Two SC men fall at BC villagers’ feet after row over burial of 90-year-old in Erode cemetery

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

According to the district police, the burial was finally conducted under police and Revenue Department protection | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

Allegations of caste discrimination have surfaced in Perumbali village in Madathupalayam panchayat near Perundurai in Erode district, after two members of a Scheduled Caste (SC) community reportedly fell at the feet of members of a Backward Caste (BC) community amid opposition to the burial of a deceased man in a common cemetery.

More than 100 people belonging to an SC community live in the village. They have faced difficulties burying their dead in the local cemetery owing to opposition from members of the dominant BC community and have had to take the bodies to Thingalur, about five kilometres away. Following a survey, the Perundurai Tahsildar had declared the burial ground common to all communities.

On October 5, Chenni, a 90-year-old inhabitant belonging to the SC community, died of age-related ailments. When members of the SC community took his body to the cemetery, they allegedly faced opposition from members of the BC community, leading to an argument.

According to the district police, the burial was conducted under police and Revenue Department protection. During an argument between members of the two communities, members of the SC community were allegedly threatened and told not to approach the other community for any work in the future. Following this, two members of the SC community fell at the feet of members of the BC community.

The police said a case had been registered at Thingalur police station on Thursday (October 8, 2026) night based on a complaint lodged by the Perundurai Revenue Inspector. Provisions of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act were invoked against two persons in connection with the incident. An investigation was under way.

Video footage of the incident, including the alleged humiliation of the SC community members, has circulated on social media, triggering condemnation and demands for action against those responsible.

Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) State coordinator for the western zone P. Eswaran alleged that members of the BC community had violated the rights of SC people by opposing their use of the common burial ground. He said the alleged threat that they would be denied work if they used the cemetery amounted to caste oppression. He also condemned the alleged exploitation of their economic vulnerability to force them to fall at the feet of members of the other community.

Mr. Eswaran questioned the role of the police and Revenue Department officials present at the spot and demanded action against those who opposed the burial and officials who allegedly failed to prevent the humiliation.

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.

We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles.