CPM office vandalised for conducting inter-caste marriage; bride's family members arrested

TIRUNELVELI: An office of the Communist Party of India Marxist (CPM) in Tirunelveli was vandalised by a group for conducting the inter-caste marriage of a woman hailing from a dominant caste and a Dalit youth. It was the gang sent by the woman's family that vandalised the party office and attacked two party members present at the spot. Police have arrested 10 persons in connection with the incident.

The Tamil Nadu unit of the CPM alleged that some upper-caste people vandalized the party office in Tirunelveli on Friday as the party helped the inter-caste couple to get married. The marriage of Madan Kumar (28) and Udaya Dakshayani (23) was conducted by the CPM and the Untouchability Eradication Front on June 13.

Udaya's family had opposed her marriage to Madan as Madan belonged to the Dalit category. Following this, the two decided to elope and get their marriage registered. However, Udaya's family members tried to stop them from registering the marriage. The young couple then approached the local CPM unit for help and the party helped them to get married. On learning about this, a 25-member group sent by the girl's family barged into the party office and attacked the party workers.

The police said that they have so far arrested 10 people, including the woman's parents, in the case. An investigation is underway to arrest the rest of the accused. The CPM urged the state government to take stern legal action against the culprits.