The Tamil Nadu State Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes has taken suo motu cognisance and issued notices to the Cuddalore Collector and Superintendent of Police over an alleged incident in which Adi Dravida students were forced to carry footwear on their heads.

The notice followed a complaint to the government from Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) leader Thol. Thirumavalavan.

Report sought

Imayam, Chairman-in-charge of the Commission, and its members S. Selvakumar, S. Anandaraja and P. Ilanchezhian directed the Collector and the SP to submit an action-taken report to the Commission by September 25.

According to the Commission, the issue began on September 14 when Adi Dravidas from Karikuppam in Cuddalore took out a procession carrying a Vinayaka idol.

‘Forced to take another route’

Members of another community allegedly told them they could not take the idol along a common route and instead, forced them to take the idol through a private road. Following this, a complaint was filed.

The following day, members of the other community allegedly forced Adi Dravida students to carry their footwear on their heads.

“When they refused, they were abused. The incident came to the attention of Mr. Thirumavalavan, who wrote to the government,” Mr. Imayam said.