Seeking monetary compensation for the family of the 17-year-old Dalit girl who was found murdered in Dindigul earlier this month, the relatives and family members staged a demonstration in front of the Coimbatore District Collectorate on Friday.

According to Kovai Ravikumar, organiser of the Adhi Tamilar Peravai, A. Salomiya from Kallapalayam, had eloped on May 2 with Alagu Bathmanaban (23), a private employee from Dindigul, who was living near her residence. She was reportedly in love with him for more than five months.

A missing case was registered with the Sulur Police on the same day. But Salomiya was found murdered in a brutal manner near Kannivadi in Dindigul, five days later. Her head was severed.

Alagu Bathmanaban surrendered at a police station and was lodged at the Coimbatore Central Prison on May 8. Police later arrested Moorthy, from Irugur, in connection with the case, based on Alagu’s confessions.

Alagu also revealed the name of a third accused, Jayapandi from Karumuthu near Oddanchatram. However, Kannivadi police were not able to find him until Friday, as he was absconding.

Ravikumar also added that despite filing a case under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the family of Salomiya had not received any monetary compensation. “The girl’s family should get Rs.3 lakh under the Act,” he added.

The family members also petitioned the Collector regarding this, and further demanded that one of the accused, Jayapandi, be arrested immediately.