Caste groups celebrate murder convict out on parole; victim’s family calls the trend worrying

Since he was accused in the sensational murder of Dalit youth V Gokulraj in 2015, 45-year-old S Yuvaraj has been hailed as a hero by several outfits that claim to champion the cause of Gounders, an economically affluent community with strong political clout spread across western Tamil Nadu. 

Nothing seems to have changed even two years after the Madras High Court upheld the life sentence awarded to Yuvaraj. He was accorded a rousing reception by “youth” from the Gounder community last week as he came out on parole to attend a family function. 

The convict, who abducted and beheaded 21-year-old Gokulraj on the suspicion that he was in love with 20-year-old Swathi from the Gounder community, even “addressed his supporters” at the function expressing regret for not spending enough time with them. 

Pictures of Yuvaraj welcoming guests at the function, including history sheeters, and his engagements during the parole have gone viral on social media. Several Instagram pages that owe allegiance to the Gounder community celebrated Yuvaraj as “our pride” and posted videos of the murder accused with film songs as background scores with several hundreds liking the videos and commenting on them. 

The manner in which Yuvaraj was feted last week is yet another example of how Tamil Nadu, despite its history of progressive movements inspired by many including the legendary E V R Periyar, still grapples with deeply rooted caste. 

Yuvaraj, founder of Theeran Chinnamalai Gounder Peravai, was on the run for over 100 days in 2015 before he dramatically surrendered before the police in October the same year, though he continued to release audio messages from his “hideout.” Gokulraj and Swathi were seen talking to each other on June 23, 2015, at Sri Arthanareeswarar Temple at Tiruchengode following which Yuvaraj intervened and is believed to have ordered the abduction of the youth, whose body was found with the head severed the next day. 

S Kalaiselvan, the victim’s brother, told DH that no intimation was given to his family about the parole granted to Yuvaraj which is mandatory under the Prevention of Atrocities (SC/ST) Act.

“We have been living under constant fear for the past 10 years and running from one court to the other to ensure justice for my brother. But the way Yuvaraj was welcomed by a few makes us even more sad. We believe this was done to send a message that caste groups will support people like Yuvaraj come what may,” he said. 

Their mother Chitra said they never expected Yuvaraj to be given parole after having committed such a “heinous crime.” “I have been suffering without my son. But the man who killed my son is allowed to enjoy time with his family and celebrate as if he is a hero. Shouldn’t we be allowed to live in peace?” she asked. 

‘Bhavani’ B Mohan, the special public prosecutor who ensured Yuvaraj got a life sentence, said what is worrying is caste groups and the accused not showing even an iota of remorse for the death of an innocent Dalit youth. 

“The DMK government should be blamed for granting parole to Yuvaraj. The police don’t follow the law. How will people come forward to report caste atrocities if the accused are celebrated and hailed as heroes? Talking about social justice is fine but must be practiced,” Mohan told DH.

Political commentator T N Raghu questioned the silence of political parties, especially the DMK, AIADMK, and BJP over the reception given to a murder accused. 

“The DMK which screams about social justice every day should break its deafening silence and call out people who are celebrating Yuvaraj. The ruling party cannot escape from such pressing issues by talking about language. Shouldn’t they condemn if they truly follow Periyar,” he asked.

Raghu also said the AIADMK, which won a majority of the seats in western Tamil Nadu, and the BJP, which claims to fight for Hindus, should come out in the open and spell out their stand. 

“While one should be ashamed to be seen with an accused, we have seen videos of people jostling to click a picture with Yuvaraj. Such blatant display of caste pride won’t help the society,” he added.