Wed Sep 03 11:57:25 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

A municipal staffer in Tindivanam Municipality, Tamil Nadu, who belongs to the Scheduled Caste, was filmed falling at the feet of a DMK woman councillor, Ramya Raja. This incident sparked controversy, drawing criticism from the VCK and AIADMK. Ramya Raja filed a complaint alleging inappropriate touching. A counter-complaint was filed alleging the staffer was forced to apologize. Police have registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and are investigating.

**News Article:**

**Caste Row Erupts in Tamil Nadu Municipality: Staffer Forced to Apologize to Councillor?**

**VILLUPURAM, September 3, 2025** – A video showing a municipal staffer from the Scheduled Caste community falling at the feet of a DMK woman councillor in Tindivanam Municipality, Tamil Nadu, has ignited a caste controversy. The incident, which occurred on August 29, has drawn sharp criticism from opposition parties and triggered dueling police complaints.

The video depicts Muniyappan, a junior assistant, prostrating himself before Ramya Raja, 33, Councillor of Ward 20, reportedly apologizing for remarks made against her. Councillor Raja, however, has filed a police complaint alleging that Muniyappan inappropriately touched her under the guise of seeking forgiveness.

“I was waiting in the Commissioner’s chamber when Mr. Muniyappan touched me inappropriately while pretending to fall at my feet,” Ms. Raja stated in her complaint.

Adding another layer to the controversy, Tindivanam Municipality Vice-Chairperson Rajalakshmi Vetrivel, belonging to the VCK, has filed a counter-complaint. She alleges that Ravichandran, husband of the Municipal Chairperson, pressured Muniyappan to apologize to the councillor and demands action be taken under the Scheduled Caste and Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Police sources confirm that Muniyappan provided a written statement claiming he acted of his own accord to de-escalate the situation.

Nevertheless, police have registered a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and an investigation is underway. The incident highlights underlying tensions surrounding caste and power dynamics within Tamil Nadu’s local governance. The outcome of the police investigation is eagerly awaited as it could have significant political ramifications.

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