A 37-year-old Dalit sanitation worker in Kambur panchayat near Melur allegedly attempted suicide on Sunday, days after she complained of caste discrimination at her workplace. She had alleged that Dalit workers were forced to use separate disposable cups and that she was made to carry the panchayat secretary’s footwear because of her caste.
The woman, identified as Sasikala, has been working as a sanitation worker in Kambur village for around eight years. She had earlier approached Madurai district collector Nishant Krishna seeking action over the alleged discrimination and threats.
Worker Found After Consuming Pesticide
According to police sources, Sasikala was found vomiting outside her house around 11 am on Sunday. A neighbour rushed her to Melur Government Hospital, where doctors found that she had consumed pesticide.
She was admitted for treatment and remains in critical condition.
Her husband, T Prakash, alleged that the panchayat secretary, Roopa, had subjected Dalit sanitation workers to discriminatory treatment.
“Dalit workers were not allowed to use the common metal tumblers for tea. They were asked to use separate disposable cups,” Prakash said.
He alleged that the practice continued despite objections from the workers.
Allegations of Caste-Based Harassment
Prakash further alleged that the secretary assigned duties based on caste and made derogatory remarks against Dalit workers.
“On some occasions, my wife was made to carry Roopa’s slippers in her hand because she belongs to the Dalit community,” he alleged.
Dalit Panchayat Worker Attempts Suicide Due to
— Dr ANBUMANI RAMADOSS (@draramadoss) September 7, 2026
Caste Discrimination: A Grave Tragedy That Continues Even 80 Years After Independence!
I am shocked and deeply concerned to learn that Sasikala, a Scheduled Caste sanitation worker employed at the Kambur Village Panchayat in Melur…
He also claimed that Sasikala came under pressure after raising complaints about the functioning of the panchayat.
“Associates of Roopa are frequently giving us death threats and asking my wife to withdraw the police complaint,” Prakash alleged.
In her representation to the district collector, Sasikala said she had previously submitted complaints to local authorities and police. She alleged that she and another worker who supported her were later threatened and targeted.
She sought an inquiry into the allegations and action against the panchayat secretary.
Police Register Case
A senior police officer said Kottampatti police registered a case on September 4 under Sections 296(b) and 351(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, relating to obscene acts and criminal intimidation, along with relevant provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Melur DSP Sivakumar is investigating the case.
The allegations against the panchayat secretary and others have not been independently established, and the investigation is ongoing.
