Dalit student's fingers cut off in TN attack

Tirunelveli

A 17-year-old Dalit student in Tamil Nadu was brutally attacked near Srivaikuntam, Tuticorin district, by three assailants who severed his fingers. The attackers, including two minors and a 19-year-old, are relatives.

The victim’s father linked the assault to a Kabaddi match dispute, while the accused claimed it stemmed from the boy’s alleged love proposal to a girl in their family. One of the minors was her brother.

The student suffered six deep head injuries, and his left-hand fingers and right-hand thumb were severed but later reattached through surgery at Tirunelveli Medical College.

The attack happened on March 10, 2025, when the victim was traveling to school for his Plus One public exam. The accused intercepted his bus, dragged him out, and attacked him in broad daylight.

The 19-year-old is in judicial custody, while the minors are in a juvenile home. Police have filed an FIR, invoking attempt to murder charges and the SC/ST Act.