Chennai: The Kancheepuram district police invoked provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act following the death of a pregnant irular woman and her baby at Vellai Gate area in Kancheepuram on Tuesday.
Thenmozhi, 44, died while she was in labour inside a tarpaulin shed, while her partially delivered baby also died. Her husband, Anand , 45, complained to Ponnerikarai police, claiming that the family had been working as woodcutters for an employer, Arumugam , for six months after receiving an advance of ₹20,000. Based on the complaint, police on Thursday invoked Section 3(1)(h) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and relevant provisions of the Bonded Labour System (Abolition) Act.
Anand also told police that Arumugam did not permit him to take Thenmozhi to hospital for a medical checkup. When she complained of stomach pain, Arumugam reportedly instructed him to give her a tablet. A revenue divisional officer conducted an inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths, including whether Thenmozhi was prevented from accessing medical care. Police were also examining whether culpable homicide provisions could be invoked against Arumugam and his mother in connection with the failure to ensure an institutional delivery.
The family stayed in a shed provided by Arumugam while working to repay the advance, according to Anand’s complaint. He alleged that the family was kept as bonded labourers and that Arumugam assaulted him when he sought money to buy rice for his pregnant wife.