started to beat me. My head and my right ear were badly 

injured. The index finger in the left hand was broken and injuries under my left elbow. My right hand 

was broken. 

The police men took all the injured and affected persons in a vehicle at 6:45 p.m and brought 

us to the Ramanathapuram Hospital. Then first aid services were provided to me. 

Later only after 11:30 p.m the treatment was given to me. Since there were sufficient beds in 

the ward number 99, the next day (12.09.2011) I and five others were shifted to the new building near 

the Anna bus stand. After receiving treatment for 20 days I returned to my home. 

I would request you to support me to take actions against the Policemen who shot me without 

any cause. 


Person who witnessed the police atrocities in the name of raid after the 

Paramakudi police firing incident 


Name Age Sex Religion/Caste Educational Occupation Full Address 

Jeyapaul 

(Differently 

abled) 

Qualification 

26 Male Hindu -Pallar MA Puliyur, 

Kottaiyur Post, 

Ilayankudi 

Taluk, 

Sivagangai 

District. 

Ph. 97512- 

19375 


S.No Name Age Sex Relationship to the Educational Occupation 

victim Qualification 

1. Elumalai 52 Male Father --- Farming 

2. Settichi 46 Female Mother --- Farming 

3. Jeyakumar 40 Male Elder Brother --- Farming 

4. Sarojadevi 35 Female Brother’s wife --- Farming 

5. Lavanya 15 Female Brother’s daughter 10 th --- 

6. Dilip 12 Male Brother’s son 5 th --- 

7. Munneswari 29 Female Elder sister --- Farming 

8. Murugeshan 36 Male Sister’s husband --- Farming 

9. Yasodhai 23 Female Younger sister --- Farming 

10. Balu 34 Male Sister’s husband --- Farming 

11. Dilip 02 Male Younger sister’s son --- --- 

12. Kavitha 25 Female Wife --- Farming 

13. Kayalvizhi 01 Female Daughter --- --- 

Injuries suffered by the victim: 

1. Visible Wounds – in left hand fingers, right side wrist of left hand, Forehead-blood injuries 

2. Invisible wounds – on Left thigh, knees of left and right legs 

Statement of Mr. Jeyapaul, S/o Elumalai: 

I am residing in the above mentioned address with my family and we earn farming wages to run 

the family. I was affected by Polio during my childhood and hence my right leg was paralysed. I worked 


hard keeping in mind about my physical condition and my family’s situation and completed my MA. Till 

now I depend on my parents. I use a three-wheeler motor bike to travel. 

On the 11.09.2011 morning around 8.30 am I started from Puliyur, which is my native place in 

my three-wheeler motorbike with a flag of Martyr Immanuel’s Peravai and later paid tribute to National 

leader Martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial in Paramakudi. 

Then I attended the opening ceremony of the statue of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran in 

Paramakudi Panpaattu Kazhaga Marriage hall. After that I was about to visit the house of Mr. P. 

Chandra Bose, the General Secretary of Immanuel Sekaran’s assembly. When I was nearing the five 

point junction road at around 12:.00 noon, I noticed a group of 50 supporters carrying out the blockade 

against John Pandian’s arrest and demanding his immediate release on one side of the road and on 

the other side, the transport was regulated for vehicles to go for Guru Pooja. I took that route in my 

three-wheeler motor bike. 

I parked my three-wheeler bike near Mr. Chandrabose’s house and took the flag tied to my hip. 

I managed to walk though it was difficult and reached the Madurai Mandapam, Main Road along the 

way to Chandrabose’s house and I was watching the community relatives who were going for the Guru 

Pooja and took photographs in my cell phone. 

Police arrived at the same place where I was standing in two large vans and they chased away 

the people. The group of people in fear of the police ran through the Vasanthapuram Street. As I was 

physically challenged I could not run and I took some photographs while the police were chasing the 

people. 

Some 6 policemen who noticed that I was taking photographs came towards me and started 

beating me with lathis on my right leg which was physically weak. They also trampled me with their 

shoes and beat me up and dragged me by pulling the shirt. As two people dragged me another police 

was beating continuously. Due to the above said torture I suffered blood injuries on my left hand 

fingers, left hand wrist and forehead. The same way my left thigh, both the right and leg knees had 

invisible wounds because of their blows. They used abusive language while beating me like “Pallath 

thaayoligalukku ennada guru Pooja ketkudu. Yen da nondi punda mavane neeyellam inga variyada, 

nondi punda mavane. Ivan kaala odinga da” and dragged me. They noticed the Immanuel Sekaran 

Assembly flag which I tied on my waist and forced me to tie it on my forehead. One of the policemen 

hit me forcefully on my genitals with the lathi. I could not bear the pain and screamed. They brought me 

before a police officer who was standing near the van and said that “ivan engalidam sunniyai eduthu 

kaatukiran sir” and he asked me to get into the van. 

The policemen took me inside the van and brought me to the five point junction and stopped 

the vehicle in Ilayankudi Road. Till 4.00 pm in the evening the van stood there itself. Then at 4.00 pm, 

they threw some 11 persons inside the van treated them like cattle without humanity. I had taken 

photographs of all the above said incidents in my cell phone. A policeman noticed that and took away 

the phone from me and tortured me by slapping me on the face and trampled me with shoes. 


They took all the 11 persons in the police vehicle around 4.30 pm and (Me alone was seated 

and the 11 other persons were in an unconscious state), four policemen came inside the van. 

Paramakudi Tahsildar and many revenue department officers were standing at that time. Those people 

who were in an unconscious state murmured and asked for water. One of the policemen spoke abusive 

words “ivanungaluku sunni thanniya kudunga da”. Then the four policemen broke the legs of those 11 

persons. On seeing these things the tahsildar warned them that they were violating the limits and 

torturing the innocent people. Then they all stopped torturing and went out of the van. 

Then evening around 6 pm they brought the vehicle inside which I and other 11 persons were 

there to the Ilayankudi Government Hospital. But when we arrived there, no policemen tried to take us 

inside the hospital. The van stood there for about 15 minutes. I felt thirsty. As the others also were 

asking for water I shouted to give water. At that time, some Muslim youngsters who were standing near 

the van and discussing about the Paramakudi firing incident heard our voice and opened the vehicle 

door. They were shocked to see us. With humanitarian approach they lifted all of us and took us inside 

the hospital and lay us down on the ward beds. Soon, the duty doctors and nurses started giving 

treatment. Mr. Theerpukani who belonged to Keelakodumalur village died due to delay in treatment. 

At around 10.30 pm they took us to the Madurai Government Hospital in a TMMK Ambulance 

from Ilayankudi. At 11.00 pm at night they took scan for me and provided injections and tablets. 

The next day 12.09.11 morning around 9.00 am my wife and mother-in-law came to see me. 

There all the injured people were not given beds and were lying down. Later when some VIPs, lawyers 

and leaders and others came to see our condition, they gave us the beds. 

As I was informed that the police were planning to arrest all the injured persons after the 

treatment, I came out of the hospital at around 5.00 pm after informing the ward doctor. At present due 

to police fear I am undergoing treatment in a private hospital. 


Statement of Mr. Jeyachandran 

Details of the affected party: 

Name Age Sex Religion 

Caste 

S. Jayachandran 30 Male Hindu- 

S/o.P. Shanmugam, 

Pallar 

Education Occupation Full Address 

- Agricultural 

Coolie 

Pambur, 

Pambur Post, 

Paramakudi 

Taluk, 

Ramnad 

District 

Particulars of the family of the affected party: 

S. Name Age Sex Relationship Educational Occupation 

No 

Qualification 

1. Kalairasi 28 Female Wife 8 th Agricultural 

Coolie 

2. Satguvani 12 Female Daughter 7 th - 

3. Pooja 11 Female Daughter 6 th - 

4. Jayapriya 9 Female Daughter 4 th - 

5. Muruganantham 6 Male Son 1 st - 

Other Particulars of the affected party 

1. Injury on the fore head, 10 stitches 

2. Bullet injury on the right leg below the knee on the right side 

3. Injury on right leg below the knee with 7 Stitches 

4. Internal injuries in the right hand. 

5. Internal injuries on the back. 

The Statement of Mr. Jayachandran 

S. Jayachandran 

S/o P. Shanmugam 

Pambur,Pambur Post, 

Paramakudi Taluk,Ramnad District 

I, Jayachandran, S/o Shanmugam, resident of Pambur, Paramkudi Taluk, Ramnad District, 

belonging to Hindu Pallar Community, aged 30 years is making this statement consciously. 

I am living in the above said address with my wife Kalairasi(28), daughter Sakthivani(12), 

Pooja(11) Jayapriya(9) and son Muruganandham(6) we are coolies and we lead a difficult life with a 

meager income. 


On 11.09.11 around 11 A.M in the morning people from our village hired a lorry and proceeded 

to Paramakudi to pay homage to Immanuel Sekaran. I followed the lorry on my two wheeler, paid 

homage to the Martyr Immanuel Sekaran, parked my two wheeler near a rice mill in Mudukulathur 

Road, and I was watching the people who were going to pay their homage to Immanuel Sekaran’s 

memorial with the music bands. 

On that day around 12.45 p.m I heard gun shots in the direction of the five point junction roads, 

near the water tank in Mudukulathur Road, a black skinned man aged about 30 years was limping with 

a gun shot on his leg. He was bleeding. He was crying and howling in front of the crowd about the 

Police firing on ‘Our People’ (Dalits) and begging for help. He was weeping bitterly. 

The bullet has penetrated his leg, pierced through his leg muscles and he was profusely 

bleeding. I immediately ran to him to rescue, lifted him on my shoulders, crossed the railway gate and 

removed him from the trouble spot. I tore my dhoti into two, and a bandaged his wound with one part of 

my dhoti and begged the crowd of ladies who were over there to save him at any cost. I covered myself 

with the remaining part of the dhothi and went in search of my companion who was holding my bike 

key. 

Then, around 12.45 pm in the afternoon one Panneer from Veerambal village has fallen down 

with a gun shot. Already panner was well acquainted with me and with the intention of rescuing him I 

went to that place and tried to lift Panneer who was on the floor. Immediately about 10 policemen with 

big lathis in their hands surrounded me and questioned me why should I save Panneer. I told them that 

Panneer was struggling for his life and if he was taken to hospital immediately his life could be saved. 

The police shouted back that we shot him only to kill him. Why should you rescue him? They further 

said; does his age need Guru Puja’ from this year onwards, you Pallar bastards should not even think 

of Paramakudi. Telling this they surrounded me and started beating me. They were repeatedly beating 

me on the head, forehand and throughout the body without even a bit of remorse. I could not bear with 

it and I lost myself and I was crying for life. The police went on with the lathi charge on me for more 

than 10 minutes. 

I sustained severe injury on my fore head with blood gushing out, serious injury on the right leg 

below the knee wit bruises all over the body. I was totally exhausted and I could not even move. The 

pain was unbearable and I felt like dying. 

Then the police came and dragged me in this condition to the police station. At the same time 

the police threw in three men into a police van who were struggling for life with gun shots at Iyndu 

mukku road. They were begging for water and they were weeping. They begged the police to save 

them. The Police did not drive the van to hospital but they parked the van there itself. 

The Police dragged me to police station, put me in a separate place and started beating me 

again below the knees without causing blood injuries. They tortured me with beating and scolding. They 

asked me why Pallars should have Guru Pooja. I was experiencing piercing pain because of the Police 

torture. 


Then the Police put me with all blood injuries and bruises along with the people who had 

undergone torture like me in a cell and locked it. Around 9pm in the night the police threw us into the 

police lorry all the six persons with grievous injuries. We were handled like animals. Then, around 

10.30pm in the night they took us to the Government Hospital, Ramanathapuram. They admitted us as 

in patients in the said hospitals. I had one deep injury on the left of my forehead, another serious injury 

just one below the left knee that was half an inch deep, another injury above the hip on the back which 

was deep and had internal injuries through out the body. I underwent treatment as an in. patient from 

10.30.pm on 11.09.11 to 17.09.11 for the above said injuries. 


Mr. Thiyagu 

• Why did you go to the spot? 

I went to pick up the wounded persons; but police had beaten me up and abused 

me along caste lines. 

• How much compensation has the government given to you? 

Rs. 15,000/- 

• What did they say while beating? 

There scolded me by my caste name 


Statement of Mr. Vellaisamy 


Name Age Sex Religion/ Education Occupation Full Address 

Community 

Mr.K. Vellaisamy 71 Male Hindu/ Pallar D.T. Ed School head 

master 

(retired) 

S/o Mr. Karuppan, 

3/156 N. 

Bethanenthal 

Vegadakurichi 

post, 

Paramakudi Block, 


District, 

8754208380, 

9597319085 


S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Education Occupation 

1. Rama 58 Female Wife +2 Anganwadi 

Lakshmi 

worker 

2. Maheswari 40 Female Daughter +2 --- 

3. Durai 

Murugan 

-- Male Son B.E --- 

4. Prema 24 Female Daughter B.com, 

D.T.Ed. 

Mr. Vellaisamy, retired school head master who was brutally injured in the police 

firing gave this statement 

My name is Vellaisamy and I am 71 years old. I am a retired school head master and I belong 

to the Hindu Pallar community. My wife’s name is Mrs. Ramalakshmi and I have one son and two 

daughters. 

On 11.09.2011 at 12.00 in the noon I went to see the Guru Pooja and as I came I heard the 

news of Mr. John Pandian’s arrest. About 50 people blocked the road and raised their slogans. 

Immediately the DIG, SP, DSP and about 300 policemen surrounded us. We asked them why they 

--- 


have arrested our leader Mr. John Pandian. The town DSP replied that they got the command from 

their higher authorities and it was not necessary to reveal to you people and told us to immediately 

disperse from the place. We in turn told him that we will continue this protest till our leader is released. 

So a chaotic situation prevailed among the people and the police. As we were talking to them suddenly 

they took a 5 feet long wooden log and started attacking us. In the mean time they also opened fired on 

the people. Five people were injured bullets in front of me and I was shocked and started running. 

Since I can’t run fast I went to the Tasmac shop which was near the five point junction road and sat on 

the 4 th step. Three policemen came running straight to me. They spoke in abusive language “Vanga 

mapilla eppathan ammpputingalla, odamma ukkanthirukinga” and caught my shirt and dragged me to 

the five point junction road. The town police station inspector had a 5 foot wooden log in his hand and 

he brutally attacked me with it on my right leg. 

Through the brutal attack of the police, my toe on my right leg was covered with blood and the 

nail was broken. The town station SI hit with his lathi on the front side of the right leg and so I started 

bleeding from my front side of the right leg. Because of my severe pain I pleaded with the policemen. 

But the inspector shouted at me in abusive language “yella killattu Sunni, retired ayyi vetilla irukkama 

Inga variyyo? Sethuolida” and again he brutally attacked me and my right eye brow was hurt and 

started bleeding. I had a severe pain, in addition to this another three policemen surrounded me and 

lathicharged me. However I pleaded with them but they did not listen to me. I was brutally injured on my 

right elbow, two shoulders, buttocks, thighs and also many internal wounds. I asked the inspector what 

wrong thing I have done and why are they attacking me. The inspector in turn replied that “Enda killattu 

nona unakkallam ethukkuda ithu? Nee setha enada, pallapayyalluku ennada guru Pooja kekutha and 

threatened me. Then the policemen dragged me by pulling my shirt and I said that I will tie my dhotis 

properly. But the policeman abused me that “pallapayyalluku ennada sarrukku vetti” and dragged me to 

the van. I didn’t wear my sandals and also I didn’t take my wrist watch which was on the floor. They 

brought me to the town station and kept me in the lock up and already there were about 15 people who 

had blood injuries. The whole town station was covered with blood. As I was in the lock up I wanted to 

pass urine and I asked the inspector. He threatened me that “Pulluthi angayye iruda” After some time 

as I was thirsty I asked for water from the inspector and he replied that “Nee setha ennada”. After the 

inspector left the station the head constable was watching this gave me water. 

Since I felt like fainting I lay on the floor. At 7.30 p.m the police authorities came to the station 

and about 23 persons were there in the station with blood injuries. The inspector told us that all should 

tell their name, home town and their caste properly and threatened us if we did not, we will be killed. 

After the investigation, people belonged to the pallar community was taken in a van to the hospital and 

the remaining people were in the station. We were admitted in the Ramanathapuram hospital at 10.30 

p.m in the night. 



Additional information in Affidavit: 

Discussions 

The victim requested the juries to take appropriate actions against Mr. 

Sivakumar, inspector and Mr. Gajendran, 




Community 

Mr. Durai Pandi 

S/o Mr. Munniandi 

35 Male Hindu/ Pallar 6 th standard Firewood 

business 

Education Occupation Full Address 

Gajendrapuram 

street, Chintamani, 

Madurai south 

Madurai District 


S. Name Sex Relationship Educational Occupation 

No 

Qualification 

1. Rohini (28) Female Wife --- Cooley 

2. Kousalya (12) Female Daughter 10 th standard --- 

3. Devendran (16) Male Son 5 th standard --- 

Mr. Durai Pandi’s statement 

Mr. Durai Pandi, 

S/o Mr. Munniandi, 

Gajendrapuram Street, 

Chintamani, 

Madurai South 


I’m residing in the above mentioned address with my wife and with my children. I belong to the 

Hindu Pallar community. I’m working as a farmer for daily wage with which I manage my family. 

On 10.09.2011 in the evening the Avaniyapuram police station Inspector Mr. Gajendran and 

the SI Mr. Shanmuganathan has threatened the dalit people to close their shops near Chintamani ring 

road. 

At this stage on 11.09.2011 from 8.00 a.m onwards martyr Immanuel Sekaran’s board was 

kept in the Chintamani ring road. So the Dalits’ came to pay their homage and customary tribute to 

Immanuel Sekaran. I was appointed to discipline the crowd. 

About 30 policemen were deployed for giving protection and it was headed by the SI Mr. 

Shanmuganathan, who belonged to the Servai community. At 11.30 a.m the SI called the inspector 

over phone and gave him wrong information. 

As our Dalit people was paying their tribute in a peaceful manner but the Avaniyapuram SI with 

his previous enemity on our people called inspector Gajendran and informed him that the Dalit people 


are blocking the roads and creating a chaotic situation in the place, and so the inspector Mr. Gajendran 

immediately came to the spot in a Tata sumo car. The SI shouted in abusive language and told the 

inspector that “intha palla kudimakkalai suttu thalluga sir” (shoot and kill these kudimakkal). At around 

1:15 p.m, Mr. Gajendran, the inspector took his pistol and tried to shoot Mr. Jeyaprasanth S/o Mr. 

Dhanabalan who belonged to the Pattam village. He also shouted at him in abusive language “palla 

kudi mavanna sethupoda”(you pallar kudimakkal go and die) and tried to shoot him. 

On seeing this Mr. Jeyaprasanth started to run with fear and the inspector shot him. The bullet 

pierced his right rib and came out through his right hand. He was completely shocked and fell to the 

ground unconscious. 

As Mr. Ravi, S/o Mr. Malaisammy, and Mr. Duraipandi, S/o Mr. Munniandi, Mr. Alaguram S/o 

Mr. Pandi, Mr. Eswaran, S/o Mr. Aathimullam was watching and immediately we went to save Mr. 

Jeyaprasath. 

Immediately the SI Mr. Shanmuganathan took the inspector’s pistol and shot us. But the bullet 

was aimed at Mr. Balakrishnan, S/o Mr. Ramar. As we knew this we ran away. We do no know what 

had happened after that. 



