Tamil Nadu Records 67% Increase in Dalit Atrocities During DMK Governance
Tamil Nadu saw a 67% rise in atrocities against Dalits from 2019 to 2023, the highest increase in India, according to a report by the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR). This data has gained attention after the DMK’s defeat in the 2026 Assembly elections, suggesting that the state’s failure to address caste violence may have contributed to voter dissatisfaction despite the party’s “social justice” rhetoric.
Tamil Nadu’s 67.9% increase in cases against Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) is the highest in India, surpassing Madhya Pradesh (55.3%) and Odisha (42.9%). According to NCRB data, murders of Dalits rose by 40.4%, from 52 to 73 cases. Incidents of grievous hurt surged by 240%, and criminal intimidation cases jumped by 584.8%, from 46 to 315 cases. Total rape cases increased by 36.1%. While rape of adult Dalit women dropped by 14%, rape of Dalit girls rose by 73.2%, from 56 to 97 cases. Assaults with “intent to outrage modesty” grew by 289.5%.
The report highlights a breakdown in the justice system. In 2023, the conviction rate for these crimes was only 12.2%, while the acquittal rate was 87.8%. The case pendency rate is 87.7%, worsened by a shortage of exclusive special courts; Tamil Nadu has only 20. The state government has also been criticized for administrative negligence. The state-level vigilance and monitoring committee, chaired by the Chief Minister, is legally required to meet twice a year. However, it met only once annually between 2021 and 2023 and failed to meet at all in 2024.
Prison Statistics India (PSI) indicates a disproportionate targeting of Dalits under preventive detention. In 2021, SC individuals made up 37% of detainees in Tamil Nadu, accounting for 84.5% of all SC detainees across India. By 2023, this figure rose to 42.2%, despite Dalits making up only 20% of the state’s population.
The sharp rise in atrocities against Dalits in Tamil Nadu has drawn particular attention because the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) has historically positioned itself as a champion of “social justice,” anti-caste politics, and the upliftment of backward classes, Dalits, and minorities through the broader Dravidian movement. Notably, the debate around caste violence and the DMK’s “social justice” claims intensified following the 2026 Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly election, in which the DMK suffered a major defeat.
Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), led by actor-turned-politician Vijay, emerged as the single largest party with 108 seats, while the DMK was reduced to 59 seats. The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) secured 47 seats. Reports indicate TVK fielded a significant number of Dalit candidates, and several Dalit MLAs were elected, including from general (unreserved) constituencies.