The Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) on Friday (July 11, 2025) demanded action against T. Periasamy, a Tamil department professor at Periyar University, who has been accused of caste discrimination.

More than 10 Ph.D. scholars at Periyar University recently lodged complaints against Prof. Periasamy, claiming he subjected them to caste discrimination and verbal abuse, and made them work at his house and on his land. Quoting a report published in The Hindu, the TNCC, VCK, and DVK demanded action against the Tamil professor.

In a social media post on X, TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai said “without delay, the professor who allegedly subjected the Ph.D. scholars to caste discrimination should be placed under suspension.” He further demanded that the Tamil Nadu government form a high-level inquiry committee and conduct a proper investigation into the allegations.

In a statement on social media, VCK deputy general secretary Vanni Arasu also demanded the professor’s suspension, and alleged that he was affiliated with the teachers’ wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). Prof. Periasamy acted against the principles of social justice, along with former Vice Chancellor R. Jagannathan, Mr. Vanni Arasu alleged, adding that Chief Minister M.K. Stalin must take action against the professor.

DVK president Kolathur Mani, demanding action against the professor, said that the scholars had lodged the complaint 20 days ago, but the university’s administrative committee has still not acted on it.

“The government should not tolerate caste discrimination and must act firmly to prevent it. Steps should be taken to help the affected scholars complete their Ph.D. Stern action must be taken against the professor’s accomplices who created trouble for the scholars. Protection should also be provided to the complainants,” the DVK president added.