Insaaf Times Desk
A new cement road construction in Mothakkal village, Thiruvannamalai district, Tamil Nadu, has sparked allegations of caste discrimination. While authorities describe the project as a development initiative, Scheduled Caste (SC) residents see it as a new barrier reinforcing social exclusion.
Around 200 Adi Dravidian (SC) families in the village have long relied on a dirt path to carry bodies to the cremation ground. This path runs separately from the main road, which is primarily used by higher-caste residents. On September 18, the administration announced the construction of a new cement road along the same dirt path, at a cost of ₹50 lakh.
The Adi Dravidian families claim that their demand was never for a new road. They sought access to the main public road, Murugan Koil Street, which is used by the rest of the village. One resident said, “This move reinforces the idea that our community has no right to equal space in the village.”
In December 2024, a village resident filed a writ petition (‘Mandamus’) in the Madras High Court seeking police protection for SC residents. In April 2025, the court directed that residents could approach the police for any necessary assistance. Yet, four months later, residents allege they still cannot use the main public road.
Collector K. Tharpagaraj denied the allegations, stating, “Both roads can be used by anyone — the existing public road as well as the new one. During rains, the dirt path becomes almost impassable. Walking is difficult, let alone transporting bodies. The new road is being built with this in mind.”
VCK leader Vetri Sangamitra described the new road as an “Untouchability Road,” alleging it is a deliberate attempt to keep SC families away from the public road.
The controversy highlights the delicate balance between development and equality. Authorities must ensure that development initiatives benefit all communities equally and do not infringe on anyone’s rights.
