In a distressing revelation from Tamil Nadu, an 18-year-old Dalit woman from the Kallakurichi region has come forward with allegations of severe abuse and neglect. She reports that this maltreatment occurred while she was working as a domestic helper in a Chennai household. The gravity of the situation is compounded by the identity of her employers: Anto Mathivanan and Marlina, the son and daughter-in-law of prominent Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader and Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) I Karunanithi.

Koo App An 18 yo Dalit girl, employed in the household of a DMK MLA Karunanithi’s son, has alleged that the MLA’s son had assaulted her. When she was admitted in hospital, she had cigarette burns and injuries on her face and body. Where’s Feminists & Messiahs of Dalits? View attached media content - Satyaagrah (@SatyaagrahIndia) 19 Jan 2024

The young woman, who recently completed her 12th-grade education, found employment through an agency. She was hired to work in the Chennai home of Anto Mathivanan and his wife, Marlina. However, her experience in their employment was far from what any young person should expect in a workplace. A worrying aspect of her claim is that she has not been compensated for her labor, as her salary remains unpaid.

In a heart-wrenching video released by the nonprofit organization Evidence, the victim details the extent of her mistreatment. Her voice trembles as she recounts instances of physical abuse for minor mistakes. She says, “Even if I don’t do the smallest task properly, they would slap me on my face.” The severity of the abuse escalated to a harrowing event when she was unable to prepare food early one morning. Exhausted from lack of sleep, having worked until 2 am the previous night, she overslept and failed to have the meal ready by 6 am as requested. Her employers' reaction was shockingly cruel. “Because I couldn’t keep the food ready, they burnt my hands using a hair straightener,” she disclosed, revealing the extent of the abuse she endured.

In her own words, she painfully recalls the nature of the abuse she endured: “I was 17 years old when I was taken to do domestic work and beaten with things like slippers, spoons, broom and mops, leaving bloody wounds all over my body,” she reported. The brutality of her situation is heart-wrenching, with her narrative painting a picture of relentless physical abuse for the most minor perceived infractions.

The young woman further revealed that it was the daughter-in-law who subjected her to more severe abuse. She recounted the humiliation and physical agony she suffered, stating that her hair was mercilessly chopped off as part of the ongoing mistreatment. What makes her story even more poignant is her background and aspirations. Coming from a financially struggling family, she took up this job to support her education, aiming to clear the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) and pursue a career in medicine. She had completed her Class 12 with commendable marks, scoring 433 out of 600, demonstrating her dedication and resolve.

Koo App DMK MLA I Karunanithi's son in Chennai 'burnt my hands' says Dalit domestic worker alleges torture. A young woman was tortured and treated as bonded labor at Pallavaram MLA M. Karunanidhi's son's house by his family. TN CM MK Stalin should take action against Karunanidhi's daughter-in-law and son, who brutally assaulted the housemaid. Join | t.me/SatyaagrahIndia View attached media content - Satyaagrah (@SatyaagrahIndia) 19 Jan 2024

Adding to her distress, she disclosed that her salary was far less than what was promised. Despite being assured a monthly income of Rs 16,000, she received only Rs 5,000. This discrepancy not only highlights exploitation but also reflects the broader issue of labor rights violations in domestic work.

The extent of her suffering was further magnified when she revealed the indifference of her employers towards her injuries. “I had to treat it myself,” she said, emphasizing their refusal to provide medical care despite the severity of her wounds. This neglect is compounded by the threats she received. The couple intimidated her by flaunting their connection to a powerful political family, “They told her they were from an 'MLA’s family' and no one would rescue her even if she notified anybody about her situation.”

The abuse came to light when the girl returned to her family in Ulundurpet, Kallakurichi for the Pongal festival holidays. The visible injuries on her body alarmed her family, prompting them to take immediate action. They brought her to a government hospital in Ulundurpet for treatment. The hospital, recognizing the severity of her condition, alerted the Ulundurpet police, who then informed the Adyar police in Chennai. The police recorded the incident but mentioned that no formal complaint had been filed by either the woman or her family.

