Fri Jan 24 16:55:13 UTC 2025: **CB-CID Solves 2022 Vengaivayal Water Contamination Case; Three Charged**

CHENNAI, January 24, 2025 – The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) announced the solving of the 2022 Vengaivayal human faeces contamination case, filing a charge sheet against three individuals. The case, which involved the discovery of human faeces in a village overhead water tank in Pudukkottai district, sparked outrage and public interest litigation.

The CB-CID informed the Madras High Court on Friday that J. Muraliraja (33), B. Sudharshan (21), and K. Muthukrishnan (23) were charged under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, including defiling water, committing mischief, and destroying evidence. The charge sheet was filed on January 20, 2025, before a special court dealing with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act cases.

While the CB-CID investigation concluded the contamination stemmed from a personal dispute between the accused and the husband of a local panchayat president, concerns were raised by petitioners’ counsel about the absence of specific SC/ST charges and the omission of the accused’s community details. These concerns suggest the possibility that the incident was an act of atrocity against Scheduled Caste residents.

The investigation involved examining 397 witnesses, analyzing 196 mobile phone numbers, and utilizing forensic evidence including DNA and chemical analysis reports. The CB-CID report indicates the act was a revenge-motivated action against the husband of the panchayat president following the dismissal of the water tank operator. The High Court adjourned further hearing on the matter to March 27, 2025.

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