• Who beat you? 

Inspector Gajendran beat me. 

• Did they give you proper treatment? 

Yes they did. 

• Did the collector give shooting orders? 

When Madurai Collector Mr.Sahayam called on me in Madurai Govt Hospital; we 

asked him why did you make our life miserable. Then the collector very clearly 

told us that he did not authorize or give any shooting order. It was done without 

his approval. 


Statement of Mr. Deivendran who was attacked 

by the police and suffered injuries on his leg 

during the death anniversary of Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran 



Community 

Educational 

qualification 

Occupation 


Mr. Deivendran 38 Male Hindu/ Pallar --- --- Rajiv Nagar, 

Melaikudi, 



district 



qualification 

1. Prema 35 Female Wife --- --- 

2. Nandha 

Kumar 

8 Male Son --- --- 


Deivendran (38/11) 

S/o Muthukaruppan 

Melaikudi Post 


Ramanathapuram district 

I have been residing in the above-mentioned address. I belong to the Hindu Pallar community. My 

wife is Prema (35/11) and son Nandhakumar (8/11) who has been studying in Adi Dravidar Middle 

School in Pambuvilundhan. 

Last 11.09.2011 at around 11.00 am I went out to buy some things from the shop. At that time, I 

saw about five people who belonged to my community being involved in a road blockade. But at that 

time, I was unaware of the reason for which they were engaged in that blockade. Around 12.45 p.m, the 

policemen beat them with lathis without any information. As Senthilvelan sir had given orders, they 

immediately opened fire. All the people were scared and started running as the police was chasing 

them like dogs. While running, a person named Venkatakurichi Sanmugavelan suffered bullet injuries 

on his leg and he fell down near Annamalai tea stall near the railway gate. At the same time, the police 


shot another person named Manikam on his forehead and he fell down on the spot. On seeing this, our 

people got agitated and started throwing stones at the policemen. The policemen equally pelted stones, 

which they had in reserve. I also got injured when the policemen threw stones and I could not walk 

since both my legs got injured. Still now many men of our village are hiding in the forests due to fear of 

the police. 


No comments and the juries only observe the case 


Statement of Mr. Eswaran 

Details of the Witness: 

Name Age Sex Religion/ Educational 

Occupation 

Caste Qualification 

Eswaran 30 Male Hindu -Pallar 6 th Std Wage 

Labourer 

(Coolie) 


Melatheru, 

Sinthamani, 

Madurai South, 




to the victim Qualification 

1. Muthu Kalaichi 28 Female Wife --- Wage Labourer 

(Coolie) 

2. Kousalya 8 Female Daughter 4 th Std --- 

3. Gunasekaran 6 Male Son 1 st Std --- 

4. Murugeshwari 4 Female Daughter LKG --- 

Statement of Mr. Eswaran: 

Eswaran 

S/o Aadhimoolam 

Melatheru, Chinthamani, 



I have been residing in the above mentioned address with my wife Muthukalaichi (28 yrs), 

daughters Kousalya (8 yrs), Murugeshwari (4 yrs) and a son Gunasekaran (6 yrs). I belong to the lower 

caste Hindu Pallar community. I work as a wage labourer and manage my family. 

On 11.09.2011 morning around 11.00 am I was simply watching over the vehicles that were 

going for Immanuel Sekaran’s guru Pooja ceremony from Chinthamani Ring Road. The people were 

paying customary tribute in respect to the portrait image of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran. 

Many people from Puliyur, Sinthamani, Burma Colony, Gajendrapuram and Avaniyapuram 

villages arrived there in vans and there were around 50 people paying homage to Martyr Immanuel 

Sekaran after which they silently observed the ceremony that was taking place. 

More than 30 policemen in full uniform under the leadership of Avaniyapuram Police Station 

Sub Inspector Shanmuganathan were standing there on protection duty. At around 11.30 a.m more 

men arrived in 3 cars from Paatam village. 

At that time, around 12.15 p.m Avaniyapuram Police Station Inspector Gajendran arrived there 

in a Tata Sumo. As soon as he arrived, SI Shanmuganathan on seeing him told to shoot at the Paatam 

villagers, “Paatamkarangalai suttu thallunga sir” in a loud voice. 


Immediately, Gajendran took his gun and aimed towards the chest of Paatam Village 

Dhanabalan’s son and tried to shoot him saying “Sethu po da”. Jeyaprasanth was scared and tried to 

run away. While he was running, the Inspector shot him without any hesitation. 

The bullet shot was aimed at the right side of his back, it went through the ribs and in turn 

pierced the upper part of the left elbow and ejected out. They deliberately identified and killed only the 

Paatam villagers without causing any interruption to the public and transport. 

Jeyaprasanth fell down unconscious soon after getting the bullet injury. Many others and 

myself from Sinthamani area including Ravi, S/o Malaichami; Duraipandi, S/o Muniyandi; Mani, S/o 

Muthu; Azhaguram, S/o Pandi rushed to save him. 

During that time we again heard the sound of gun shots. So, we left the injured person there 

itself and ran away. 


Person who witnessed the police atrocities in the name of raid after the 

Paramakudi police firing incident 



Caste 

Educational 

Qualification 

Occupation 

K. Muthu 48 Male Hindu -Pallar --- Grazing 

cattle 


S/o Kizhavan, Adi 

Dravidar Colony, 

Alanganur, 

Mudhukulathur Taluk, 


District 

Details of the victim’s family 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship 

to the victim 

Educational 

Qualification 

1. Rengammal 48 Female Wife --- 

2. Kalaiselvan 30 Male Son --- 

3. Marimuthu 27 Male Son --- 

4. Vijayakanth 22 Male Son --- 

Occupation 

Farming Wages 

K. Muthu 

S/o Kizhavan, 

Adi Dravidar Colony, 

Alanganur, Mudhukulathur Taluk, 


I have been residing in the above mentioned address with my wife Rengammal (Age - 48/11) 

and my sons Kalaiselvan (30 yrs), Marimuthu (27 yrs) and Vijayakanth (22 yrs) respectively. We belong 

to the Hindu Pallar Community. Three months before I suffered severe fracture in both my legs as I fell 

down accidentally while climbing up the palm tree. So, I took treatment from the hospital. As my 

condition has recovered somewhat to a better condition I started grazing cattle due to poverty and also 

my wife works as a daily wage farmer and she is looking after the family. 

In this situation, past 18.09.011 in the afternoon around 2.30 pm, I was grazing the cattle near 

the Alanganur Oorani (Pond). At that time, two youngsters were standing and speaking there. As they 

saw three policemen coming over there they started running. I could not run and so I stood there. They 

searched in and around the pond area and as they could not find them they caught me and asked 

about the youngsters. I told them that I did not know anything about them. Then they asked me to say 

to which community I belonged to and I said that I belonged to the SC community. They again asked to 

specify my community and as I said Pallar, they started beating me saying “Are you one among the 

Pallars? Did you go for the Guru Pooja or your sons went?” and also abused using the caste name. 


Then they dragged me forcibly along the streets, beat me with lathis and asked me to show all the 

houses belonging to Pallar community people. And they have also damaged the roof of Ponnuchami’s 

house using iron rods. They enquired his wife about his whereabouts and as she said she did not know 

about him they broke the pots being kept in front of the house with their shoes. They carried me further 

by dragging and beating me with lathis during which they showed a house and asked whether it 

belonged to the Pallar community people. As it was my elder brother’s house and feared that they will 

damage it, I did not reveal it and said that I did not know. 

Some women who were watching over the incident as the policemen beat me they pleaded 

with them to leave me as I am an elderly person. But the policemen threatened them to get away from 

there. But the women were agitated and told the policemen that they will self-immolate themselves if 

they did not leave me. The policemen in turn said that they will give petrol to the women for immolating 

themselves. Then they left me there and went off. 

Already I got both my legs injured. In that condition, due to the police beating my whole body 

became weak and I am very much worried as I do not have any means to get treatment. Further as I 

am unable to work, I am dependent and living only on my wife’s earning. 

Hence, I request to take departmental action against the policemen who forced me to this 

situation and also request to support me in getting appropriate medical treatment. 


Statement of Munisamy who was ill treated by 

the Policemen in the name of Raid after the 

Paramakudi Incident 

Details about the affected Person: 


Community 

Muniasamy 

S/o 

Sethuraman 

Qualification Occupation Address 

47 Male Hindu/Pallar - Agriculture Subramaniapuram, 

Vilangulathur, 



District. 

Details about the Victims family: 

S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Qualification Occupation 

1 Mariammal 45 Female Wife - Coolie 

Details about the Victim: 

1. A person was hiding at his house with wounds in his shoulders and two hands and also a fatal 

damage in his leg that will definitely lead to the leg fracture owing to the brutal attack by the 

policemen in the name of raid after the Paramakudi Incident. 

Muniasamy, Age 47, 

S/o Sethuraman, 

Subramaniapuram, Villangulathur, 

Mudhukulathur, 

Ramanadhapuram District 

I am residing at the above mentioned address. I belong to the Hindu Pallar community. I am 

working as an Agricultural labourer. On 16.9.2011 evening around 7.00 p.m I went to my field and 

worked there till 11:00 p.m and was returning home. While I came near Tambaram Pottal there were 

more than 30 policemen coming near me and they surrounded me. One among the thirty policemen 

came forward with a 5 inch stick and hit my left leg. Due to that I was bleeding heavily. I suffered a 

terrible pain and I pleaded with them and asked them “Why are you beating me? Please don’t beat me. 


On hearing this the policemen replied, if you can give me the details about the persons who are 

educated in this village and also about the details of persons who pelted stones on the bus. 

For this I replied, that I don’t know anything sir. Even then the police didn’t leave me. Four 

policemen took both of my hands and beat me with a stick on my shoulders. Other policemen hit my 

right leg index toe and I cried with pain. Due to the rigorous attack my nail in the toe broke off and that 

created a rigorous pain. 

Later the policemen took me by my collars and pushed me down and started to trample me. 

Two policemen took my legs and another two held my legs and started to break it. I shouted with all my 

might, unable to bear the pain. They didn’t leave me but going on questioning about the person who 

pelted stones on the bus and also about the persons who are educated and I once again pleaded with 

them that I don’t know anything. But the policemen even then added that if all the men in our village is 

going and hiding in the hills then your wives will only deliver police men’s children. By telling this he 

even started to beat me and I started to shout with unbearable pain. On hearing my loud cry Udayan 

s/o Karuppan came to the spot and pleaded with the policemen.” Please leave him, he is a sick 

person”. The policemen ordered him “Take this fellow and run from the spot and also by using abusive 

language “Thayoli Pasangala”. And they left the spot. 

As I was wounded in my leg I was unable to walk. So Udayan went inside the village and 

brought some men and took me home. In the morning they took me to the Mudhukulathur Government 

Hospital but they didn’t treat me properly. 

So I would request you to take appropriate actions against the policemen who caused grievous 

hurt in my legs and hands for no crime committed by me. And also I would request you to order for 

proper medical assistance. 


Statement of Mr. Andi 


Name Age Sex Religion/ Occupation Full Address 

Community 

Mr. Andi 75 Male Hindu/ Pallar --- Alanganoor, Mudukulathur 



S.No Name Sex Relationship Occupation 

1. Sathayyia (50) Female Daughter Married 

2. Poonuvel (45) Male Son Differently abled 

3. Karuppasamy(35) Male Son Cooley 

4. Sivakumar (32) Male Son Temporary post in MC 


1. The victim is deaf and also has very slight vision 

2. The victim’s two sons are differently abled. 

3. Without considering his old age the police have attacked and tortured him. 

I’m residing in the above mentioned address. I have three sons and one daughter. All my 

children are married and I have also seen my grand children. My two sons are differently abled and so 

they can do only limited tasks. We belong to the Hindu Pallar community. My wife passed away 30 

years ago. I’m partially deaf and I also have a low vision, so I cannot go for work and I’m at my home. 

On 18.09.2011, at 7.00 in the morning I went to take bath in the Kammakarai pond. The people 

who were bathing suddenly ran away. Without knowing the reason I also started running along with 

them. But I wasn’t able to run fast. In the mean time roughly four policemen caught hold of me and one 

among them lathicharged me on my buttocks and asked me to which caste I belonged. Since I’m 

partially deaf I once again asked the policeman. The policeman said that “I’m repeatedly asking you 

and you are not replying to me” and severely attacked me by beating me on both sides of my buttocks. 

I couldn’t bear the pain and pleaded with them with my two hands. 


Then I asked the man who was standing near me what was the policeman asking. The man 

loudly told that the policeman asked you to which caste you belonged to. Immediately I replied to the 

policeman that I belonged to the Kudumathar community. So that policeman took me to a big water 

tank. The police authorities were standing there. I couldn’t bear the pain and I fell at the authorities’ 

feet. One amongst them told that this man is deaf and that he is also very old and so leave him and 

they left the place. 

With the unbearable pain I cried a lot and came to my home. A few women from our village 

gave hot water sponging and applied medicine to my injury. Till now I do not know the reason for the 

police attack and both my buttocks are paining and have a lot of blood clots. 

In this stage, on 22.09.2011 Ms. Palaniammal and other two people came from People’s 

Watch, a human rights organisation in Madurai. They asked us about the incident. So we narrated the 

whole incident. Moreover, I also told about the pain that I’m undergoing due to the police lathicharge. 

They told us to come and meet the Paramakudi Collector on 23.09.2011 and they left the place. 

The next day on 23.09.2011 at 10.00 in the morning Mr. Muthu, S/o Mr. Kilavan and I who was 

also injured in the police firing came with me to Paramakudi. They took us to meet the 

Ramanathapuram District Collector. As soon as the Collector saw me he was upset. He told that he did 

not know about the police raid which was going on and told that he would enquire this from the RDO. 

Immediately he called the RDO over phone and told him to conduct an enquiry in this regard. In 

addition to this he also contacted the Deputy Director of the Ramanathapuram Government Hospital 

and told him about us and to give proper medical treatment. Then they took us to the Ramanathapuram 

Government Hospital. The doctors recorded the incident. They took x-ray and we were admitted as in 

patients. At present the doctors are taking care of us in a good manner. 

Therefore, I request you to take appropriate action against the policemen and provide justice 

and compensation to us. 


From 

To 

Mr. Andi, 75 years 

S/o Mr. Sathan, 

Alanganoor, 

Mudukulathur Taluk 


The District Collector, 

Collector’s office, 


Respected Sir, 

I’m residing in the above mentioned address. I have three sons and one daughter. All my 

children are married and I have also seen my grand children. My two sons are differently abled and so 

they can do only limited tasks. We belong to the Hindu Pallar community. My wife passed away 30 

years ago. I’m partially deaf and I also have a low vision. So I cannot go for work and I’m at my home. 

On 18.09.2011, at 7.00 in the morning I went to take bath in the Kammakarai pond. The people 

who were bathing suddenly ran away. Without knowing the reason I also started running along with 

them. But I wasn’t able to run fast. In the mean time roughly four policemen caught hold of me and one 

amongst them lathicharged me on my buttocks and asked me to which caste I belonged. Since I’m 

partially deaf I once again asked the policeman. The policeman said that “I’m repeatedly asking you 

and you are not replying to me” and severely attacked me by beating me on both sides of my buttocks. 

I couldn’t bear the pain and pleaded with them with folded hands. 

Then I asked the man who was standing near me what was the policeman asking. The man 

loudly told that the policeman asked you to which caste you belonged to. Immediately I replied to the 

policeman that I belonged to the Kudumathar community. So that policeman took me to a big water 

tank. The police authorities were standing there. I couldn’t bear the pain and I fell at the authorities’ 

feet. One amongst them told that this man is deaf and he is also very old and so leave him and they left 

the place. 

With the unbearable pain I cried a lot and came to my home. A few women from our village 

gave hot water sponging and applied medicine to my injury. Till now I do not know the reason for the 

police attack and both my buttocks are paining and have many blood clots. 

Therefore, I request you to take appropriate action against the policemen and provide justice 

and compensation to us. 




Community 

Educational 

qualification 

Occupation 

Mrs. Selvamani 30 Female Hindu/ Pallar 8 th Std Doing 

household 

activities 


Mrs. Selvamani 

Ponnaiyarpuram 



district 



qualification 

1. Rajendran Male Husband TNSTC 

Conductor 

2. Jeyaraman Chandran 12 Male Son 6 th Std 

3. Amul Arasan 5 Male Son 


1. Mrs. Selvamani is a Women’s group leader. 

2. During the Paramakudi Firing incident, she organised women for a road blockade against the 

illegal raid conducted by policemen. 

Mrs. Selvamani (30/11) 

W/o Rajendran 



I am residing in the above mentioned address. I belong to the Hindu Pallar Community. My 

husband has been serving as a conductor in the Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation. I have two 

sons named Jeyaraman Chandran (12/11) and Amul Arasan (5/11). At present I am the women’s group 

leader. 

Last 15.09.2011 in the evening around 5.50 pm I organised some 200 women and for a road 

blockade in Mudhukulathur Road as the policemen constantly gave trouble to our villagers after the 

police firing incident that occurred on 11.09.2011. Hence we engaged in the road blockade to condemn 

the police (and to demand that they) should not give trouble in the name of raids and therefore men 

were living in a situation of hiding hide themselves from the police. 

Later, the Tahsildar arrived and gave assurance that policemen will not come for raids thereafter. 

Based on his assurance we dispersed. Then the Thasildhar also went away. While we were on our way 

to our homes, a troop of police got down from a van. Both men and women police who came there 


used abusive language saying, “Yendi thevadiyaalugalaa show kaaturengala” and they came to beat 

us. Each member of our women’s group dispersed singly and ran away from there. 

Then, on 20.09.2011 when Mr. Ramvilas Baswan visited the victims’ families for consolation, we 

gave complaints regarding the above said facts. He received our complaint and assured us that he will 

definitely inform Central government and ask them to take prompt action in this regard. 


• Did the Collector come to see you? 

No he didn’t. 

• Did you give your petition to the Collector regarding the arrest of the men in their 

village? 

No they didn’t. 

Police abused us in filthy language along caste lines. 



Name Age Sex Religion / 

Community 

Ukirapandi 

@ Pandi 

S/o Andi 

Educational 

Qualification 

Occupation 

36 Male Hindu/Pallar --- Owner of a Brick 

manufacturing 

organisation 


Thoruvalur 

Colony, 

Thoruvalur Post, 


district 


S.No Name Age Sex Relationship Educational 

qualification 

Occupation 

1. Hemalatha 30 Female Wife --- --- 

2. Vigneswaran 15 Male Son 9 th Std --- 

3. Maheswaran 13 Male Son 8 th Std -- 

4. Rajeswaran 11 Male Son 6 th Std --- 


1. The victim was brutally attacked and sent to Central prison while he went along with a friend to 

attend a relative’s wedding. 

Ukirapandi @ Pandi 

Thoruvalur Colony, 

Thoruvalur Post, 


I am residing in the above mentioned address. I have three sons. Vigneswaran was undergoing 

treatment for cancer for sometime. Maheswaran (13 yrs) and Rajeswaran (11 yrs) were our two other 

sons. Our entire family is dependent only on my earning. 

