A case of caste- and gender-based discrimination has emerged from Senguttaipalayam village near Kinathukadavu Taluk, Coimbatore district, following an incident involving a Class 8 student from the Arunthathiar community. The student, a young Dalit girl who reportedly attained puberty, was allegedly made to sit outside the classroom during her examinations.
The incident occurred on April 7 and April 9, when the student was reportedly forced to write her Science exam and Social Science exam outside the classroom. This took place shortly after the girl reportedly began menstruating. The student’s mother was made aware of the situation, and upon visiting the school, she observed the discrimination firsthand and recorded a video of her daughter sitting outside. The footage soon went viral on social media, drawing widespread outrage and condemnation.
The girl’s mother has approached education authorities to demand action, and local villagers are reportedly planning to meet with the Pollachi sub-collector to press for strict measures against the school management.
The Coimbatore District Collector, Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar, confirmed that Coimbatore rural police have launched an investigation into the incident. Additionally, the inspector of matriculation schools has been tasked with submitting a detailed report. The Collector assured that stringent action would be taken against the school if it is found guilty.
Dalit rights activists have strongly condemned the incident, calling it a blatant violation of the student’s dignity and a reflection of deeply entrenched societal prejudices.
