TN parties demand probe into Dalit boy`s death

Political parties in the state on Friday expressed concern over the death of a Dalit boy, whose marriage to a higher caste girl triggered anti-Dalit violence in three villages in 2012.

Chennai: Political parties in the state on Friday expressed concern over the death of a Dalit boy, whose marriage to a higher caste girl triggered anti-Dalit violence in three villages of Dharmapuri district in November 2012, and demanded a proper probe into the matter.

CPI(M) expressed shock and grief over Ilavarasan`s death, saying he had paid the price for getting married transcending caste with his life. Party`s state unit secretary G Ramakrishnan said the girl`s decision to part ways with her husband should be seen as having been taken based on the "casteist/social compulsions" and that the death had posed many questions. "Government and police should investigate the matter (his death) and find out the truth," he said in a statement. MDMK leader Vaiko also expressed shock over Ilavarasan`s death and said that his wife Divya`s decision to end her relationship with him was prompted by the strains caused between two communities following their marriage. He demanded a judicial probe into the death and steps to protect the girl. BJP state unit president Pon Radhakrishnan said that government should convene a meeting of heads of various communities to ensure social harmony and sought a probe into Ilavarasan`s death. Ilavarasan was found dead near a railway track on Thursday, a day after his wife had said she would never go back to him and would stay with her mother. The incident had caused widespread anger in the state with social sites abuzz with sympathies to Ilavarasan and comments and opinions on the issue. PTI