In this situation on 11.09.2011 One of our neighbours Mr. Arumugam (66) and I started from 

our home at 9.30 in the morning to attend one of the marriage functions of a relative in Nochivayal 

village Mr. Chellamuthu’s daughter in MG Mahal near Madurai Road Check Post. We took TN 65 F 

5090 TVS Victor bike to reach there. After attending that function, we went for another relative’s 

wedding in Kotthangulam and then they were supposed to attend another marriage ceremony of one of 

my relatives in S. Kavanur. We stopped in a petrol station for filling petrol for the bike. When we were 

standing in the petrol station a group of policemen pushed me down and attacked me with sticks after 

which they took away the bike key, my cell phone and five thousand rupees from my pocket. Then at 

around 12.00 pm they locked us inside the Control room. Later in the evening around 5.00 pm they took 


us both to the Paramakudi Taluk Police Station. The next day on 12.09.2011 around 9.30 am in the 

morning we were brought to Paramakudi City Police Station. 

Having been informed about the above said incident, my father in law Muniaraj (68 yrs) and 

Kazhukaandiyan (38 yrs) of our village came to Paramakudi City Police Station at 10.30 am and spoke 

with me during which we told all the information. In the afternoon around 1.00 pm they filed the FIR in 

Paramakudi Town Police Station. The police told my father in law that since the higher officials are 

dealing with the case they cannot do anything in this regard. Then Arumugam and I were jailed in 

Central prison. Due to my arrest the entire family is in stress as we do not have any other means for 

livelihood. Also we are stranded without any means of getting treatment for our son Vigneswaran. My 

children’s educational status is also affected. I have been very much distressed due to the above 

situation and depressed due to the economic crisis that has affected my peace of mind. 



• Did you go to the police firing spot? 

I didn’t go to that place. I was not at all connected to this incident; I actually went for 

a marriage function; I was just filling up petrol for my moppet; but the policemen kept me 

in the Paramakudi police station for two days and later they shifted me to the Madurai jail 

for 18 days. Now I’m on conditional bail. I was producing stone bricks for my survival; 

now lost my business and my son is also a cancer patient; needs full medical treatment. 

I am jobless now finding it difficult to survive. 


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CHAPTER - XIII 

Report of the meetings with Government 

officials by Public Inquest Jury 

1. Report of the Jury meeting with the District Collector of Ramand. 

On 22 nd October in the evening Members of the jury panel, Dr. Balaram and Dr. K. Subramaniam, 

assisted by Dr. M. Solomon Bernard Shaw, Mr. Sheik Ibrahim, Advocate and Mr. Pradeep met Mr. 

Arun Roy, IAS, Collector, Ramnad District at 4 PM in his Camp Office and the meeting went on till 5.15 

PM. The Collector was cool, receptive, patient and cooperative but very firm in reflecting the views of 

police and the Government in a polite language. He offered to narrate the whole thing. 

He commenced with the topography,the known history of communal tension, frequent clashes 

and ended up with strong negative opinion on Mr. John Pandian. 

He made a reference of the Bodi communal riots and other communal squabbles and the latest 

incident in 2010 in Mandalamanickam village and indiscriminately fixed up John Pandian responsible 

for all of them. He then justified his issuance of Sec 144 Cr.P.C. orders and the banning of the entry of 

Mr. John Panidan into Ramnad District.He said it is quiet usual and common in Ramnad and he 

quoted the banning order issued on Mr.Arasakumar in the preceding years. He expressed that it was 

inevitable and had he not prevented his entry the consequences would have been much more violent 

and severe. 

He added that the police firing on 11.09.2011 was necessary and inevitable as the violence went 

unabated. He said the video that the Jury had watched was edited and biased and he requested the 

Jury to watch the video recorded by PudiaTalaimurai TV. He stated that the police had observed all 

necessary formalities before resorting to firing. He lamented over the burning of the ‘Vajra’ vehicle and 

other 18 vehicles by the mob. When questioned about the personal attack on Vellaichamy, the retired 

HM the District Collector admitted that it was a brutal act and he said he would book the persons 

responsible.[ It is pertinent to note that this has not yet happened.] 

When questioned about the pelting of stones by the police the Collector opined that ‘pelting 

stones is better than firing. ‘He further said that the police are also human beings and when offended 

they would also behave like a mob. He felt sorry that many policemen have sustained severe injuries. 

About 61 policemen including the DIG, the SP and DSPs have sustained injuries because of the 

violence. He said the police, in a bid to protect themselves, the public and the property were constrained 

to open fire when all other attempts failed. 

He expressed his personal view on the inadequacy of compensation to victims and the next of 

kin of victims. When questioned on the where about of the Collector at the time of firing, he said he was 

busy in crisis management from the HQ and he reported it to Secretary to Government. When 

questioned about his care for the victims in hospitals he said the mob blocked the road to Kattu 

Paramakudi where the GH is located and the police were involved in containing the riot. The Juries 


400

crossed him on many occasions with many questions but the Collector kept cool and composed but 

kept reiterating the same police tutored versions. 

When the members of the Jury questioned the unilateral decision of firing by the Thasildar Mr 

Sivakumar, who belonged to the dominant community, the Collector said the Thasildar had no option 

and in that chaotic situation he was not able to contact the DRO, the RDO and the Collector. He further 

said it was very much within the power of the Thasildar to issue the firing order when there is a grave 

situation. After the firing, the district administration was busy in controlling the situation and to protect 

other areas of the district. 

As the members of the Jury had to meet the DIG and the SP the Jury members proposed to 

leave. Then the Collector reiterated that firing was necessary and inevitable.He said he has made 

arrangements to issue appointment orders for the post of OAP to all the next of kin of victims expect 

one who is under aged. He said he would get exemption from the Government and help that person as 

well. 

He also requested the Jury to advise the victims and their families to cooperate with the Justice 

Sampath Commission of Enquiry and requested them to meet the other sections also.As the Jury 

requested the Collector to ask the Thasildar to meet the Juries he said he could only advise him and 

not force him. We left his office by 5.15 Pm .Since the DIG and SP were not available the Jury could not 

meet them. 

2. Report of the ‘informal’ meeting with senior police officials with 

Dr. K. Subramanian IPS (Retd): 

‘On October 24 2011, I took the opportunity to go and see the Inspector General of Police, 

(South Zone) Mr. P. Rajesh Das IPS and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Adayar) Dr. Senthil 

Velan IPS in connection with the events on September 11, 2011 at Paramakudi. 

Das was forthright and said that John Pandian was a criminal and should be treated as such. 

He was a caste leader of the Pallar community who was trying to build a mass bass; he is not a 

politician in the real sense. Police might have committed blunders but that was no reason to give a long 

rope to people like John Pandian and Krishnaswamy. He narrated how he had arrested the latter 

fearlessly when he feared tensions as a result of his activities. He argued that village level problems 

should be solved at the spot and not taken to the office. 

When asked what were the reasons for tensions between Thevars and Pallars, Das maintained 

that there were no tensions and that the two communities lived and worked side by side with each other 

peacefully. Tensions were artificially created by caste leaders like John Pandian and Dr. Krishnaswamy 

who exploited differences to their own advantage and for making money and becoming powerful. Such 

caste leaders should be handled firmly by the police without fear or favour. However, the argument that 

there were no tensions between Thevars and Pallars on the ground and that they were merely the 

creation of caste leaders like John Pandian appeared simplistic given the historical nature of the tensions. 


401

Dr. Senthil Velan revealed that he did not know who took the decision to arrest John Pandian. 

Perhaps it was taken at a high political level. Police were only informed that Pandian would not be 

allowed to go to pay homage to the hero Immanuel Sekar. He admitted that had Pandian been allowed 

to go there might not have been tensions. He attributed some of the tensions to the rivalry between 

Pandian and Krishnaswamy who were competing for the loyalty of the Pallars. Krishnaswamy was 

close to the ruling party and he was perhaps responsible for the decision to prevent Pandian from 

going to the memorial for Sekar. Velan also drew attention to the killing Palani Kumar by some unknown 

persons at Pacheri village for the tensions. He said he had been involved with law and order 

management at Paramakudi from 2006 to the present and was familiar with the region and the people. 

He had sustained a leg injury in the course of the agitation and was bed ridden. He had been specially 

deputed to Paramakudi for law and order management in view of his experience in the area. He 

justified the police actions as necessary and taken at the right sequence of tear gas, lathi charge and 

firing. Killings were unavoidable in cases of firing. He offered to hand over to me the police video on the 

events at Paramakudi. 

The overall impression I gathered as a result of the two conversations was that the politicians at 

the top had not taken the policemen into confidence in taking the political decisions to arrest John 

Pandian. The arrest was not justified on law and order grounds but was a political decision. The 

policemen had to bear the consequences of a decision that they were not allowed to make. This was at 

the bottom of the trouble: political interference in law and order management. 

This is a pattern that one is familiar with in the rest of the country with tragic consequences.’ 

Dr. K. Subramanian IPS (Retd) 

OBSERVATION ON PUBLIC INQUEST ON PARAMAKUDI FIRING, 22 nd , 23 rd October, 2011 

Jury Members who went for the visit of the following officials: 

1. Mr. R. Ganesan, DSP, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District 

2. Mr. M. Deivendran, Station Fire Officer, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District 

3. Mr. P.J. Subhas B.A, Inspector of Police, Paramakudi town station, Ramanathapuram District 

4. Mrs. Meera Parameswari, Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District 

Discussion with Mr. R. Ganesan, DSP, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District 

Opinions of DSP 

I was not present here on the day of arson and I have taken over the charge only on 16 th September 

2011 after being relieved immediately from Vellore District. I have gathered information from my fellow 

Police officials. 

• People had boycotted Justice Sampath Commission because of their own grievances. 

• There is an unjustified hatred exists between Pallars and Maravars for the past several decades. 


402

• In this case Paramakudi trouble started because of the enmity and rivalry between John Pandian 

Group and Dr. Krishnasamy group. 

• Although both of them belong to same Pallar community, John Pandian group prevented the vehicles 

of Puthiya Tamilagam party men (Dr. Krishnasamy group). 

• Senior Police officials had tried their level best to pacify the agitators. There was no leader present 

from the side of John Pandian Group. As a result the situation became difficult and the people didn’t 

cooperate with the police. Pallar community doesn’t have any respect for Police and State Machinery. 

• Then DSP Mr. A.Ganesan (now posted at Mahabalipuram- name of the both the DSP’s are same with 

different initials), has tried to pacify the protestors for about 2 hours but his efforts failed, hence the 

violent incidence took place by 11.45 am and it lasted till 4 pm in areas around 5 corner junction. 

• When police personnel are injured by stone throwing how the Police Force can remain mute spectator? 

So the firing was opened at 11.45 am. Police opened fire only after getting permission from Local 

Magistrate. 

Observation 

DSP tried to show that Police were indeed trying to pacify the protestors. He was trying to portray that Police 

force are good Samaritans and they are not responsible for the incident but the rivalry between two groups 

of Pallars was the main reason behind violence. 

Discussion with Mr. M. Deivendran, Station Fire Officer, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram District 

Opinions of Station Fire Officer 

• One Vajra vehicle and one Fire Engine were stationed at 5 corner right from the morning. Another 

Fire Engine was stationed at Immanuel’s memorial. I was standing near 5 corner junction and somebody 

called me to Fire Station. So another fire engine recently built worth about 25 lakhs was brought to 

Theatre which is 100 meters away from 5 corner junction. 

• Pallar community Rioters were in a drunken state right from the morning. They were dancing and 

using abusive language and showed abusive signs to the General public. It was a sheer barbaric 

behavior. 

• When the violence started, the rioters have burnt the Vajra vehicle and then burned the new fire 

engine which is located near theatre by using petrol. They were carrying petrol canes and they 

torched the fire engine. 

Observation 

He has refused to tell us the time of burning both Vajra and Fire Engine. Why another Fire engine 

stationed at 5 corner junction didn’t attempt to stop burning? He belongs to Maravar community and he 

spoke about the Pallar community without any respect and with hatred. It seems that the vehicles are burnt 

by the officials to justify the firing. Crowd of about 150 youths and few middle aged men already ran away 

from the site towards railway line side. The burning of fire engine took place in Ramanathapuram road. 

Around 500 police men armed with lathis, round sticks, rifles and shot guns with fire men and revenue 

officials were standing near 5 corner road which is just 100 meters away but they couldn’t able to stop the 

burning incident. The stories narrated by Station Fire Officer are not true and apparently blatant lie. 


403

Discussion with Mr. P.J. Subhas B.A, Inspector of Police, Paramakudi town station, Ramanathapuram 

District 

Opinions of Inspector of Police 

• I took charge of this station on 26 th September 2011 from Uchipulli Station. I was working as Inspector 

of Special Branch (Intelligence) at Paramakudi before taking over the charge at Uchipulli Station. I 

know the topography of this region and I was on duty at control room at the time of the incident. I am 

a native of Kalliakavilai in Kanyakumari district. I am posted here because I do not belong to any of 

the warring communities of Ramanathapuram district. I have 16 years of service in the department. 

• I came to know about the unrest right from the morning of 11 th September 2011. Crowd was in 

possession of sickles, petrol bombs, stones and wooden poles. They are not peaceful and all of 

them were in drunken mood. Police strength on that day was increased more than what it was on last 

year on the same day. 

• One woman wearing red sari and black blouse was constantly speaking over cell phone was among 

the protestors. She was taking instruction from one Akka apparently the wife of John Pandian. When 

the protestors were pacified and left the dharna she asked them to go and sit down again in the 

street. I don’t know the identity of this person and she spoke in a dialect which is not the 

Ramanathapuram slang. She is from some other Southern District. 

• It was merely a fight between John Pandian group and Puthiya Tamilagam party members who were 

just coming after paying respect to Immanuel Sekaran. Their vehicles were stopped by the members 

of John Pandian group. Police sensing trouble had started lathi charge against John Pandian group 

members. Most of them are not from Ramanathapuram District. 

• Trouble actually started because the members of John Pandian group started pushing the Police 

men on duty which led to the lathi charge. After the lathi charge to disperse the crowd, stone throwing 

incident led to the injury of police personnel. They have removed stones from the railway track and 

throwing at the police personnel without any gap. The wind direction was in favour of the rioters. It led 

to the firing incident because many of the police men were injured. Firing took place between 12.45 

to 1.15 pm and about 30 to 40 rounds of bullets were fired. 

• The incident could have been avoided if any leader from their side was present and if the members 

of the agitating group are from Paramakudi. Most of them are from other districts and the Police had 

no idea about the identity of the agitating group. 

Observation 

He seems to be neutral at times but he is also telling the same stories that the agitators were armed, 

drunken and seeking trouble. The video clippings have shown that none of them are armed and only few 

old men were drunk, and by and large the crowd was peaceful on that fateful day. He was diverting the 

attention by telling the rivalry between John Pandian group and Puthiya Tamilagam party members as the 

main reason behind the riot. He was at least telling us that this firing could have been avoided. 


404

Discussion with Mrs. Meera Parameswari, Revenue Divisional Officer, Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram 

District 

Opinions of Revenue Divisional Officer 

• I was inspecting the arrangements made in the memorial of Immanuel Sekaran in the early morning 

and left to Parthibanur. I came to know about the arrest of John Pandian. Paramakudi trouble started 

because of the enmity and rivalry between John Pandian Group and Dr. Krishnasamy group. 

• I was called by my Tahsildar Mr. Sivakumar around 12.00 pm and I was informed about the trouble at 

5 corner junction. He had called me and told that to disperse the crowd lathi charge order is to be 

given. I told him to go ahead. 

• I was not consulted about the shooting order which took place soon after. Shooting order was the 

decision of Mr. Sivakumar (he belongs to Maravar community and the available information shows 

that he is driven by caste passion and nurture anti-Pallar feeling and he was consciously absent to 

our agreed meeting). One Muslim woman police constable was molested by the crowd and the 

injury of Police personnel during stone throwing led to the shooting incident. 

• I was not able to return immediately because there was a huge traffic jam. I pleaded with the crowd to 

get away. By the time I returned from Parthibanur the incident was over. I went to Hospital to treat the 

injured and I requested that the seriously injured to be sent to Madurai General Hospital. I have met 

the victims and disbursed the compensation. I am trying to get Government employment for the 

young widow. 

• There was no RDO enquiry into the incident since the State Government has appointed one man 

commission under Justice Sampath. 

Observation 

She was telling the same story about rivalry between John Pandian Group and Dr. Krishnasamy 

group. It seems that Government Officials had cooked up this story as the main reason behind the incident. 

She seems to be compassionate with the Pallar community as she belongs to Chettiar community. She 

gave a new story of Muslim constable molested by the rioters then why there was no case registered by 

her? She wants to justify the shooting incident with this reason. 

GENERAL OBSERVATION 

Erection of flex boards with a title of Deiva Thirumagan Immanuel Sekaran which is the title of Pasumpon 

Muthuramalinga Devar by Pallar community was the flaring point for the riot. There is no justification on the 

part of officials to ask the Pallar community to remove the flex boards. Meaning of Deiva Thirumagan is 

Glorious Son of God and this could be applicable for several persons. There is no brand registration for this 

title and it cannot be owned by one person. There is nothing legally available to prevent one group from 

using this title. 

The death of Pallar boy Palani Kumar at Palla Pacheri of Mandalamanickam village is a gruesome 

murder by Maravars. How can a boy with less than 5 feet height could draw a wall slogan found at 7 feet 


405

height. It is known to everyone that the Pallar community never ventured into Maravar area even the school 

children are sent to far away schools due to persistent enmity and mutual distrust. Police came to this 

village before the murder and informed about expected violence. Why Police didn’t post armed guards to 

protect the people of Pallar community? Is it not a case of negligence on the part of Police? Why Mukkuran 

one of the main accused in Palani Kumar murder case is not arrested so far? The boy was killed just two 

days before annual memorial event of Martyr Immanuel Sekaran and such murders are happening routinely 

in the past few years. 

The Inspector of Police who opened firing at the crowd and the Tahsildar who gave the firing order, 

both named Sivakumar and Station Fire officer Mr. M. Deivendran who told the story of burning of Vajra 

vehicle and fire engine all belong to either Maravar or Mukulathor community. There are several evidences 

to suggest that Police and Revenue personnel are by and large belong to Mukulathore community having 

hatred against the Pallar community were on duty and triggered violence through their impatient attitude and 

discriminatory approach to Scheduled caste community. It was not a mere coincidence. 

Why the Deputy Commissioner of Police from Chennai was deputed to this duty? He was not liked by 

the Pallar community because of his discriminatory approach when he was SP in Ramnad. Then why he 

was posted at this event? Why water cannon and tear gas was not used to disperse the crowd? How can 

Police use throwing of stones like hooligans? Why Police used direct firing of bullets above the waist? Why 

victims were brought into the vans just like animals? There was no dignity shown to the bleeding victims. 

Why the victims were not admitted to the hospital immediately for medical treatment? There are several 

questions unanswered. The reasons for the firing incident provided by the officials and the story developed 

by them are malicious and not true. It was a cold blooded murder at broad day light. Sparing use of mild 

lathi charge should have dispersed the crowd. 

Hospital Visit Reports 

Team Members: 

The Medical Team consisting of Dr.Savior Selva Suresh, Mr.Ramesh Nathan and Advocate S.Martin 

visited the Government Hospital, Paramakudi, Government Hospital, Ilayankudi, Government Head Quarters 

Hospital, Sivagangai, Government Head Quarters Hospital, Ramnad on 22.10.2011. 

Government Hospital, Paramakudi: 

Met Dr.P.Saravanadevan, Chief Medical Officer, accompanied by Dr.Mutharasan, Asst. Medical Officer. 

They said that they received Mr.Sabir, son of Nazeer, of Kalangathankottai, as the first casualty of the 

incident at 1.30pm. He was treated as out - patient. (Simple injuries). 

