In a shocking incident that unfolded on October 14, 2023, a courageous Dalit  Human Rights Defender (DHRD)  Mr. Kalidas faced a brutal assault at the hands of seven assailants led by Sakthivel belong to dominant caste. The incident stems from the HRD's support for Munjuladevi, a Dalit woman, who had been a victim of sexual harassment by Sakthivel.

The HRD had assisted Munjuladevi in lodging a complaint against Sakthivel at the Laspet police station a year ago. Despite initial action, the complaint was later retracted due to assurances from village elders and Sakthivel's relatives. Since then, Sakthivel had been relentlessly threatening the HRD for supporting the Dalit woman.

The attack occurred on the night of October 14, 2023, when six men, led by Sakthivel, forcibly entered Munjuladevi's residence on 53, Mettu Street, Karuvadikuppam. Armed with knives, the assailants broke down the door, leading to a vicious assault on both the HRD and Munjuladevi's mother, Ms. Varalakshmi. The HRD sustained five injuries, including cuts to his head, ear, left hand middle finger and index finger, and the severing of his right hand's middle finger and ring finger. Varalakshmi suffered a head injury during the attack. The assailants fled the scene upon witnessing the pool of blood.

Following the attack, at 12:10 A.M on October 15, 2023, the HRD, accompanied by Varalakshmi, went to Laspet police station to register a First Information Report (FIR) and seek protection. Disheartened by the police's inaction, they proceeded to Puducherry Government Hospital. Due to unavailability of doctors, the HRD was later transferred to BIMS private Hospital, Puducherry, and subsequently to JIPMER Hospital. After being treated in critical condition in the special ward, the HRD was discharged on October 27, 2023. Seeking justice, he repeatedly approached Laspet Police regarding the investigation's status and filed representations seeking amendment of the FIR under the SC/ST (PoA) Act. Shockingly, no SC/ST Act has been filed against the perpetrators.

Sakthivel and six juvenile accomplices were reportedly arrested, but their names remain undisclosed by the police.

 HRDA India deeply concerned about the attack on a Dalit HRD and the negligence of the Laspet police and acted with deliberate apathy towards assault on a Dalit HRD, also refused to give copy of FIR is sheer violation of Section 154 (2) of Criminal procedure Code; most importantly FIR was not filed under SC/ST (POA) Act 1989.

Every person has the right to life and liberty enshrined under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution 1950, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights 1948, and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights 1966. The right to life includes the right of fair investigation and Speedy trial.

HRDA India seeks NHRC’s directions which include-

• To direct the Direct General of Police (DGP) of Puducherry to submit a detailed report on the willful negligence and inaction by policemen of Lapset police station by not registering an FIR when the HRD first went to the police station on October 14.
• To direct the Direct General of Police (DGP) of Puducherry to produce within 48 hours copies of all relevant documents pertaining to FIR no 139 of 2023, police station Laspet, Puducherry.