Chennai: Victims and families of caste killings appeared before Justice K N Basha Commission, constituted to recommend measures to prevent caste killings in Tamil Nadu, seeking an exclusive law to tackle caste killings and other caste-based violence in the state. They said delays in legal proceedings and lack of witness protection have weakened their fight for justice.Families of 17 caste killing victims deposed before the Commission on Thursday in Chennai, recounting years of trauma and legal battles.Victim turned activist Kausalya recalled the brutal murder of her dalit husband, V Shankar, 10 years ago, in which she too suffered grievous injuries. Though she pursued the case relentlessly, her father, mother and maternal uncle, who were among the accused, were acquitted for lack of evidence.“Kausalya’s case exposes the weakness of the legal system. She was an injured eyewitness who clearly identified her parents as the masterminds who hired killers to murder her husband,” said activist Evidence Kathir. He alleged that 97% of public prosecutors handling caste killing cases had failed to pursue the case properly.Jothi Basu, a dalit from Tiruvarur said his sister Amirthavalli, her non-dalit husband Palaniappan and their 40-day-old infant were killed in 2014. But Palaniappan’s family members were acquitted for want of evidence, he said. “Perpetrators use loopholes in the law to escape. So we need a better law to deal with caste killing,’’ he said.V Kalaiselvan of Omalur in Salem, whose brother Gokulraj was murdered, alleged that the convict Yuvaraj, receives a hero’s welcome whenever he was released on bail. “Caste outfits support him through crowd funding,” he said.Justice K N Basha told TOI that the Commission had consulted legal experts, academicians and other stakeholders, besides recording the testimonies of victims. “We are examining all aspects before submitting our recommendations to the govt. We are also considering visits to districts that report a high number of honour based crimes,” he said.