Thereafter they received numerous persons, because of the crowd, they were unable to make 

entries since only two medical officers were available and they were concentrating on treatments than on 

writing and recording. Yet they had in fact made entries of 24 patients, among 22 were treated as out 

patients and 2 were admitted in the hospital. They were discharged after 10 days. Few patients were 

referred to Government General Hospital, Madurai. 


406

The hospital has two ambulances; one ambulance was stationed near the Cemetery of Immanuel 

Sekaran with hospital’s medical team on 11 th September 2011. Another ambulance was handed over to the 

police on the previous day itself (10 th September 2011). Hence the hospital had no ambulance at its disposal 

on 11 th September 2011. Despite it the hospital authorities had managed to secure an ambulance from the 

Tamil Nadu Muslim Munettra Kazhagam, and send other patients and victims of the incident probed to 

Madurai. After the TMMK ambulance was sent with 3 patients by 2pm. 

There were 9 more patients brought in serious conditions needing to be moved to Madurai 

Government Hospital. Hence the hospital authorities called ‘108’ for ambulance. They were informed that 

unless the police directs and escorts the ambulance cannot be at their service. Hospital informed higher 

authorities and so by 4.30pm Revenue Divisional Officer came with the ambulance. Muthukumar, died in the 

ambulance on the way to Madurai. 

The hospital received the dead body of Ganesan, aged about 55 years, at 1.45pm and post-mortem 

was conducted the next day. He was found to have been shot at the lower back and the bullet came out 

through the right side of abdomen. His death is found to be due to the said shooting from a close range. 

Doctors said that there were only two medical officers on that day in the hospital, another one was in 

the ambulance. On such sensitive days it is essential that more doctors and other Para medical staff be 

posted in hospitals in and around the areas where such congregations happen. 

Government Hospital, Ilayankudi: 

Met Dt Ashma Begum, who was the duty medical officer on 11 th September 2011. One Anand was 

brought by police from Ilayankudi, victim of Ilayankudi police firing by 6pm. He was immediately referred to 

Sivaganga Government Hospital. 

She said that 12 patients were brought by police in police van along with one dead body said to be 

that of an unknown person by 7pm from Paramakudi. She said that the injured were treated with first-aid and 

referred to Sivagangai and Madurai hospitals. The dead body was sent to Madurai for post-mortem by 

9.30pm. She said that the ambulance was available in the hospital. But only one doctor was available. 

Government Head Quarters Hospital, Sivagangai: 

Met Dr.Ranjani Devi, Joint Director, along with Resident Medical Officer and another Assistant Medical 

Officer. Three patients, viz. Kumar, Anand and Singadurai were received. All the three were given first aid 

and referred to Madurai and sent by their ambulance. 

61 police personnel came to the hospital. Among them 58 were treated as Out Patients and 3 were 

admitted and treated as inpatients and discharged on 16.09.2011. One Woman Sub-inspector, viz Ms,Nirmala 

who had been treated in Apollo hospital, Madurai, after being discharged got re-admitted in their hospital 

and referred back to Madurai. DIG Mr.Sandeep Mittal was also among the 58 treated as Out Patient. 

Government Head Quarters Hospital, Ramnad: 

Met Dr.Karuppuswamy, Dr.Mohideen Pitchai and Dr.Jawaharlal. 


407

Six persons, viz, (1) Pandi, (2) Senthil, (3) Vellaisamy, (4) Isravel, (5) Chandran and (6) Thanikodi had 

been admitted on 11 th September 2011. Among them Thanikodi was referred to Madurai on 16 th September, 

2011 and Chandran was referred to Madurai on 17 th September,2011. Five police personnel were admitted 

as inpatient on 11 th September, 2011 just for simple injuries. On 15 th September 2011, seven police personnel 

were admitted again for simple injuries. 

Note: Staff of the hospital on ground of anonymity said that these police men were admitted / treated 

both as inpatients and outpatients in order to provide them with certificates of merit and even bravery award. 

That the police was collecting evidence of their injuries for such awards especially of one Euges Cross, PC 

No 300 of Armed Reserve, Kanyakumari as he was one among the police men who shot at the gathering. 

Two post mortems ( Jayapaul and Paneerselvam) were done in this hospital. 

Jayapaul: He was shot on the right side of chest bullet pierced from front of chest and bullet got 

lodged on the back of left shoulder. The bullet was recovered from the body’s exit point. 

Paneerselvam : The bullet entered through the forehead and exited through the back of the head. 

Bullet was recovered. Thus both died due to bullet injuries. 

RECOMMENDATIONS: 

1. Police personnel from other castes than those in the region have to be mobilized to regulate the 

gatherings. 

2. A rapid / special force could be created with special training from among the Armed Reserve to 

regulate and manage any crowd / gatherings. 

3. The police constabulary posted to manage the crowd / gathering has to be kept with reasonable 

facilities and not be piled in schools or other institutions which have no infrastructure to even provide 

basic necessities. 

4. On such sensitive days it is essential that more doctors and other para medical staff be posted in 

hospitals in and around the areas where such congregations happen. 

5. Constant raids in Dalit Villages, have been spoken of by the villagers to be a routine affair at 

constant regulars, whenever there is any apprehension of the authorities about any impending 

congregation / meetings etc. The villagers are made to surrender a certain number of persons. The 

villagers say that they would select persons by lots for surrendering. The villagers loose their faith 

in the administration due to such practices. 

6. The villagers repeatedly also said that they cannot prefer any complaint and secure justice. If they 

happen to go to the police station / Collectorate or any other government office, they are side lined, 

made to sit / stand in a corner and tossed from pillar to post. 

7. Government officials at all levels should be sensitized to treat all equally and inspire confidence in 

the minds of the victims / downtrodden / marginalized to feel that they will be heard and can secure 

justice from the State. 


408


S.N 

District 

Name of the 

Victim / 

Witness 

Age 

Date of 

Occurrence 

Name & Address 

Case in Brief 

7. “ Palaniammal 45 11.09.11 

8. “ Kasthuri 40 11.09.11 

9. “ Murugeshan 36 11.09.11 

10. “ 

V. Arumugam 

(58/11) 

11. “ Kalaimaran 18 11.09.11 

12. “ V.Pandi, 34 11.09.11 

13. “ 

14. “ 

Dharmaraj, 

Manikkam 

. 

37 11.09.11 

50 11.09.11 

15. “ Pandian 30 11.09.11 

16. “ 

Mr. Tension 

Kumar 

32 11.09.11 

W/o Ramasamy 

Balan Nagar, 



district 

Kasthuri 

S. Kavanur, 

S. Kavanur Post, 



S. Andakudi, 

T. Nallur (Po) 

Paramakudi, 


Retd. Sub Inspector of 

Police 

S/o Vellayan, 

40/2/421 A 

Vasanthapuram, 

Paramakudi 

S/o. Ulaganathan, 

2/29, Thavalai Kulam, 

Akiramesi Post, Nainar 

Kovil, Paramakudi 

Taluk, 


S/o Veerapathiran, 

Thedeeripattam, 

Marunthur, Paramakudi 

S/o. Muthu, Anumaneri, 

Paramakudi, 

Ramanathapurm DT. 

2/87, Kachan D.No.2/76 

A, Katchan Paramakudi 

Division, 


Kevalasai, 1/26, 

Sathrakudi Village Post 

Paramakudy Taluk, 


Paambur, 



She was standing at a 

corner of the shops. 

When policemen chased 

her she hid in a terrace 

and witnessed the police 

atrocities. 

Witnessed the police 

firing. 


firing. 


firing. 

Injured due lathe charges 

Injured due lathe charges 

Wounded in both the 

thighs and shoulders. 

Having imprint of Shoes 

of the Police. 

Got injured due to the 

bullet shot in five junction 

road 

The police shot Pandian 

with a bullet and he was 

injured on his right thigh 

Two inches deep and 10 

cm length brutal injury on 

the head due to the police 

lathi charge. 


S.N 

District 

Name of the 

Victim / 

Witness 

Age 

Date of 

Occurrence 


Case in Brief 

17. “ 

Mr. Gopu 

27 11.09.11 

Velayudham 

18. “ 

33 11.09.11 

19. “ 

Muniasamy 

48 11.09.11 

20. “ 

Poongodi 

35 11.09.11 

21. “ Malairaj 45 11.09.11 

22. “ 

Karthick Raja 

18 11.09.11 

S/o Mr. Ramachandran 

Devendra Nagar, 

Christian street, 

Yamuneswaram Post, 



District 

Pambur, 



district 

East Street, Pampur 

Post, Paramakudi Taluk, 


District 

D/o Udayar 

Merk Kudiyiruppu 

Pamboor Anchal, 

Paramakudi 

S./0 Periyan 

Kiliyur Post,Kiliyur 

Thiruvarur via, 


Ramanadhapuram, 

District 

S/o Selvaraj 

Mullai Nagar, 

Paramakudi 

Gopu was brutally 

attacked and lathi 

charged by the police and 

was afraid of the police. 

The victim was attacked 

by the police and suffered 

injuries on the Left side 

Shoulder, parts of the 

hands and legs, and there 

are injuries as the bullet 

pierced through his little 

finger to the adjacent 

finger. 

During the riots, bone 

fracture on the left hand 

near the wrist was broken. 

The police beat the 

victims with lathi in the 

five road junction. 

Poonkody was injured on 

her left cheek at two 

places and it started 

bleeding. 

During the violence I was 

inside the Toilet when the 

policemen came and 

attacked me. Owing to 

that attack I was injured in 

my head that lead to 13 

sutures. 

As the policemen 

attacked me with the butt 

of their gun and I was 

injured in my right thigh. 

Due to the hit with the butt 

of the gun near my 

forefinger in the les got a 

wound measuring 5 cm 

and was bleeding. 

Sustained a gun shot on 

my right hand and blood 

was gushing out of the 

wound. I saw that and 

fainted on the spot. 


S.N 

District 

Name of the 

Victim / 

Witness 

Age 

Date of 

Occurrence 


Case in Brief 

23. Ramnad M. Thanikodi 36 11.09.11 

24. Ramnad Mr. Isravel 35 11.09.11 

25. Ramnad 

26. Ramnad 

27. Ramnad 

28. Madurai 

Mr. 

Jagadeesan 

Manikandan 

B/o 

Sureshkumar 

(Jail) 

Murugavalli 

B/o 

Mr. Murugan 

(Jail) 

Vijay, 

38 11.09.11 

16 11.09.11 

30 11.09.11 

35 11.09.11 

S/o. Muthukaruppan S. 

Kavanoor, S. Kavanoor 

lPost, Paramakudi 

Taluk, Ramandad 

District 

Arundhadhiyar Street, S. 

Kavanur & Post, 

Paramakudi 

Taluk,Ramanathapuram 

district 

S/o Mr. Velu 

S. Kavannur, 

S. Kavannur Post, 



District 

S/o Chandran 

2/28 A, Merku Colony, 

Pambur Post, 



district 

S/o Mr. Poonantheyaan 

Meenankudi T. Nallur, 

Thellichatha Nallur , 

Paramakudi 

S/o .Ramu, 

Door no.6, Thiruvallur 

nagar, 

D.R.O colony, K. 

Pudhur, 

North Talukh, 


Grievous injury on the top 

of the skull with 11 

stitches 

Injury on the right wrist 

with 3 stitches 

Bruises and internal 

injuries in the back and all 

over the body 

Internal injuries on my 

hands, legs, shoulders, 

back, and other parts. 

He was brutally attacked 

by the policemen and has 

put 10 stitches in his head 

and 3 stitches in his right 

leg 

Victim Sureshkumar was 

severely beaten by the 

police and injured badly at 

his back while he went to 

watch the Guru pooja 

ceremony in Mela 

Ayakudi at a distance of 3 

kms from Paramakudi. 

Now he is in the Madurai 

Central Prison. 

1. Presently in Madurai 

jail. 

2. The policemen have hit 

him on his head and he 

was in a private hospital. 

3. People who went to 

Madurai jail told that there 

was no medical treatment 

given to him in jail and he 

was crying due to severe 

pain. 

He was watching the 

scene fromhouse top the 

policemen called me and 

said “you also belongs to 

the Pallar community 

come now” on hearing 

this he went down and 

they took me in a van to 

the town police station 

where they filed fabricated 


S.N 

District 

Name of the 

Victim / 

Witness 

Age 

Date of 

Occurrence 


Case in Brief 

29. Madurai 

Dhanabalan 

41 11.09.11 

30. Arumugam 70 11.09.11 

31. Ramnad Sivakumar, (29), 11.09.11 

32. Ramnad 

33. “ 

Sureshkumar 

ï, 

Mr. 

Chinathambi 

35 11.09.11 

70 11.09.11 

1/18, Paatam, 

Maanamadurai, 

SIvagangai District. 

S/o Saathan, 

Thoruvalur Colony, 

East Street, Paramakudi 

Taluk, 


District. 

S/o Lakshmanan, 

N. Bethenendhal Village, 

Paramakudi Block, 


District. 

S,o chandran 

2,28 A West 

pambur Colony 


Ramand 

Paambuvilundhan, 



district 

cases on me under 147, 

148, 149 and 307 of the 

IPC. They tortured me on 

the police station and then 

they remanded me on 

Madurai Prison. 

He was just watching over 

the crowd during the 

festival. 

The 

Avaniyapuram police 

station Inspector 

Gajendran and SI 

Sanmuganathan attempt 

to shoot and kill him due 

to caste based enmity. 

Town police station along 

with others and charged 

false cases against us of 

damaging and setting fire 

to the buses. 

Police Inspector 

registered false cases 

against us under Crime 

No. 300/11 Indian Penal 

Code Sections 147, 148, 

149, 427, 435, 324, 332 

and 307 and Section 3 & 

4 of TNPPDL Act and 

Cr.P.C Section 174. The 

next day (12.09.2011) 

around 12 am they put us 

in jail. No medical 

treatment was given to us. 

Only after the High Court 

order we were given 

treatment on 14.09.2011 

in Madurai Government 

Rajaji Hospital. 

Town police station along 

with others and charged 

false cases against us of 

damaging and setting fire 

to the buses 

During the incident he 

was at Paramakudi to buy 

medicines. He has 

hypertension. He is an old 

man. 


S.N 

District 

Name of the 

Victim / 

Witness 

Age 

Date of 

Occurrence 


Case in Brief 

34. “ Ramajayam 29 11.09.11 

35. Madurai 

Mr. 

Alaguram, 

27 11.09.11 

36. Madurai M. Mani 30 11.09.11 

37. Madurai M. Ravi 30 11.09.11 

38. Madurai Ranjithkumar 24 11.09.11 

40. Madurai 

41. Madurai 

42. Ramnad 

M.Mohan 

Sundrapandi 

an 

K. 

Vinothkumr 

30 11.09.11 

17 11.09.11 

17 13.9.2011 

43. Ramnad K. Udyan 60 16.09.11 

44. Ramnad 

K. Vasantha 

Krishnan - 

Witness 

33 18.09.11 

W/o Rajangam Maruthu 

Kanakenendal 

S. Kavanoor (post) 



District 

S/o Mr. Pandi 

South Street, 

Chintamani, Madurai 

south taluk, 


S/o Muthu 

Gajendrapuram Street, 


Madurai District - 9 

S/o Malaichamy 

Indra Residence 

Chintamani, 

Madurai South 


S/o Rayar 

RC.Street, 

Mannadimangalam 

Vadipatti 


S/o Mani 

RC.Street, 


Vadipatti, Madurai Dist. 

S/o Kulanthairaj 

RC.Street, 


Vadipatti, Madurai Dist. 

S/o Karunanithi 

Amman Koil, South 

Tharavai Po, Ramnad 

Taluk & District 

S/o Karuppan, 

Vilankulathoor (Po.) 



W/o Krishnamoorthi 

Aathidravidar colony 

Alanganoor, 

Mudukulathur Taluk, 


District 

The victim’s wife 

Ramajayam did not say 

the full details of victim 

because of fear of Police. 

Witnessed the Chintamani 

Police firing 


Police firing 


Police firing 


Police firing 


Police firing 


Police firing 

The Victim sustained 

serious fracture on the 

right wrist when he fell 

down as the Police 

chased him when he was 

taking water in the well 

The victim was severely 

beaten by the police 

during the raid as he tried 

to run away from the 

Police. 

- 


S.N 

District 

Name of the 

Victim / 

Witness 

Age 

Date of 

Occurrence 


Case in Brief 

45. Ramnad 

K. Arumugam 

- Witness 

60 18.09.11 

46. Sivagangai Vadivel 45 11.09.11 

47. Ramanad 

Mr. 

Subramani 

48 11.09.11 

48. Ramanad Booma 35 11.09.11 

49. Ramanad Kasthuri 40 11.09.11 

50. Ramanad A.Natarajan 60 11.09.11 

51. Madurai M.Mohan 30 11.09.11 

52. Sivagangai 

Mr. 

Ramamoorth 

y, 

33 11.09.11 

Adi Dravidar Colony, 

Alanganur, 

Mudhukulathur, 


District 

S/o. Paranjothi, 

Kiliyur Colony Post, 

Illayankudi Division, 

Sivagangai. 

S/o Mr. Nayinar 

Rajiv Nagar,Mellaaikudi, 



District 

Balan Nagar, 



district 

S/o Ganesan 

S. Kavanur,Post, 

Paramakudi TK/, 

Ramanathapuram DT 

S.Andakudi, 

Thelisathanallur,Post, 

Paramakudi TK 

Ramanathapuram DT, 

S/o Mani 


Vadipatti TK, 

Madurai DT 

S/o Mr. Rasu, 

Kalangaadhan Kottai, 

Illayankudi Taluk, 


--- 

Illaiyankudi Police firing 

Eye Witness 

I have slight injuries in my 

right hand and a deep 

wound at the back side of 

my head. 

One of the persons who 

witnessed the incident. 

The victim was tensed as 

her sons were hiding due 

to fear of police torture. 

Suffering from poverty. 

Paramakudi Police Firing 

Eye Witness 

Paramakudi Police Firing 

Eye Witness 

Victim was arrested the 

Illaiyankudi Police Firing 

Illaiyankudi Police Firing 

Eye Witness 


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CHAPTER - XV 

Fact finding reports from Civil Society 

Organisations, Tamil Nadu 


Background: 

“The significance of the recent events of police firing and other action in Paramakudi, 

Ainthukukku, Chinthamani and Ilayankudi in the Ramanathapuram, Madurai and Sivaganga 

districts, earlier forming the larger Ramanathapuram district, can be understood against the 

background of suppression of the castes listed as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and their relegation to 

agrestic slavery, agricultural serfdom and agricultural labourhood without rights to landownership 

and other elementary rights through the Indian Caste System-with-““Untouchability”” over the 

many centuries of India’s socio-economic history. Tamil Nadu shares this with the rest of India. 

From the 19 th century onwards all over India including Tamil Nadu the SCs have been trying to 

resist untouchabilty-based discriminations against them, resulting in savage reprisals against them 

to keep them in their place. 

The Constitution of India, inspired by the ideals of the national movement for Independence 

and in particular by Dr. Ambedkar’s philosophy, has clearly mandated the Indian State, both at the 

Central level and the level of the States of India, to protect the SCs and STs from social injustice 

and all forms of exploitation and to promote with special care their educational and economic 

interest, and also incorporated various Articles spelling out the measures for achieving this 

objective and for achieving the Constitutional goal of Social Justice and Social Equality. 

