2 women activists murdered by 'arrack distillers'

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, DEC. 7. Two women activists, part of a women's group campaigning against illicit distillers in their village and neighbouring areas, were murdered by alleged distillers of arrack in Thiruvallur district on Wednesday night.

Police identified the victims as Indrani (20), daughter of Mrs.Yasodha, of Bheemanthoppu, who leads the women's movement against illicit distillation and their relative Rathnammal (55). Six others of Bheemathoppu, who suffered cut injuries in the ensuing violence, were admitted to Thiruvallur Government General Hospital.

While police admitted that the women's group prevented distillation in their village, an officer claimed the immediate provocation for the attack was a family feud.

According to local villagers, a group of women led by Mrs.Yasodha were proceeding to Korukanthandalam, a neighbouring village to protest alleged distillation. They were intercepted by the rival group on the bund of the Poondi lake. A verbal duel broke out between the groups and in the ensuing melee, Mrs. Yasodha's group members were attacked with casuarina sticks. While Indrani was hit on the head, Rathnammal's head was smashed with a boulder.

As news spread about the attack, a group of persons from Bheemanthoppu rushed to the rival village. However, the rival villagers, who were apparently waiting for the group, attacked them. Six villagers of Bheemanthoppu suffered cut injuries.

Mrs. Yasodha, in her complaint, charged that her tirade against illicit distillation was one of the reasons for the attack.

It may be recalled that families traditionally involved in liquor brewing in Kuthambakkam village, also of Thiruvallur district, were weaned away from the trade some months ago. As a rehabilitation measure, they were introduced to other remunerative trades.

Senior police officials visited the spot and conducted investigations. Blackspot villages have been identified, an officer said.

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Section  : Southern States
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