An official involved in the case shed some light on the current status: “We got information from the government hospital and based on that, we reached out to them. But a formal complaint is yet to be filed either in Chennai or Ulundurpet.” This statement highlights a significant gap between the reporting of such incidents and the initiation of formal legal procedures. The delay in filing a formal complaint raises concerns about the accessibility and responsiveness of the legal system, especially for victims from marginalized communities.

In an effort to progress the case, an Adyar police officer, who preferred to remain unnamed, mentioned, “We sent a lady police officer to record a statement from her (the victim).” This step indicates the police's acknowledgment of the sensitivity of the situation. Recording a statement is a crucial part of the legal process, as it provides an official account of the victim's experience.

However, the process has not been straightforward. The victim's statement was recorded late at night, from 10 pm on 17th January to beyond midnight. Despite this effort, there seems to be a lack of immediate action, as noted by the victim's subsequent move. She felt compelled to write another complaint, this time directly to the Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal, highlighting the absence of a First Information Report (FIR) at this stage. This additional step taken by the victim underscores her determination to seek justice and the apparent inefficiencies within the system.

Vincent Raj, a Madurai-based anti-caste activist, provided further insight into the situation. He noted that the police have indicated that a formal complaint will be filed soon. Vincent Raj emphasized the severity of the case, especially considering the victim's age when the abuse began. “When she was a minor she was tortured for more than eight months. She turned 18 only last month. The strictest action must be taken,” he asserted. His statement not only calls for immediate action but also draws attention to the prolonged period of abuse the victim suffered while she was still a minor, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures for young and vulnerable individuals.

The case of the young Dalit woman who faced abuse while working in the household of DMK MLA Karunanidhi’s son has caught the attention of political figures in Tamil Nadu. Among them is K Annamalai, the president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Tamil Nadu, who expressed his shock and concern over the incident on social media.

Annamalai's post reflects the growing public outrage and demands for justice. He stated, “The news that an 18-year-old social girl, who worked at the house of Chennai Pallavaram assembly member Karunanidhi’s son, was severely beaten and burned with cigarettes by the son and daughter-in-law of assembly member Karunanidhi is very shocking.” This statement not only acknowledges the severity of the allegations but also brings to light the alleged use of cigarettes as a tool for inflicting burns, adding a disturbing dimension to the already grim situation.

Annamalai further commented on the situation, highlighting what he perceives as the underlying issues of arrogance and entitlement. He stated, “It shows the arrogance of the DMK to attack a young woman who came to work as a domestic worker because medical education will help her study and because of a simple family situation.” This remark points to a broader societal issue of power imbalance and exploitation, particularly of those in vulnerable positions by individuals in positions of authority or influence.

The BJP Tamil Nadu president also mentioned the discrepancy between the promised and actual salary paid to the young woman. He pointed out, “It is also revealed that after claiming Rs.16,000 per month, they have paid only Rs.5,000 for all these months.” This aspect of the case underscores the exploitation and financial manipulation she endured.

In response to these allegations, Annamalai called for swift and decisive action. He urged, “I urge on behalf of BJP Tamil Nadu that an immediate, speedy investigation be conducted and action be taken against the culprits under the Prevention of Atrocities Act.” His appeal for an investigation and the invocation of the Prevention of Atrocities Act indicates a desire for the matter to be treated with the seriousness it warrants, ensuring that justice is served swiftly and effectively.

Karunanithi, however, refuted the woman’s allegations and claimed that his son’s family had treated the young woman nicely and had only “pulled her up after she did something wrong.” He alleged that they were helping her in their studies in addition to giving her jewellery. “I usually don’t go there (to his son’s house). The girl had done something wrong, and they pulled her up for that. They are helping her to study. She is taking online classes. They have also got her jewellery and other things.”