Notwithstanding this Constitutional mandate the Governments in India including 

Governments in Tamil Nadu have failed to follow this Constitutional mandate and the various 

Constitutional provisions in full. Therefore, while the Scheduled Castes, encouraged by the 

Constitution and with growing consciousness and awareness with the spread of education among 

them, have been increasingly asserting their rights and defying the inhuman unconstitutional and 

illegal interdicts of “Untouchability”, they have been largely left to the mercy of locally powerful 

castes to which the major landholders of the area belong and who want to maintain the 

unconstitutional status-quo ante. The oppressors of the SCs have felt encouraged by weak action 

by the Governments including the Government of Tamil Nadu to strengthen the SCs through 

appropriate social, educational and economic measures and to ruthlessly and heavily come down 

upon their oppressors. Even the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 and the SC and ST 

(Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 have been ineffectively implemented by them, giving a signal 

to the leaders of locally powerful castes, that they can get away with the imposition of 

“Untouchability” practices and perpetration of crimes against SCs with impunity. 

Events in Southern Tamil Nadu from the middle of the 19 th century very well illustrate this 

unfortunate history. This region has a long history of conflicts arising out of discrimination against 

the SCs based on caste and “Untouchability” dating back to the pre-Independence days. 

The murder on September 11, 1957 of Thiru Emmanuel Sekaran, a redoubtable leader of 

the SCs’ struggle against “Untouchability”, was indeed a major stage in this long history. There 


have been periodical eruptions thereafter from time to time. But, the Governments of Tamil Nadu 

have not taken pro-active holistic measures on the basis of Equality including Social Equality, 

Justice including Social Justice and dignity as mandated by the Constitution to prevent such 

periodic recrudescence and only resorted to fire-fighting from time to time to contain the immediate 

situation from a narrow law and order point of view without addressing the problem at its roots. 

The early 1990s witnessed an accentuation of this trend, marked and marred by the 

Kodiyankulam, Alandha and Kasilngapuram events of 1994 where the police force was found to 

have applied a direct force in attacking Dalit households underlining the pattern of misuse of police 

power against SCs struggling for their constitutional human rights.” 

The terms of reference for the Justice Sampath Commission of Enquiry is inadequate. By 

restricting the terms to the incident at Paramakudi on September 11, 2011 and excluding police 

actions at Chinthamani in Madurai and Ilayangudi in Sivagangai District the same day, the 

Commission’s brief has been set to inquire the tragedy as a mere fallout of a law and order 

problem rather than a larger concern involving a Constitutional crisis. The outcome of an enquiry 

with such restricted terms and from a law and order perspective cannot but lead to a lopsided 

report at best and hence gloss over the concerns of Constitutional Governance, the sine qua non 

of our Republic. 

The observance of the death anniversary of Immanuel Sekaran, in an organized manner 

and scale where a lakhs of Dalits pay homage to the legendary fighter for democratic rights and 

the Constitutional scheme on that day during the past several years is an incontrovertible fact. It is 

acknowledged by a number of police and Revenue Authorities with whom the Jury interacted with, 

that the celebrations organized all these years were peaceful and conducted in accordance with 

the law. The celebrations, every year, have been held in a manner where the organizers and the 

civil and police administrations work in consultation with one another and in perfect coordination. 

Likewise this year too, the organizers and the police and civil administration had planned 

accordingly. The meticulous planning this time, as in the recent past, involved time slots for 

different leaders from the various political parties and other platforms to pay homage at the 

memorial. The members of the various organizations and the State official admitted the above fact 

to the Jury. 

The Jury noted that these celebrations have been marred in the past few years by 

provocative acts of murder of members from the Dalit Community days before September 11. Yet 

the celebrations have not been marred by any such acts as retaliatory violence on any of those 

instances. Similarly one Palanikumar, a 16 years old school boy from Pallapacheri of 

Mandalamanickam village, Paramakudi Taluk, Ramanathapuram District, was murdered in the 

intervening night between September 9 and 10, 2011 (FIR No 33/2011, Mandalamanickam Police 

Station dated 10-9-2011 at 3 PM). This had caused concern and agitation in the village and 

elsewhere in the region. However, the deceased was cremated in the evening on September 10, 

2011. It may be noted that some of those named in the complaint by the father of the deceased 

were arrested while some others were left scot-free. Admittedly, the villagers from Palanikumar’s 

village had not caused any unrest. Notwithstanding this, the civil administration, for reasons best 

known to them and left unexplained, decided to prevent Mr. John Pandian of the Tamilagha 

Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, a popular leader among the Dalit people in the region, from visiting 


Pallapacheri village and share the grief with young Palanikumar’s parents and fellow villagers. 

Undemocratic and insensitive, as the administration’s decision was, John Pandian had refrained 

from visiting the village. John Pandian said that he had informed the authorities about his decision 

to not to go to the village. Hence, the apprehension that John Pandian may visit Pallapacheri and 

that would cause a law and order problem is unfounded. 

It is admitted by the authorities that an order under Section 151 of the Cr.PC preventing 

John Pandian to enter Ramanathapuram was issued only in the evening on September 10, 2011. 

This order was communicated to the District authorities in Tirunelveli District, where John Pandian 

was staying; only at about 10.30 am on September 11, 2011. Furthermore John Pandian was 

allotted a specific time - 3 PM to 5PM - to pay homage at the memorial on September 11, 2011. 

This establishes that the police did not apprehend any breakdown of law and order situation in the 

event of his visit while exercising his constitutional rights. 

John Pandian, was arrested at Valanadu, in Tuticorin District, under Section 151 of the CrPC at 

about 11am on September 11, 2011. The arrest was a few hours before he was to visit the 

memorial, as sanctioned in accordance with law. John Pandian was detained in a guest house at 

the police firing range, at Valanadu. It lent credence to apprehensions of his safety. The arrest was 

unwarranted. 

News of the arrest, as it spread among the people who had assembled at the Aiyndhu 

Mukkhu (Five Roads Junction) in Paramakudi, a few metres away from the memorial, caused a 

stir. A section of the crowd (some 50 odd men out of the 1000 or so in the spot) had squatted on 

the road. On that day traffic at Aiyndhu Mukkhu, were predominantly people moving on foot and in 

vehicles to pay homage at Immanuel Sekaran’s memorial. 

Seeing the video evidence of the scene and interacting with the people there including the 

authorities therein the Jury come to the following conclusions: 

1. The police / revenue officers on the spot did little to contain the restive crowd in a 

responsible. Instead, it is evident that the police suddenly resorted to lathi charge. Even 

while the crowd had dispersed into the various roads leading out of the junction, police 

started firing indiscriminately at those fleeing. The Jury also found that many of those 

injured by bullet wounds were on-lookers. 

2. Mr.Shivakumar, Tahshildar, Paramakudi, on whose orders firing was resorted to, evaded 

meeting with members of the Jury. Ms. Meera Parmeswari, the Revenue Divisional Officer, 

Pramakudi, confirmed that she was far away from Ainthu Mukkhu and that Mr. Shivakumar 

had ordered firing on his own assessment of the situation. It is imperative that a Statutory 

Enquiry is to be conducted in accordance with law whenever there is a firing. However in 

this case on account of constitution of Justice Sampath Commission the Statutory Enquiry 

has been waived. 

3. The police version that the crowd had resorted to arson is indeed unfounded. None of the 

shops or establishments on the spot bore any evidence of this. As for a police vehicle 

(armoured carrier) that was set on fire, it defies common sense that the crowd that was on 

the run and far away from the five-roads junction, minutes after the lathi-charge began, 

could set fire to an armoured vehicle at a junction and where the posse of heavily armed 


policemen in riot control were in full strength. There is no evidence of the personnel 

manning the vehicle resisting too. A fire tender was stationed a few yards away at the 

Aiyinthu Mukkhu Junction. Mr. Deivendran, Station Officer Fire and Rescue Services, was 

in control of the said fire-tender. He could not explain as to why he did nothing to douse the 

burning vehicle a few yards away. 

4. Inexplicably another fire-tender from Ramanathapuram was brought in to douse the fire. 

That vehicle was also set on fire allegedly by the crowd. The jury finds it unacceptable 

because the crowd was fleeing away from the lathis and the incessant firing had begun by 

then. The Jury is convinced that these acts of arson were planted in order to justify the 

excessive use of force. There are also some strong pointers to the presence of agent 

provocateurs in the few hundred strong crowd at the five-roads junction. 

5. In reviewing the facts surrounding the events relating to the yearly commemoration of Mr. 

Immanuvel Sekaran at Paramakudi on the 11th of September 2011, and the sequence of 

happenings that lead to the firing by police using firearms and lathicharge in the deaths of 

six persons and many other with serious injuries, there is an urgent need to look into the 

norms and standards of the international human rights law recognised by India. 

Correspondingly, there are to be found in their the constitution of India and its to assembly 

peaceably and without a arrange subsequent formulations, especially, art 19 (b). 

6. The yearly commemoration of Mr. Immanuvel Sekaran clearly falls under the category of 

peaceful and lawful assembly. The universal declaration of Human Rights clearly states 

under art 20 (1) that “everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and 

association”. The International Covenant on civil and political rights in its Art 21 states that 

‘the right of peaceful assembly shall be recognized’, and that ‘no restrictions may be place 

on the exercise of this right other than those imposed in conformity with the law and which 

are necessary in a democratic society in the interests of national security or public safety, 

public order, the protection of public health or morals or the protection of the rights and 

freedoms of others.’ India is party to the Covenant and has binding obligation to ensure 

and to observe it fully. The Paramakudi event has been recognised as a cultural 

expression allowing people concerned to assemble peacefully. As far as the finding goes 

this aspect of recognition of the right to peaceful assembly has been observed. Even with 

certain other factors influencing the gathering, the assembly has been peaceful until the 

lathi charge and firing. In fact, statements have substantiated that negotiations were on 

between the police and the assembled people, in particular, those sitting at the five corner 

junction. Besides, the assembled people, these were a substantial police presence at the 

venue with the necessary equipment and vehicles. 

7. On the other hand, the sudden onrush of police armed with lathi and brutally assaulting the 

people who were sitting and the subsequent use of firearms raises a multiplicity of 

disturbing questions clearly violating seriously the objective human rights standards 

declared under the international human rights law in particular, 

8. The Code of Conduct for law enforcement officials adopted by the General assembly 

resolution 34/169 of 17 December 1979 (referred to as the Code) has been transgressed. 


9. Basic principles on the use of force and firearms by law Enforcement Officials, 1990 

(referred to as basic principles) has also been transgressed 

10. Correspondingly, provisions in compliance with the above standards exist in the domestic 

law especially concerning the use of force and firearms by law enforcement officials. Here 

law enforcement officials (LEF) referred to is the police. As per art.1 of the Code, “the 

LEF/Police shall at all times fulfill the duty imposed upon them by law, by serving the 

community and by protecting all persons against illegal acts, consistent with the high 

degree of responsibility required by their profession”. The behavior of the police and their 

action falls far short of this code, especially when “no illegal acts” were noticeable and that 

“high degree of responsibility” was missing. 

11. Article 3 of the Code states specifically that “LEF/Police officials may use force only when 

strictly necessary and to the extent required for the performance of their duty”. 

12. The sudden lathi charge by the police on people sitting without any semblance of violent 

expression and subsequent commencement of the use of firearms deserves rigorous 

consideration and related measures. Moreover, the visual images convey that the use of 

force is not in accordance with the principles of necessity and proportionality. 

13. Closely related to the above, observed during the testimonies provided by the victims with 

multiple injuries, Art.5 which states that “no LEF/Police may inflict, instigate or tolerate any 

act of torture or other Cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment”. The visible 

injuries observed on the victims manifest the fact that the victims have undergone such 

harm along with abusive language related to their caste identity. The right to physical 

integrity has been severely violated with some loosing their ability to exercise their 

profession, for example, a vehicle driver inability to use his arms and legs. The right to life, 

limb and property have been seriously violated. In some cases, the victims were cruelly 

beaten and killed, among those six persons who lost their lives. Another tragic case is that 

of a disabled person (Polio paralysis on left leg) being beaten on his legs and twisted. Here 

when one takes into consideration the Convention of the Rights of Disabled Persons, 

(CRPD) which India has ratified and submitted its initial state party report. THE CRPD in 

its article 15 (1), prohibits any form of torture, or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or 

punishment. 

14. The Code in its Art.6 states that “the LEF/ Police shall ensure the full protection of the 

health of person in their custody and in particular, shall take immediate action ensure 

medical attention “whenever required”. This has been violated multiple times for most of 

the victims. In some cases, they were left to find their own medical attention. No effort was 

undertaken to call immediately either for an ambulance or medical assistance. Besides, 

with the imposition of Sec.144, the efforts to get ambulance service through the call 

number 108 was impossible even for the hospital authority. 

15. Now coming to the use of force and firearms by LEF/Police within the human rights 

framework, the Basic Principles do refer to the Code, especially Art 3 on the use of force, in 

its general provisions, among others, stipulates, that government “should include the 

development of non-lethal incapacitating weapons for use in appropriate situations with a 

view to increasingly restraining the applicable of means capable of causing death or injury 


to person”. There has been a wilful negligence in observing the above provisions, with 

police indulging in brutal assault on unarmed persons with all kinds of lathi as well as 

throwing stones. People did throw stones. The Police had protective armor against it. Of 

course, some police personnel were injured. Other means of crowd dispersal were never 

attempted. Moreover, visual images show many were beaten up repeatedly and stamped 

on their body. Forewarning could have been given much earlier through appropriate audio 

means. Whereas, police came well equipped with riot-control vehicles (VAJRA), fire 

tenders, ambulance, etc. In fact, some of these vehicles were set on fire thereby escalating 

the situation. Such indiscriminate use of excessive force with inappropriate means is 

condemnable. 

16. Looking at the actual use of firearms, a number the Basic Principles under articles 5,6 and 

7 under special provisions. Summarising these provisions which was neglected during the 

firing at Paramakudi on 11th Sept.2011, 

17. 5(a) – exercise restraint in such and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence and 

the legitimate objective to be achieved. At Paramakudi, the firing went on from 12.45 to 5 

p.m. with the object to seriously harm or kill the person. Also, those who were already 

beaten up and seriously injured were killed by firearms. 

18. 5(b) – minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life. 

19. Least observed, with the shots being fired above the waist, and a few, on the forehead. It 

appears that the intent was “shoot to kill” application of firearms. 

20. 5(c) – ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected 

persons at the earliest possible moment. 

21. Hardly any visible efforts were noticeable of police complying with this provision. Literally, 

those killed (or injured) were dragged on the ground and thrown into van. 

22. 5(d) – ensure that relatives or close friends of the injured or affected person are notified at 

the earliest possible moment. 

23. Most of the testimonies informed the jury that they came to know through visual and print 

media, often much after the incident. No concern of humanitarian approach was exercised 

by police and State officials. 

24. As per article 6, use of firearms has to be reported promptly to superiors. This has to be 

verified. There were confidential claims made by some members of the police from the SC 

community that they were asked to register entrustment of the fire arms and once they 

were on the spot , the fire arms were asked to be handed over to ‘members of the police 

drawn from the dominant community’ . There will not be any evidence for this but this is, if 

true, a very serious and pertinent allegation that is being made by members of the police 

drawn from the SC community. 

25. Article 7 states that governments shall ensure that arbitrary or abusive use of force and 

firearms by police is punished as a criminal offence under their law. This has to be verified. 

Till date, none of the perpetrators, if identified, have been brought under due process of 

law. Government has to exercise due diligence in implementing this provision. 

26. The Basic principles contain provisions for policing assemblies of different categories. This 

has to be looked into to avoid non-recurrence of such incidents. Above all, seen from the 


performance of LEF / Police, at this incident, special measures has to be introduced to 

sensitise the police and concerned state officials on anti-discriminatory approaches of 

policing and human rights especially art 22 of the Basic Principles. 

27. The Basic Principles also call for clear reporting and reviewing procedures among them, art 

23 states persons affected by the use of force and firearms or their legal representatives 

shall have access to an independent process, including a judicial process. In the event of 

the death of such persons this provision shall apply to their dependents accordingly. 

28. In all these circumstances the question of command responsibility should be applied. 

Equally valid would be the application of the UN Declaration of Basic Principles of Justice 

for Victims of Crime and Abuse of Power (1985) in particular, the provisions relating to 

restitution etc., as well as those provisions 

FINDINGS 

1. The arrest and detention of Mr. John Pandian and preventing him from paying homage was 

unwarranted and that led to the incidents. 

2. It is clear that the members of the Scheduled caste community were all proceeding to the 

memorial in a peaceful manner and totally unarmed. There was no justification for the use 

of any force against them. 

3. The prolonged use of force, including firearms, for an extended period of admittedly more 

than four hours (12.45 to 16.45 hours) is totally unjustified. 

4. The lack of any system to render medical assistance to the injured and the brutal manner in 

which the men in uniform dealt with the victims is shocking and warrants action against 

those found guilty of such acts. 

5. There was no justification at all for use of fire arms. 

6. Excessive use of lathis and indiscriminate firing caused injury and death to large number of 

by-sanders who were unarmed and who were in a peaceful assembly proceeding to the 

memorial. Such lathi charging and firing amount to offences under IPC and SC ST 

Atrocities Act. 

7. The Jury found that no Executive Magistrate Enquiry for use of fire arms as required under 

Cr.PC. was ordered in Paramakudi due to the constitution of the ‘Justice Sampath 

Commission of Enquiry’. This is a patent dereliction of duty on the part of the Executive 

Magistrate. 

8. The Jury is of the opinion that it is necessary to have an independent enquiry / investigation 

by transferring the investigation to CBI. 

9. The Jury recommends constitution of an exclusive Special Court at Paramakudi to receive 

complaints and process the same arising exclusively from the ‘Paramakudi firing’ as 

several incidents of violations have gone unnoticed and unregistered. 

10. We also find that the victims have not been properly rehabilitated both in terms of 

compensation and also in terms of requisite medical treatments. In terms of long term 

measures of rehabilitations like distribution of land to every SC family of the affected 


villages development of their land admission of all their children in good residential schools. 

(refer to the recommendations in this regard below.) 

11. It is necessary that a committee consisting of eminent citizens is constituted to continuously 

engage in measures to build the confidence of the people. 

Recommendations 

The jury recommends the following measures in this context. 

1. To immediately take all steps to transfer the investigation of all the cases related to the 

Paramakudi, Chinthamani & Ilayankudi firings to the CBI. 

2. The State and District Legal Services Authority has to provide free legal aid to the victims 

by appointing senior and experienced advocates to: (i) assist them to prepare and file 

private complaints / follow up to register the same either by filing 482 petitions in the High 

Court or private complaints in the relevant criminal Courts to secure conviction of the 

perpetrators of the crime and (ii) To secure compensation for the victims. 

3. Government officials at all levels should be sensitized to treat all equally and inspire 

confidence in the minds of the victims / downtrodden / marginalized to feel that they will be 

heard and can secure justice from the State. 

4. Police personnel from other castes than those in the region have to be mobilized to 

regulate such mass gathering of people. . 

5. A rapid / special force could be created with special training from among the Armed 

Reserve to regulate and manage any crowd / gatherings in the district. 

6. The police constabulary posted to manage the crowd / gathering has to be kept with 

reasonable facilities and not be piled in schools or other institutions which have no 

infrastructure to even provide basic necessities. 

7. On such sensitive days it is essential that more doctors and other para-medical staff be 

posted in hospitals in and around the areas where such congregations happen. 

