The Thevar community has petitioned the police in Madathukulam in Tirupur district to rein in political parties from attempting to tarnish its image on the issue of the recent murder of a Dalit youth Shankar in Udumalpet in a suspected honour killing.

In a memorandum to the police, over 100 members belonging to Thevar Community, said that the issue between two families was being used for political gain by VCK leader Thirumavalavan, Puthiya Tamizhakam leader K. Krishnasamy and another Dalit outfit leader John Pandian, through public meetings in the areas.

Besides, they were using abusive language against the community, which was not warranted, as the matter was concerning two families, the two-page memorandum given on “Thevar Samudayam” letter heads, said.

Urging the police department, which was remaining a mute spectator during such meetings, to ensure that such denigrating remarks were not made against the caste it cautioned large scale state-wide agitation if political leaders attempted to give caste colour to such issues.

Shankar was hacked to death on March 13 when he along with his Hindu caste wife Kausalya was waiting for a bus stand, in a suspected honour killing. An injured Kausalya is undergoing treatment.