8. “The widely recognised four R’s of follow up action subsequent to any natural or man made 

calamity are (1) Relief, (2) Reconciliation, (3) Rehabilitation and (4) Resettlement. The 

following administrative measures have to be initiated for normalisation of life in 

Paramakudi to the pre-police action conditions and bettering the situation for empowering 

the victims to ward off further recurrence of similar disasters. 

8.1. Relief: Medical care of numerous grievously injured people was seen to be 

substandard , due to apathy of both medical and police authorites . A special medical 

camp with all modern facilities for comprehensive examination and health care should be 

positioned in Paramakudi for a month in order to invite persons who had sustained 

injuries due to the police firing and attack to make use of the facility. This facility has also to 

be widely advertised by the District Administration. The expert medical professionals at this 

special medical facility after thorough diagnosis should refer relevant cases to appropriate 

full fledged appropriate hospitals either within the district or in Madurai if needed. The 

Government should meet all the expenses in this regard, including transportation of 

patients, provisions for food, medicine, etc., during the treatment and recuperation. The 


medical attendants if any, from families of economically poor patients should also be paid 

their transport charges to the hospital in order that they are able to attend to their loved 

ones at their bedside. 

8.2. Reconciliation: Sincere efforts have to be made to remove doubts in the minds of 

victims of police excesses, about their impartiality and their keenness to justice delivery of 

the administration, in the matter of their respective complaints. Special officers from police 

and Executive Magistrate who have proven commitment and skill in achieving amity and 

peace among discordant parties viz., the Dalits, the police/administration and the Thevars 

be detailed. These officers may suggest formation of grass root level defense/welfare 

committees by selecting people from all sections. They may also study each controvenal 

issue and bring out / suggest solutions. The Collector and the District Superintendent of 

Police of Ramand District should once in a fortnight, review the work of these officers and 

take adequate action, as and when necessary. 

8.3 Rehabilitation:Damages incurred by people in the incidents/police action need to be 

urgently surveyed/assessed by a team of experts and adequate compensation be 

provided so that material facilities in the pre-incident conditions can be rebuilt/recreated. 

The relevant provisions of the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 and the Rules 1993 

should be used for this purpose to determine the compensation to be paid. 

8.4 Resettlement: Specific plans have to be designed by the Administration to resettle all 

who lost their means of livelihood viz., private, Government jobs, vocation, profession, etc., 

due to their respective health condition or fear complex/prevailing tension. 

8.4.1. Resettlement schemes should be person specific tailored to the skill and 

qualification of affected people. 

8.4.2. The above measures, hopefully will restore importance of victims in the 

administration, reduce tension levels among inter and inter-caste groups and create 

a structural frame work for dual peace and normalcy. 

“The following holistic measures need to be taken to remove the weakness and 

vulnerability of the SCs, and to effectively eliminate “Untouchability” and atrocities 

and are recommended to the Government of Tamil Nadu for urgent implementation. 

These need to be taken up immediately in the Ramanathapuram, Madurai, 

Sivagangai (RMS) belt on account of the continuing tension, with periodic eruptions, 

and the sufferings to which these Scheduled Castes of this belt have been 

subjected to over the last nearly a century to this day. While implementing these 

immediately in this belt, they should also be undertaken throughout the State as a 

similar situation, in varying degrees, will arise elsewhere too as an when SCs assert 

their human and Constitutional rights, apart from the fact that such holistic 

development is part of the rights of the SCs under the Constitution and this has 

been amply clarified by the Supreme Court in its interpretation of Article 21. 

9. Developmental Measures: 

9.1 Educational Measures 


9.1.1.A large number of SC children of Palla Pacheri – a number of 105 was 

mentioned to the jury – who were studying in the school in Mandala Manikam close 

to their village of Palla Pacheri, are reported to have taken their TCs from the 

government school on account of tensions and humiliation they experienced in the 

school and joined a much more distant school. The District Collector needs to be 

requested to urgently investigate this and also similar situation in all other villages in 

the district. Proper arrangements should be made for the education of these 

children of Pallapacheri and similar children in the district. The other two Collectors 

of Madurai and Sivagangai should also be directed to expeditiously study similar 

situation in all the villages in their districts and take similar action. 

9.1.2.The proper and definitive remedy for the sound and undisturbed school-level 

education of SC children is to set up residential schools of high quality upto Class 

XII, along the lines of the Navodaya Vidyalaya Schools’ or schools of AP Social 

Welfare Residential School Society, in which education, food and other needs are 

provided free of cost to the SC children, and which have qualified post-graduate 

teachers. Such schools numbering about 300 each in AP and Karnataka for SCs 

are producing good results. Tamil Nadu, which has been a pioneer in social 

reforms, should not lag behind in this any longer. To start with, it is necessary to 

immediately set up a network of such residential schools in groups of villages in 

every Block of these three districts so that all SC children, both boys and girls, of 

these three districts of the RMS belt get high-quality school education. In these 

schools, 75% of the children should be from SCs while the rest should be from BCs 

and poor families not belonging to SC or BC (STs are not mentioned only because 

their population is very small in Tamil Nadu and they are not significantly present in 

this belt, but any ST children found in the belt should also be covered in the 25% for 

non-SCs). This will provide focus for the education of SC children who are kept 

below the level of other social classes of children all over India including Tamil 

Nadu, both because of the centuries-old Indian caste system-with-“Untouchability” 

and also because of the inadequacy of planning and efforts by the Governments 

after Independence. 

9.1.3. While doing this urgently in this belt, on account of the continuing tensions 

and the sufferings of the SCs, similar residential schools need to be established for 

the SCs in other regions of Tamil Nadu and also for STs in their pockets. 

9.1.4. It is also necessary to set up residential schools for poor children belonging 

to different sections of the Backward Classes especially the More, Most and 

Extremely Backward Classes in the RMS belt as well as in the rest of the State with 

similar composition of the cohort, i.e., 75% for children of the social group for which 

the residential school is intended and the remaining 25% for children of other social 

groups. 

9.2. Pre-school education 

9.2.1. It is necessary to open an Anganwadi in every SC colony or habitation starting 

immediately with the RMS belt and every Anganwadi needs to be provided a qualified 

teacher. Children of other communities should be welcome to these Anganwadis in the SC 


astis. This will ensure that SC children get the benefit of the Anganwadi scheme without 

being hampered by “Untouchability” and humiliation and at the same time will contribute to 

integration since other children are also welcome. The Anganwadi workers and teachers in 

these Anganwadis should be from the Scheduled Castes. 

9.2.2.While starting this immediately in the RMS belt, similar Anganwadis need to be set up 

in all SC colonies or habitations in the State and also in ST habitations and pockets and for 

BCs living in isolated habitations like fisherfolk. 

9.3 Higher Education 

9.3.1. It is creditable that Tamil Nadu, in keeping with its pioneering role in introducing 

reservation in the country has, soon after the 93 rd Constitution Amendment Act was passed 

in 2005 inserting new Clause (5) in Article 15, promptly enacted the Tamil Nadu Backward 

Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Reservation of Seats in Private 

Educational Institutions) Act, 2006 (Act No. 12 of 2006). 

9.3.2. In addition to closely monitoring and ensuring the full and thorough implementation 

of this Act, in order to completely fulfil the purpose of this legislation and to enable all 

communities of SCs, STs and BCs to secure their due share of reservation, intensive 

coaching, associating reputed private coaching institutions, needs to be introduced from 

Class XI onwards for SCs, STs and BCs with particular attention to those castes which are 

not able to secure their due share of reservation, to equip them to secure the full quota of 

reservation and if possible to successfully compete for some of the open competition seats. 

9.3.3. This effort needs to be concentrated initially in the RMS belt to cover all these 

children and while doing so it needs to be undertaken similarly in other parts of the State. 

10. Economic Measures 

10.1.Land for Every Rural SC Family 

10.1.1. Imposition of landlessness and subjection to agrestic slavery (till the middle of the 

19 th century) and agricultural serfdom and agricultural labourhood and denial of landownership 

has been an important part of the menu of the Indian Caste System-with- 

”Untouchability” for the SCs. Some ameliorative measures of land distribution have been 

taken up in recent times, especially after Independence, but these have not been 

systematic and thorough. As a result there is a wide gap between SCs and others in the 

matter of proportion of land-owning peasants, the converse of which is a disproportionately 

high share for SCs among agricultural wage labourers. The position of Tamil Nadu in this 

regard is worse than the all-India average. This is closely linked with the persistent 

continuance of “Untouchability” and the all-round vulnerability of SCs. 

10.1.2. Therefore, it is necessary for the Tamil Nadu Government to immediately undertake 

a programme of land distribution to all landless rural SC families, like a blitzkrieg, to be 

completed in one or two years. For this purpose, a Task Force should be set up at the level 

of each Taluk (TSF), with empowered officers of the Revenue, Survey and other concerned 

Departments which should go from village to village, and take the following steps in each 

village:- 

(a) take stock of all cultivable Government lands, 


(b) issue pattas on the spot, in public to ensure transparency, to SCs and other 

landless poor cultivating such lands, 

(c) evict ineligible encroachers where they exist from such lands and distribute such 

lands also among landless SCs and, after fulfilling their requirement, to other 

landless poor, 

(d) take stock of saline, alkaline and other currently uncultivable lands but which can 

be reclaimed, and distribute them among landless SCs and, after fulfilling their 

requirement, to other landless poor, and also arrange for reclamation of such 

currently uncultivable lands. During the period of reclamation, the SCs and other 

landless poor working on such lands assigned to them should be paid wages 

under the MGNREGA. 

(e) Where in any village lands under (a) to (d) are inadequate to cover all landless SC 

families, undertake acquisition or purchase of private lands, owned by large landowners, 

absentee-owners, owners who have other lucrative occupations like 

contracts, business, trade and higher government jobs, and assign these lands 

also to landless SC families. 

(f) All pattas for SCs as well as other landless poor should be given in the joint 

names of husband and wife and, in the case of single women-headed families, in 

the name of such women. 

(g) Take stock of all Panchami lands in each village which have been taken over by 

persons of non-SC communities, evict them and restore such lands to SCs. 

10.1.3 A District level Task Force ( DTF) and State District-level Task Force (DTF) and 

State level Task Force (STF) are necessary to supervise and monitor the work of the TSF 

and to ensure that they complete their work in one or two years.This crucial task should be 

undertaken with concentration first in the RMS belt and while doing so in the rest of the 

State. 

10.2. Irrigation for all SC lands : 

10.1. All SC lands which are unirrigated but which All SC lands which are unirrigated but 

are irrigable should be brought under dependable irrigation though common bore-wells, 

tube-wells and also separate canals from large irrigation systems. This should start with 

lands already owned by them and should be extended to lands which are given to them 

under (1) above. 

10.3. Development of SC lands apart from irrigation : 

In addition to irrigation for irrigable lands, other optimal developmental programmes should be 

undertaken for unirrigable lands of SCs to maximise income. Where such development involves a 

gestation period, the SCs working on such developmental works in their lands should be provided 

wages under the MGNREGA. 

10.4. Prevention of Depletion of total stock of SC lands 

10.4.1. Legislation :The State Government should move a Bill for enactment by the 

legislature prohibiting purchase or occupation in any manner and through any means of SC 


lands by non-SCs and providing for eviction of such illegal purchasers / occupants and 

restoration to the SCs. 

10.4.2. Land Bank for SCs : The above measures along with universal and efficient health 

and medical coverage for all SCs will eliminate the need for distress sales by SCs. 

However, despite this there may be some cases where, in order to meet some unavoidable 

expenses, some individual SCs may have to sell their lands. A land bank should be 

created to purchase such lands at market price and thereafter make them available to 

other SCs.These crucial land-related measures should be started on an emergency basis 

in the RMS belt and also should be undertaken quickly in the rest of the State. 

10.5. Skill Development 

10.5.1. For all SCs who are landless and who cannot be given land inspite of all sincere 

efforts mentioned at II (1) above, a programme of training in marketable skills should be 

provided, whereby they will be able to get into modern and viable occupations either on 

employment or self-employment basis, initially concentrating efforts in RMS belt and while 

doing so quickly in the rest of the State. 

10.6. Entrepreneurial Development 

10.6.1 Share in Government contracts: It was brought to the notice of the jury that most of 

the Government contracts go to persons of only one caste in the RMS belt. SCs should be 

given contracts the value of which bears the same proportion to all contracts each year as 

is equal to their proportion among agricultural labourers. They should be given financial 

support for executing their share of contracts through working capital from banks on the 

basis of a tripartite agreement between the Department awarding the contract, the SC 

awardee of the contract and a bank whereby the bank will give adequate working capital to 

the SC contractor and the Department will pay the bank’s dues directly from time to time 

and pay the balance to the SC contractor. Payments should be prompt as the SCs do not 

have staying power if payment for works done is delayed, and should be transparent so as 

to preclude the possibility of illegal levy of a percentage of the dues by any person of the 

Government staff concerned. 

10.6.2.: Educated SCs should be helped to set up their own enterprises with all necessary 

clearances, support and tie-ups from a single window of the Government and with 

arrangements for mentoring until they settle down. 

10.7. SC Habitations 

10.7.1. The condition of SC habitations in rural as well as the urban areas are the worst. 

All their habitations should be taken up for good housing for all SC families with all facilities 

and amenities like drinking water, drainage, paved roads, electricity connection and a study 

hall for children after school hours and funeral ground where there is none for SCs (there 

are many such villages); and with all connectivities to conveniently go to all points where 

they have to go. 

10.7.2. It was a complaint of the SCs of Palla Pacheri that they had to pass through 

Mandala Manickam and face tensions, discriminations and humiliations. They should be 

given a direct all-weather connecting road from the main road to their colony without having 


to pass through Mandala Manickam. The three Collectors of the RMS belt should be 

required to immediately survey all the residential colonies of SCs in this belt and take 

similar action. Such connecting roads are required also to various other points like the 

school, the bus-stand, the market, the PHC/clinic and the funeral ground. It is necessary 

that the three Collectors are required to take a holistic view of this all over their districts 

covering all SC colonies in their districts. 

10.7.3. Similar action is required also from the District Collectors of other parts of the State. 

10.8. Security and Dignity of SCs 

10.8.1. Tamil Nadu along with the rest of the country has an unfortunate history of 

“Untouchability” which is still persisting and rampant in various forms including the 

notorious “two glass” system, and infliction of atrocities on SCs when they seek their rights 

including the right to dignity. The Protection of Civil Rights (PCR) Act, 1955 and the SC 

and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) (POA), Act, 1989 are being implemented in a casual and 

lackadaisical manner. 

10.8.2. Statistics provided by the Government of Tamil Nadu for the Annual Reports on the 

POA Act and the PCR Act, placed on the Table of the Parliament, presents a picture of 

absent-mindedness, casualness and gross negligence. For example, the Government of 

Tamil Nadu reported, under the PCR Act, 2 cases in 2002 and 3 cases in 2003 which is 

patently and unrealistically low. During the same period, the Govt. of Andhra Pradesh 

reported 343 cases in 2002 and 495 cases in 2003. The “Untouchability” situation in Tamil 

Nadu is not better than in Andhra Pradesh. Even in Tamil Nadu, the reported cases in 

1999 was 33 which came down to the numbers mentioned for 2002 and 2003 while in the 

neighbouring Andhra Pradesh the number of cases went up from 279 in 1999 to 495 in 

2003. There is no justification for so much variation between Andhra Pradesh and Tamil 

Nadu and for the fall of number of cases in Tamil Nadu. Another painful instance is that of 

zero conviction in Tamil Nadu in 2003. In that year, trial was completed in 2017 out of 2056 

cases in the court. Everyone of the 2017 cases ended in acquittal! The zero conviction in 

2003 should be compared with the number of convictions in Tamil Nadu itself in previous 

years — 137 in 2002, 247 in 2001and 140 in 2000. The slump in convictions in 2003, the 

wide and apparently inexplicable internal variations in Tamil Nadu and inter-State 

comparison with neighboring States all show lack of seriousness about effective 

implementation. The figures of Tamil Nadu do not mesh with the ground reality of rampant 

“Untouchability” and frequent atrocities, and the number of cases registered, number of 

convictions and acquittals and variations are apparently the outcome of casualness. 

10.8.3. It was mentioned to the jury that even in past years in the period immediately 

before the annual homage to Thiru Emmanuel Sekaran, one or two SCs used to be killed. 

Even this year, a school boy named Thiru Palanikumar of Palla Pacheri of Mandala 

Manickam village was killed in the intervening night between September 9 and 10, 2011 

(FIR No. 33/2011, Mandalamanickam Police Station dated 10-9-2011). 

10.8.4. In view of these facts, the following measures should be taken specifically and 

immediately in the RMS belt and also quickly in other parts of the State:- 


11. Scheduled Castes / Scheduled Tribes ( Prevention of Atrocities ) Act 1989 and Rules 

1995. 

11.1. A Special exclusive Court for the prompt, day-to-day trial of atrocities should be set 

up in each district. Judges of exclusive Special Courts should be selected on the basis of 

their record of and reputation for upholding the rights of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled 

Tribes, especially the right of Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes to protection against 

violence and “Untouchability”. No cases other than those of atrocities against SCs and STs 

should be entrusted to these exclusive Special Courts. The exclusive Special Court should 

not be one of the existing courts. 

11.2. The Exclusive Special Courts and their judges should be provided adequate 

supporting staff and facilities, which should not be less than what is provided for other 

mainstream sessions courts and their judges; and should not be prevented from 

functioning optimally by being starved or partly starved of the supporting staff and facilities 

required for the efficient discharge of their functions. 

11.3. For every Special Court, the State Government should appoint a Public Prosecutor or an 

Advocate who has been in practice as an advocate for not less than seven years and 

having the record of and reputation for consistently upholding the Rights of Scheduled Castes 

and Scheduled Tribes especially their Right to Protection from violence and “Untouchability” 

and not taking up cases against victims of atrocities and “Untouchability” as a Special Public 

Prosecutor, for the purpose exclusively of conducting cases under this Act in the Exclusive 

Special Court. No case other than cases of atrocities against SCs and STs should be entrusted 

to the Special Public Prosecutor. 

11.4. The District Magistrate may, if he deems it necessary, and should, if so desired by any 

victim of an atrocity, engage an eminent Senior Advocate of the victim’s choice for 

conducting cases in the Special Courts on such payment of fee, as he may consider 

appropriate and necessary to make sure that such senior advocate becomes available. 

11.5. For every Special Public Prosecutor appointed, the State Government should appoint 

one or more Assistant Public Prosecutors or advocates, including and preferably advocates 

belonging to Scheduled Castes (and Tribes), who have been in practice as advocate for 

not less than seven years, on the basis of their record of and reputation for consistently 

upholding the Rights of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes especially their Right to 

Protection from violence and “Untouchability” and not taking up the cases against victims of 

atrocities and “Untouchability” exclusively for the purpose of assisting Special Public 

Prosecutor for conducting cases under this Act in the Court; 

11.6. Adequate numbers of Investigating Officers should be appointed, exclusively for trying 

offences under the POA Act and such officers should be selected for appointment after taking 

into account their past experience, sensitivity to social justice and ability to perceive the 

implications and wider social ramifications of cases of atrocities and investigate them along the 

right lines within the shortest possible time. 

11.7. All pending cases of atrocities, especially murders like that of Thiru Palanikumar in the 

RMS belt, should be taken up for immediate disposal. The accused should not be allowed to 

go scot-free during the period of trial because it will produce fear among witnesses and 


potential witnesses and give a sense of impunity to those who commit atrocities. Therefore, if 

any of the accused is on bail, it is necessary that government effectively move for their rearrest 

and effectively oppose grant of bail to them till the trial is over. 

11.8. Substantial compensation should be given to the SC victims, survivors of victims, without 

waiting for the completion of the trial, including immediate admission of their children into 

residential schools and colleges of high quality totally at Government cost, appropriate regular 

jobs for them. 

12. The Protection of Civil Rights Act 1955: The PCR Act and its implementation should be 

strengthened through the following measures: 

12.1. A Special Mobile Court in each district exclusively for trying cases under the PCR Act 

on the spot; 

12.2. Organization of mass movements through mobilization of all positive social forces 

including SCs and STs, liberals and voluntary organizations in addition to the official 

machinery in order to totally eradicate every form of “Untouchability” and atrocities. 

12.3. It should be made the personal responsibility of every District Collector and SP to 

ensure that all measures necessary for ensuring that the rights arising from the 

abolition of “Untouchability” are made available to and are availed of by SCs in terms of 

Section 15A of the Act. 

12.4. In particular, they should be required to pro-actively ensure elimination of 

“Untouchability” in Anganwadis, Mid-day Meals, Class-room seating, equal access to 

drinking water in schools, provision of services by medical, health and gynaecological 

personnel, without any difference to SCs, in addition to ensuring equal access to 

temples, and to institute a system of grievances-hearing of SCs regarding 

“Untouchability” in any form anywhere and immediate redressal of grievances. 

12.5. SC women should be appointed as Mid Day Meal cooks, firmly resisting caste-biased 

opposition. Where cooks are not SC women, the meal servers should be SC women. 

12.6. SC and other caste children should be seated interspersed for Mid Day Meals. These 

will help SC children to get their Mid Day Meals with dignity and will help curb 

“Untouchability”. 

13. Measures to infuse seriousness in implementing the PCR and POA Acts and 

eliminating “Untouchability” and atrocities against SCs and STs : 

13.1. The District collectors and SPs who are crucial for this will take their cue from the 

political leadership of the Government. It would be of immense help if the Chief Minster, 

particularly, and also other Ministers, during tours, specifically and publicly enquire from 

the Collectors and SPs about the prevalence of “Untouchability” and atrocities in the 

State, progress of investigation and trial of cases, total rehabilitation of the victim 

families and other persons belonging to the victim communities and also enquire about 

specific major cases. The determination of the Chief Minster to bring about zero 

tolerance of “Untouchability” and atrocities against SCs and STs needs to be made 

clear to them and to the public including the SC and ST public. Even a few minutes 

spent by the Chief Minister on each tour on this will have an electrifying effect on the 


whole administration. The Chief Minister can also get other Ministers, especially senior 

Ministers, to follow the same example. 

13.2. This may be started intensively first in the RMS belt and along with that in other parts of 

the State. 

14. Sensitisation of non-SCs to Human Rights, Constitutional Rights and Inoculation 

against the Caste System and the Concept of Inequality, Superiority and Inferiority on the 

basis of Caste and Birth 

14.1. This requires sensitive courses of human rights education at schools as well as at 

levels of higher education and institutions of training for teachers, officers and other 

professionals and personnel. Tamil Nadu already has got a good precedent of such 

human rights education being conducted in a number of schools by the Institute of 

Human Rights Education which has got its headquarters at Madurai. This institution 

should be given full support in order to the able to spread such education and values in 

all the schools, colleges and all professional training institutions. This should start most 

intensively and immediately in the RMS belt and taken up elsewhere too in the State so 

that the age-old infection of caste and caste-psyche is once for all eliminated from the 

minds of the people. 

14.2. The importance of this was highlighted by the wailing that came from many of the upper 

caste persons of Uthapuram in Madurai district when the SCs were for the first time 

admitted into the village temple recently through the combined and commendable 

efforts of the Collector and SP of the District representing the State Government and 

the “ Tamilnadu Untouchability Eradication Front” of Tamil Nadu ( a member of the 

Action Committee that organised this Public Inquest and cooperation of enlightened 

individuals. 

15. Socio-Linguistic modification required 

15.1. There are a number of old linguistic habits which show contempt for the Scheduled 

Castes. One of them is to refer to the habitation of SCs in Tamil Nadu as “cheri”. In 

modern times, Governments of Tamil Nadu have realised the inequity of this name and 

changed it to non-stigmatised names like “colony”. But there are still hangovers of the 

past. An example is the name of “Palla Pacheri” for the habitation of SCs near 

Mandala Manikam. This has to be corrected. 

15.2. Another instance is to list Scheduled Castes in the schedules in a disrespectful 

manner, with the name ending in “-n” while it is proper to refer to castes with the 

respectful “-r”-ending. Thus, in the SC list for Tamil Nadu the names Pallan, 

Devendrakulathan (the latter is the name adopted by the same community as the 

former, as part of all-Tamil Nadu and all-India movements for amelioration of names as 

a mark of self-respect), Chakkiliyan, Parayan etc. are found. Though in some cases 

the respectable form has been given in the schedules, the hangover of the past 

continues in a number of instances. In the RMS area, the juxtaposition of respectable 

names like Agamudayar, Kallar, Maravar etc. in the BC list, on the one hand, and 

Pallan and Devendrakulathan in the SC list, on the other hand, is glaring and galling. 

The Government of Tamil Nadu should move the Govt. of India to move a Bill in the 

Parliament to amend these names as “Pallar” and “Devendrakulathor” immediately. 


Subsequently, the Government of Tamil Nadu may similarly move the Govt. of India for 

similar amendment of other names also in the SC list and BC list wherever the 

disrespectful form is used. Any amendment in the SC list requires Parliamentary 

legislation. Amendments to the Central BC list can be made by notification on the 

Advice of the NCBC. Therefore, in the case of amendments required in the BC list to 

substitute respectable names, the NCBC is to be addressed. 

15.3. Putting these two things together, the name of the hamlet “Palla Pacheri” needs be 

changed to “Devendrakulathuru” which means the village (using the non-stigmatised 

form “-uru”) of the Devendrakula people. 

15.4. This is symbolic and may appear to be insignificant to members of castes which have 

not suffered humiliation. For castes which have suffered humiliation and stigmatisation, 

even such symbolic acts have their significance and satisfaction and should not be 

taken lightly. This may be done in addition to the substantive developmental measures 

referred to above. 

16. Administrative Balance Required: 

16.1. It was mentioned by SCs to the jury that one caste is represented to a 

disproportionately large extent in the police force, teachers and employees at different 

levels of different departments in the districts of the RMS belt, putting the SCs at a 

disadvantage when they approach any department of governmental agency and they 

do not get even-handed justice and treatment from the institutions and their personnel. 

This needs to be immediately examined and if this is true this must be corrected. SCs 

should have population-equivalent representation in all services and classes of posts in 

these sensitive districts, and no caste should have a disproportionately large or 

disproportionately small share. 

16.2. While this needs to be immediately done in the RMS belt, there is need for similar 

examination and, wherever imbalance is found, correction in other districts of the State. 

16.3. During critical occasions like period of homage to leaders, which takes place every year 

on specific dates, it will be useful to bring a special force composed of personnel not 

belonging to the two communities which are mutually antagonistic in the RMS belt to 

maintain law and order and this special force should be led by officers known for their 

impeccable impartiality and sense of even-handed justice. 

16.4. To deal with unpredicted eruptions, the State government could consider constituting a 

Rapid Action Force, led by officers of impeccable integrity and impartiality and sense of 

even-handed justice, to be rushed to the spot and to protect the victims and to take 

effective steps under the law against those who commit violence. 

17. The above are certain important aspects of the holistic action required for preventing eruptions 

of the type that has been taking place in different parts of Tamil Nadu along with the country and 

with greater intensity in the RMS belt. Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in social reforms and 

democratisation of society and the polity. Unfortunately, this process has remained incomplete and 

has stagnated and has left the SCs largely in the cold out of its purview. By completing this 

process along the lines mentioned above and thus embracing the SCs on the basis of their 

economic liberation, educational parity at all levels of education with the non-SC, non-ST, non-BC 


(NSCTBC) sections Socially Advanced Castes (SACs), equality in all parameters of development 

and welfare with NSCTBCs / SACs, and protection of their security and dignity, the human 

resources of the SCs will be fully developed and they will be able to make phenomenal 

contribution to the advancement of the State as whole. Tamil Nadu has no doubt registered 

economic growth better than most other States of India, but what has been achieved is still far 

below the potential. The above measures will enable the State to reach its full potential. 

The above holistic measures should be introduced on an emergency basis in the hot RMS 

belt. While doing so, it should also be taken up quickly in the other parts of the State. 

There are competent and sensitive officers in the State like the present District Collector of 

Madurai, Mr. Sagayam IAS whom some of the members of the jury met on 23. 10. 2011. But such 

officers would require total backing of the State at the political level and from the political 

leadership of the State in order to implement these tasks. 

There will be adequate funds for the above long-delayed holistic tasks in the RMS belt as 

well as the rest of the State if the State Government sets apart from its total Annual Plan and Five 

Year Plan outlay a share equivalent in proportion to the population of the SCs in the State as the 

corpus outlay of the Special Component plan for SCs and institutes a system of planning for the 

needs, entitlements and rights of the SCs so as to remove the gaps between them in all 

parameters of development and welfare compared to the SACs/NSCTBCs and supervises and 

enforces its proper and effective implementation of the Plan and schemes and programmes so 

formulated by entrusting this entire task under this system to a high-powered State Scheduled 

Castes Development Authority (SSCDA) consisting of eminent experts (who are service-minded 

and to whom no salary will be paid but who will be provided all functional facilities and accorded 

the status of Cabinet Minister/Minister of State of the State Government). 

18. United Nation Human Rights Council’s Special rapporteur on the right to freedom of assembly : 

It is important to recall that UN HRC appointed a Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of 

peaceful assembly and of association, as an independent expert to examine and report back on a 

country situation on the subject. The Special Rapporteur is part of the Special Procedures of the 

UN HRC. Mr. Maina Kiai is the first SR appointed. 

In October 2010 when the Human Rights Council adopted the resolution appointing the SR, it: 

• Reaffirmed that everyone has the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association 

and that no one may be compelled to belong to an association; 

• Recognized the importance of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of 

association to the full enjoyment of civil and political rights, and economic, social and 

cultural rights; 

• Recognized also that the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association are 

essential components of democracy, providing individuals with invaluable opportunities to, 

inter alia, express their political opinions, engage in literary and artistic pursuits; and 

• Recognized further that exercising the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of 

association free of restrictions, subject only to the limitations permitted by international law, 

in particular international human rights law, is indispensable to the full enjoyment of these 

rights, particularly where individuals may espouse minority or dissenting religious or 

political beliefs. 


18.1. The Resolution further established the mandate of the SR on the rights to freedom of 

peaceful assembly and of association, for an initial period of three years with the following 

mandate : 

a). To gather all relevant information, including national practices and experiences, relating to 

the promotion and protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of 

association, to study trends, developments and challenges in relation to the exercise of 

these rights, and to make recommendations on ways and means to ensure the promotion 

and protection of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association in all their 

manifestations; 

b). To incorporate in the first report an elaboration of the framework, including seeking the 

views of States, through which the mandate holder will consider best practices, including 

national practices and experiences, that promote and protect the rights to freedom of 

peaceful assembly and of association, taking into account in a comprehensive manner the 

relevant elements of work available within the Council; 

c). To seek, receive and respond to information from Governments, nongovernmental 

organizations, relevant stakeholders and any other parties who have knowledge of these 

matters, with a view to promoting and protecting the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly 

and of association; 

d). To integrate a gender perspective throughout the work of the mandate; 

e). To contribute to the provision of technical assistance or advisory services by the Office of 

the High Commissioner to better promote and protect the rights to freedom of peaceful 

assembly and of association; 

f). To report on violations, wherever they may occur, of the rights to freedom of peaceful 

assembly and of association, as well as discrimination, threats or use of violence, 

harassment, persecution, intimidation or reprisals directed at persons exercising these 

rights, and to draw the attention of the Council and the High Commissioner to situations of 

particularly serious concern; 

g). To undertake the SR’s activities such that the present mandate will not include those 

matters of specific competence of the International Labour Organization and its specialized 

supervisory mechanisms and procedures with respect to employers’ and workers’ rights to 

freedom of association, with a view to avoiding any duplication; and 

h). To work in coordination with other mechanisms of the Council, other competent United 

Nations bodies and human rights treaty bodies, and to take all necessary measures to 

avoid unnecessary duplication with those mechanisms. 

18.2 In the discharge of this mandate, the SR was to follow the following working methods : 

a) Transmits urgent appeals and letters of allegation to Member States on alleged violations 

of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and/or of association; 

b) Undertake fact-finding country visits; 

c) Submits annual reports covering activities relating to the mandate to the Human Rights 

Council; and 

d) Engages publicly on issues of concern, including through press releases. 


18.3. In view of the above appointment of the UN SR, the mandate and the abovementioned 

working methods, the jury recommends strongly that the action committee and any other 

civil society organizations undertake urgently a communication with this newly established 

SR on the on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association on the 

Paramakudi issue. 

18.4. It is also the responsibility of the National Human Rights Commission to ensure that the 

standards that are mandated to the UN SR are kept in mind by the NHRC in its present 

handling of this case that it has taken up as Case Nos : 1233/22/30/2011 and 

1409/22/30/2011/OC. 

19. In the context of the Chief Minister having made a statement outlining the background to the 

‘police action’ of 11 th on the floor of the Tamilnadu Legislative Assembly on the 12 th 

September – one day after the incident and then, coming forward the very next day to 

constituting a Commission of Enquiry under the Commission of Enquiry Act 1956 to ne 

headed by a retired High Court Judge to inquire into the incident and the fact that 6 members 

of the scheduled caste community have been killed only due to firing, two others due to 

natural causes, over 70 persons have been injured and finally one young boy murdered in the 

incident which was one of the cause of actions leading to this incident, in order to be able to 

ensure that there is communal amity in the state, it is extremely important that the Hon’ble 

Chief Minister apologizes to the scheduled caste community at large in the state on moral 

grounds for the deaths and injuries that have been caused. 

20. It is pertinent to note that there are several official documents / standards domestic that relate 

to the right to assemble and related matters. They are : 

• The Citizens Charter of the Home Department of the Government of Tamilnadu. 

• The Code of Conduct for the Police in India. ( Sec 4) 

• UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials 1979. 

• UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials 

• Guidelines for freedom of assembly – OSCE 2007 

• Manual of guidance in keeping the peace – UK 2010 

20.1. It is to be noted that the code of conduct for police in India reads, ‘In securing the 

observance of law or in maintaining order, the police should as far as practicable, use the methods 

of persuasion, advice and warning. When the application of force becomes inevitable, only the 

irreducible minimum of force required in the circumstances should be used.’ 

20.2. Some of the most relevant provisions of the UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement 

Officials of 1979 are as follows : 

Art 1 : Law enforcement officials shall at all times fulfil the duty imposed upon them by law, by 

serving the community and by protecting all persons against illegal acts, consistent with the high 

degree of responsibility required by their profession. 

Art 2: In the performance of their duty, law enforcement officials shall respect and protect human 

dignity and maintain and uphold the human rights of all persons. 


Art 3: Law enforcement officials may use force only when strictly necessary and to the extent 

required for the performance of their duty. 

Art 5: No law enforcement official may inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture or other cruel, 

inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment, nor may any law enforcement official invoke 

superior orders or exceptional circumstances such as a state of war or a threat of war, a threat to 

national security, internal political instability or any other public emergency as a justification of 

torture or other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. 

Art 6: Law enforcement officials shall ensure the full protection of the health of persons in their 

custody and, in particular, shall take immediate action to secure medical attention whenever 

required. 

Art 8: Law enforcement officials shall respect the law and the present Code. They shall also, to 

the best of their capability, prevent and rigorously oppose any violations of them. 

Law enforcement officials who have reason to believe that a violation of the present Code has 

occurred or is about to occur shall report the matter to their superior authorities and, where 

necessary, to other appropriate authorities or organs vested with reviewing or remedial power. 

20.3. Some of the most relevant provisions of the UN Basic Principles on the use of force 

and forearms 1990 read as follows : 

Provision No.1:Governments and law enforcement agencies shall adopt and implement 

rules and regulations on the use of force and firearms against persons by law enforcement 

officials. In developing such rules and regulations, Governments and law enforcement 

agencies shall keep the ethical issues associated with the use of force and firearms 

constantly under review. 

Provision No.4: Law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as 

possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms. They 

may use force and firearms only if other means remain ineffective or without any promise of 

achieving the intended result. 

Provision No.5:. Whenever the lawful use of force and firearms is unavoidable, law 

enforcement officials shall: 

(a) Exercise restraint in such use and act in proportion to the seriousness of the offence 

and the legitimate objective to be achieved; 

(b) Minimize damage and injury, and respect and preserve human life; 

(c) Ensure that assistance and medical aid are rendered to any injured or affected persons 

at the earliest possible moment; 

(d) Ensure that relatives or close friends of the injured or affected person are notified at the 

earliest possible moment. 

Provision No.6: Where injury or death is caused by the use of force and firearms by law 

enforcement officials, they shall report the incident promptly to their superiors, in accordance 

with principle 22. 

Provision No.9: Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms against persons except in 

self-defence or defence of others against the imminent threat of death or serious injury, to 

prevent the perpetration of a particularly serious crime involving grave threat to life, to arrest 


a person presenting such a danger and resisting their authority, or to prevent his or her 

escape, and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve these objectives. In 

any event, intentional lethal use of firearms may only be made when strictly unavoidable in 

order to protect life. 

Provision No.10: In the circumstances provided for under principle 9, law enforcement 

officials shall identify themselves as such and give a clear warning of their intent to use 

firearms, with sufficient time for the warning to be observed, unless to do so would unduly 

place the law enforcement officials at risk or would create a risk of death or serious harm to 

other persons, or would be clearly inappropriate or pointless in the circumstances of the 

incident. 

Provision No.11: Rules and regulations on the use of firearms by law enforcement officials 

should include guidelines that: 

(a) Specify the circumstances under which law enforcement officials are authorized to 

carry firearms and prescribe the types of firearms and ammunition permitted; 

(b) Ensure that firearms are used only in appropriate circumstances and in a manner likely 

to decrease the risk of unnecessary harm; 

(c) Prohibit the use of those firearms and ammunition that cause unwarranted injury or 

present an unwarranted risk; 

(d) Regulate the control, storage and issuing of firearms, including procedures for ensuring 

that law enforcement officials are accountable for the firearms and ammunition issued 

to them; 

(e) Provide for warnings to be given, if appropriate, when firearms are to be discharged; 

(f) Provide for a system of reporting whenever law enforcement officials use firearms in 

the performance of their duty. 

Provision No.13: In the dispersal of assemblies that are unlawful but non-violent, law 

enforcement officials shall avoid the use of force or, where that is not practicable, shall 

restrict such force to the minimum extent necessary. 

Provision No.14: In the dispersal of violent assemblies, law enforcement officials may use 

firearms only when less dangerous means are not practicable and only to the minimum 

extent necessary. Law enforcement officials shall not use firearms in such cases, except 

under the conditions stipulated in principle 9. 

Provision No.24: Governments and law enforcement agencies shall ensure that superior 

officers are held responsible if they know, or should have known, that law enforcement 

officials under their command are resorting, or have resorted, to the unlawful use of force 

and firearms, and they did not take all measures in their power to prevent, suppress or report 

such use. 

Provision No.26: Obedience to superior orders shall be no defence if law enforcement 

officials knew that an order to use force and firearms resulting in the death or serious injury 

of a person was manifestly unlawful and had a reasonable opportunity to refuse to follow it. 

In any case, responsibility also rests on the superiors who gave the unlawful orders. 


20.4. It is also pertinent to recall relevant Human Rights Standards for Good Conduct by 

Law Enforcement Officials put forward by the Amnesty International . They read as follows 

: 

1. Everyone is entitled to equal protection of the law, without discrimination on any grounds, 

and especially against violence or threat. Be especially vigilant to protect potentially 

vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, women, refugees, displaced persons and 

members of minority groups. 

3. Do not use force except when strictly necessary and to the minimum extent required under 

the circumstances. 

4. Avoid using force when policing unlawful but non-violent assemblies. When dispensation 

violent assemblies, use force only to the minimum extent necessary. 

5. Lethal force should not be used except when strictly unavoidable in order to protect your life 

or the lives of others. 

7. Ensure all detainees have access promptly after arrest to their family and legal 

representative and to any necessary medical assistance. 

8. All detainees must be treated humanely. Do not inflict, instigate or tolerate any act of torture 

or ill-treatment, in any circumstances, and refuse to obey any order to do so. 

20.5. There is therefore very urgent need for the Indian and UN Code of Conduct for law 

enforcement officials and the UN Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms to be codified 

urgently into a domestic law governing the right to peaceful assembly in the State of Tamilnadu 

and for the National Human Rights Commission to also recommend the same to the Government 

of India and all other states in the country as something essential to ensure that further violence 

due to enforcing of the right to freedom of assembly do not recur. 

20.6. The following may be principles that may be considered in the drafting of such a 

domestic legislation. 

20.6.1: Principle No 1: The physical safety of all parties should be ensured in policing 

assemblies. This emphasizes the mutual responsibilities of the parties involved in 

organizing and facilitating peaceful assemblies, and requires the establishment of 

structured means of communication during an assembly. 

20.6.2: Principle No 2: Police command structures should be clearly established. 

Command structures should enable proper co-ordination between police officers, and 

between the police and the ‘assembly organizer’, and they also ensure accountability for 

operational decisions. Such command structures can be role-specific rather than rankrelated, 

and need not compromise operational flexibility. 

20.6.3: Principle No 3: Inter-agency communication should be ensured. It is imperative 

that law enforcement and other public-safety agencies (fi re and ambulance services, for 

example) are able to communicate with one another and exchange data during critical 

situations during and after the assembly. It is also vital that assembly organizers do 

everything within their power to assist these agencies in responding to emergencies or 

criminal conduct. 

20.6.4: Principle No 4: Police officers should be clearly and individually identifiable. Police 

officers, while in uniform, must wear or display some form of identification (such as a 


nameplate or number) on their uniform and/or headgear and not remove or cover this 

identifying information or prevent people from reading it during an ‘assembly’. 

20.6.5: Principle No 5: Law enforcement officials should differentiate between participants 

and non-participants. The policing of ‘public assemblies’ should be sensitive to the 

possibility of non-participants (such as bystanders or observers) being present in the 

vicinity of an assembly. 

20.6.6: Principle No 6: Law enforcement officials should differentiate between peaceful 

and non peaceful participants. Neither isolated incidents of sporadic violence nor the 

violent acts of some participants in the course of an assembly are themselves sufficient 

grounds to impose sweeping restrictions on peaceful participants in an assembly. Law 

enforcement officials should not therefore treat a crowd as homogeneous if detaining 

participants or (as a last resort) dispersing an assembly. 

20.6.7: Principle No 7: Protocols for the search, detention, or arrest of participants of an 

assembly should be established. It is of paramount importance that the government 

establishes clear and prospective protocols for the lawful stop and search or arrest of 

participants in assemblies. Such protocols should provide guidance as to when such 

measures are appropriate and when they are not, how they should be conducted, and how 

individuals are to be dealt with following arrest. In drafting these protocols, consideration 

should be given to the right to liberty. While mass arrests are to be avoided, there may be 

occasions involving public assemblies when numerous arrests are deemed necessary. 

However, large numbers of participants should not be deprived of their liberty simply 

because the police do not have sufficient resources to effect individual arrests. 

20.6.8: Principle No 8 : No emergency area or zone will be established by using a police 

line to encircle, or substantially encircle, a demonstration, rally, parade, march, or other 

similar assembly conducted for the purpose of persons expressing their political, social, or 

religious views except where there is probable cause to believe that a significant number or 

percentage of the persons located in the area or zone have committed unlawful acts (other 

than failure to have an approved assembly plan) and the police have the ability to identify 

those individuals and have decided to arrest them; provided, that this does not prohibit the 

use of a police line to encircle an assembly for the safety of the demonstrators. 

20.6.9: Principle No 9: So long as assemblies remain peaceful, they should not be 

dispersed by law enforcement officials. Indeed, dispersal of assemblies should be a 

measure of last resort and should be governed by prospective rules informed by 

international standards. While these need not be elaborated in legislation, they should be 

expressed in police guidelines, and the proposed legislation should require that such 

guidelines be developed. The guidelines should specify the circumstances that warrant 

dispersal, and who is entitled to make dispersal orders (for example, only police officers of 

a specified rank and above). Dispersal should not occur unless law enforcement officials 

have taken all reasonable measures to facilitate and protect the assembly from harm, and 

unless there is an imminent threat of violence. 

20.6.10. : Principle No 10: Dispersal should not therefore result where: 


• A small number of participants in an assembly act in a violent manner. In such 

instances, action should be taken against those particular individuals; 

• Agents provocateurs infiltrate an otherwise peaceful assembly. Here, the authorities 

should take appropriate action to remove the agents provocateurs rather than 

terminating or dispersing the assembly, or declaring it to be unlawful; or 

• An assembly is deemed to be unlawful either because the organizer has not complied 

with the requisite preconditions established by law, because the assembly is for a 

purportedly illegal purpose, or because of the presence of a proscribed organization. 

20.6.11: Principle No 11: If dispersal is deemed necessary, the assembly organizer and 

participants should be clearly and audibly informed prior to any police intervention. 

Participants should also be given reasonable time to disperse prior to such intervention. 

Third parties (such as human rights monitors, journalists, and photographers) may also be 

asked to disperse, but they should not be prevented from observing and recording the 

policing operation. 

20.6.12: Principle No 12: If the force used is not authorized by law, or more force is used 

than is necessary in the circumstances, police officers should face civil and/or criminal 

liability, as well as disciplinary action. Police officers should also be held liable for failing to 

intervene where such intervention may have prevented other officers from using excessive 

force. 

20.6.13: Principle No 13: The organizer is the person or persons with primary 

responsibility for the assembly. It is possible to define the organizer as the person in whose 

name prior notification is submitted. Those who organize assemblies should co-operate 

with police to ensure that participants in their assemblies comply with the law and the terms 

of the submitted notification. There should be clarity as to who precisely is involved in the 

organization of any assembly, and it can be assumed that the official organizer is the 

person or persons in whose name prior notification is submitted. This need not be a legal 

entity, and could, for example, be a committee of individuals or an informal organization. 

20.6.14: Principle No 14: If a proposed assembly, or its time, place, or manner, is 

disputed and no resolution emerges between the organizer, the designated regulatory 

authority, law enforcement officials, or other parties whose rights might be affected, then 

negotiation or mediated dialogue may help reach a mutually agreeable accommodation. 

Genuine dialogue between relevant parties can often yield a more satisfactory outcome for 

everyone involved than formal recourse to the law. The facilitation of negotiations or 

mediated dialogue can usually best be performed by individuals or organizations not 

affiliated with either the state or the organizer. The presence of parties’ legal 

representatives may, however, also assist in facilitating discussions between the assembly 

organizer and law enforcement authorities. 

20.6.15: Principle No 15: Where possible, it is a good practice for the organizer(s) to 

agree prior to the event with law enforcement officials about what security measures will be 

put in place. Such discussions can cover the deployment of the police and stewards and 

concerns about the nature of the policing operation. Sometimes, for example, a police 


presence in a particular location may be perceived as being unnecessarily confrontational 

or provocative and the organizer might request that the police maintain a low visibility). 

20.6.16: Principle No 16: The organizers in co-operation with the police and other 

agencies (such as fire and ambulance services) — should consider what risks are 

presented by their assembly, and how they would deal with them should they materialize. 

20.6.17: Principle No 17: The law on assemblies might legitimately require that organizers 

(as well as participants) obey the lawful orders of law enforcement officials. Refusal to do 

so may entail liability. 

20.6.18: Principle No 18: ‘Stewards and marshals’ are individuals who assist an assembly 

organizer in managing an event. A law governing the freedom of assembly may provide for 

the possibility of organizers being assisted by volunteer stewards. While the police have 

overall responsibility for public order, organizers of assemblies are encouraged to deploy 

stewards during the course of a large or controversial assembly. Stewards are persons 

who work with assembly organizer(s) and who are responsible for facilitating the event and 

helping ensure compliance with any lawfully imposed restrictions. Stewards do not have 

the powers of law enforcement officials and cannot use force, but they should rather aim to 

persuade assembly participants to co-operate. Their presence can provide reassurance to 

the public, and help set the mood of an event. The primary role of stewards is to orient, 

explain, and give information to the public and to identify potential risks and hazards before 

and during an assembly. In cases of public disorder, the stewards (and organizer) should 

promptly inform the police. Police should work in partnership with event stewards, and 

each must have a clear understanding of their respective roles. 

20.6.19: Principle No 19: Stewards should receive an appropriate level of training and a 

thorough briefing before the assembly takes place (in particular stewards should be familiar 

with the geography of the area in which the assembly is being held), and it is the 

responsibility of the organizer to co-ordinate the stewarding operation. For larger events, a 

clear hierarchy of decision-making should be established, and stewards must at all times 

during an assembly be able to communicate with one another and with the organizer. As 

with law enforcement officials, it is important that stewards — together with the event 

organizer — hold a thorough post-event debriefing and evaluation after any non-routine 

assembly. 

20.6.20: Principle No 20: It is desirable that stewards be clearly identifiable, e.g., by 

wearing a special jacket, badge, or armband. 

20.6.21: Principle No 21: Under some circumstances, it may be legitimate to impose on 

organizers a condition that they arrange a certain level of stewarding for their gathering. 

However, such a condition should only be imposed as the result of a specific assessment 

and never by default. Any requirement to provide stewarding in no way detracts from the 

positive obligation of the state to provide adequately resourced policing arrangements. 

Stewards are not a substitute for the police, and the police still bear overall responsibility 

for public order. However, efficient stewarding can help reduce the need for a heavy police 

presence at public assemblies. This ultimately facilitates any negotiation process where the 


authorities may have concerns about public safety, and reduces the likelihood that an 

assembly will be restricted on public-order or safety grounds. 

20.6.22: Principle No 22 : The monitoring of assemblies by Human rights defenders, 

observers, and monitors can provide an impartial and objective account of what takes 

place, including a factual record of the conduct of both participants and law enforcement 

officials. Monitoring might, for example, be carried out by local NGOs. The NHRC or SHRC 

or other SHRIs may also undertake monitoring roles, as can human rights NGOs. While the 

primary responsibility to promote and protect freedom of assembly lies with the state, 

N/SHRI and NGOs play an important role in furthering the cause of human rights. Human 

rights defenders should therefore be permitted to operate freely in the context of freedom 

of assembly. 

20.6.23: Principle No 23: Monitors may, for example, be tasked with monitoring particular 

aspects of an assembly, such as: 

o The policing of an event (and whether the state is fulfilling its positive obligations under 

human rights law); 

o Whether parties adhere to a prior agreement about how an assembly is to be 

conducted; 

o The interaction between participants in a demonstration and counterdemonstrators; 

Or 

o The conduct of participants in a procession that passes a sensitive location. 

20.6.24: Principle No 24: Prior to the assembly, monitors should be briefed before they 

attend an assembly. This briefing should be focused solely on the specific event to be 

covered. Monitors should also be briefed to focus on certain aspects of the assembly, 

rather than attempting to observe and report on everything that happens. This may mean 

that it is necessary to deploy several (even many) monitors at the same event. If possible, 

the monitor should establish contact in advance with the organizers and collect information 

about the scenario, including: the site, planned activities, route, number of participants, 

duration, goals, expected response of the authorities, and alternative courses of action. 

Prior to an assembly, monitors should acquaint themselves with the route planned by the 

organizers. Familiarity with the route will assist monitors in identifying possible difficulties, 

dangers, parking areas, and escape routes. If possible, monitors should request that the 

organizers advise participants not to approach monitors or impede them from carrying out 

their task. 

20.6.25: Principle No 25: During the assembly, demonstration etc, monitors must avoid 

participating or being seen to participate in any way. They must make every effort to be 

viewed as observers, and not as demonstrators, and should normally be clearly 

identifiable. Where visibility might compromise their personal safety, monitors should 

instead carry identification cards. Monitors should keep a prudent and sufficient distance 

between themselves and the demonstrators, as well as between themselves and the 

police, and should leave the scene at the first sign of serious danger. Monitors and human 

rights defenders can serve a more active role by placing themselves in a position to 


intervene, either through their physical presence, or through mediating, facilitating 

negotiation, or providing a line of communication between parties (including the police). 

20.6.26: Principle No 26: Monitors should be aware of, or inquire as to the identity of, the 

police chief or of the responsible authority, so that they know who to approach about 

difficulties, and they should later include this information in the report. The police should be 

informed of the presence and location of monitors to enable the police to promote their 

safety. It also enables the police to facilitate the monitor in his/her role, perhaps in passing 

through police lines, or attaining a particular observation position, or in being informed of 

an unfolding situation. Monitors should be equipped with equipment (phones or radios) to 

communicate with other monitors. Monitors have no additional powers and can only 

request assistance from the police in the same way and to the same degree as any other 

individual. If arrests take place during or after a demonstration, and depending on the focus 

of the monitoring operation, it may be necessary to try to obtain the names of persons 

arrested, and possibly the names of witnesses to the arrest. In order to do so, the monitor 

should proceed cautiously and avoid any behavior or language likely to exacerbate an 

already tense situation. 

20.6.27: Principle No 27 : After the assembly following the demonstration, the monitors 

who attended the demonstration should come out with a detailed report. Monitoring reports 

should be factual, precise, objective and neutral — under no circumstances should 

monitors report something that they did not see. 

20.6.28: Principle No 28: Journalists have an important role to play in providing 

independent coverage of public assemblies. As such, they must be distinguished from 

participants in the event, and be given as much access as is possible by the authorities. In 

order to avoid confusion and facilitate such access, it may be necessary to require 

journalists and other media personnel to be clearly identifiable (by, for example, wearing 

fluorescent bibs). 

20.6.29: Principle No 29 : “Assemblies, parades and gatherings are often the only means 

that those without access to the media may have to bring their grievances to the attention 

of the public.” Media footage also provides an important element of accountability both for 

organizers of events and law enforcement officials. The media must therefore have access 

to assemblies and the policing operations mounted to facilitate them. This is in satisfaction 

of the media’s fundamental right to freedom of expression. 

20.6.30: Principle No 30: The regulatory authority should make publicly available a clear 

explanation of the decision-making procedures. It should fairly and objectively assess all 

available information to determine whether the organizers and participants of a notified 

assembly are likely to conduct the event in a peaceful manner, and to ascertain the 

probable impact of the event on the rights and freedoms of other non-participants. In doing 

so, it may be necessary to facilitate meetings with the event organizer and other interested 

parties. 

20.6.31: Principle No 31: The regulatory authority should also ensure that any relevant 

concerns raised are communicated to the event organizer, and the organizer should be 

offered an opportunity to respond to any concerns raised. This is especially important if 


these concerns might later be cited as the basis for imposing restrictions on the event. 

Providing the organizer with such information allows them the opportunity to address the 

concerns, thus diminishing the potential for disorder and helping foster a co-operative, 

rather than confrontational, relationship between the organizers and the authorities. The 

law should be sufficiently flexible to allow assembly organizers and regulatory authorities 

should make every effort to reach a mutual agreement on the time, place, and manner of 

an assembly. Such negotiation serves as a preventive tool helping avoid the imposition of 

arbitrary and unnecessary restrictions. 

20.6.32: Principle No 32: Any restrictions placed on an assembly should be 

communicated promptly and in writing to the event organizer with a brief explanation of the 

reason for each restriction (noting that such explanation must correspond with the 

permissible grounds enshrined in human rights law and as interpreted by the relevant 

courts). 

20.6.33: Principle No 33: Such decisions should be communicated to the organizer within 

a reasonable time frame, i.e., sufficiently far in advance of the date of a proposed event to 

allow the decision to be appealed to an independent tribunal or court before the notified 

date of the event. If, for example, the required notification period is five days prior to the 

date of the assembly, the regulatory authority should publish its decision at least three 

days before the date of the event. 

20.6.34: Principle No 34: The regulatory authority should also publish its decisions so that 

the public has access to reliable information about events taking place in the public 

domain. This might be done, for example, by posting decisions on a dedicated website. 

20.6.35: Principle No 35: If restrictions are imposed on an assembly, the organizer should 

have recourse to an effective remedy through a combination of administrative and judicial 

review. 

20.6.36: Principle No 36: The reviewing body should have access to the evidence on 

which the regulatory authority based its initial decision (including, for example, relevant 

police reports), as only then can it assess the proportionality of the restrictions imposed. 

The burden of proof should be on the regulatory authority to show that the restrictions 

imposed are reasonable in the circumstances. 

20.6.37: Principle No 37: The availability of effective administrative review can both 

reduce the burden on courts and help build a more constructive relationship between the 

authorities and the public. Any administrative review procedures must themselves be 

sufficiently prompt to enable judicial review to take place once administrative remedies 

have been exhausted, prior to the notified date of the assembly. 

20.6.38: Principle No 38: The assembly organizers should also be able to appeal the 

decision of the regulatory authority to an independent court or tribunal. This should be a de 

novo review, empowered to quash the contested decision and to remit the case for a new 

ruling. Any such review must also be prompt so that the case is heard and the court ruling 

published before the planned assembly date (in order to make it possible to still hold the 

assembly if the court invalidates the restrictions). One option to expedite this process 


would be to require the courts to give priority to appeals against restrictions on assemblies 

so as to permit the completion of judicial review prior to the date of the assembly. It is 

considered good practice for the regulatory authority to submit an annual report on the 

activity of the regulatory authority (including relevant statistics on, for example, the number 

of assemblies notified and the number restricted) to an appropriate supervisory body, such 

as a national human rights institution, ombudsman, or parliament. 

20.6.39: Principle No 39: The Governments must ensure that law enforcement officials 

receive adequate training in the policing of public assemblies. Training should equip law 

enforcement agencies to act in a manner that avoids escalation of violence and minimizes 

conflict, and should include “soft skills” such as negotiation and mediation. Training should 

also include relevant human rights issues, and should cover the control and planning of 

policing operations, emphasizing the imperative of minimizing recourse to force to the 

greatest extent possible. 

20.6.40: Principle No 40: The UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials, 

together with other relevant international human rights standards, should form the core of 

law enforcement training. Domestic legislation should also provide standards that will guide 

police action, and such provisions should be covered in the training and planning for major 

events. A “diversity awareness” perspective should be integrated into the development and 

implementation of law enforcement training, policy, and practice. 



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CHAPTER - XVII 

Reference Materials to be found in the enclosed CD

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