Loan-Burdened Elderly Dalit Farmers Summoned by ED, is Challenging BJP Leaders a Crime?

Chennai: Two elderly Dalit farmers from Tamil Nadu, currently engaged in a legal dispute with Gunashekar, the BJP's Salem east district secretary, have received summons from the Enforcement Directorate (ED). This raises concerns about a recurring pattern where the ED issues summonses whenever the activities of the party or a prominent figure from the BJP come under scrutiny. Beyond this, the troubling aspect is a major institution targeting two economically disadvantaged Dalit farmers, a practice that should not be endorsed.

According to the News minute report The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has stirred questions among the local people and activists by summoning two elderly Dalit farmers, Kannaiyan and Krishnan, who own 6.5 acres of agricultural land in Attur, Tamil Nadu. The ED's involvement in a land dispute case, where the farmers accuse a local BJP leader of attempting an illegal land grab, has raised eyebrows. The summons, coupled with the mention of the farmers' caste as 'Hindu Pallars' on the envelope, has led to further outrage. The farmers, relying on a Rs 1,000 monthly pension, find themselves entangled in a situation that lacks clarity regarding the ED's motives.

The farmers summoned by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) underwent an exhaustive documentation process, being asked to furnish various personal and financial records such as PAN card, Aadhaar card, voter ID, passport copies, photographs, tax returns, investment details, property information, and agricultural land specifics. During the ED office interrogation, facilitated by their legal representatives, the farmers completed a proforma in English.

This proforma delved into their legal history, questioning whether they had previously faced summonses, arrests, detentions, or convictions under FERA or FEMA violations and if they had engaged in offenses under the Customs, DRI, or Income Tax acts. Alongside, the farmers provided details about their financial profiles, highlighting that their main income source was a Rs 1,000 old age pension from the Tamil Nadu government. Owing to land issues, the farmers had been unable to pursue agricultural activities for the past four years, relying on the Old Age Pension and government-provided free ration for their livelihood.

According to Advocate Parvina, the farmers had to secure a loan, using their land as collateral, to meet the costs associated with their visit to the ED office. She mentioned that when the farmers received the summons instructing them to appear before the Investigating Officer (IO) at the ED office in Chennai, they had only Rs 450 in their bank account. To cover expenses such as hiring a vehicle, they borrowed Rs 50,000. Now, they are obligated to repay this loan.

A report by The News Minute claimed the summons issued to the farmers by Ritesh Kumar, Assistant Director of ED is dated June 26, 2023. According to the summons, investigating officer (IO) Ritesh Kumar is investigating under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, and asked Kanniyan and Krishnan to appear before the agency on July 5, 2023. The summons further read, “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred upon me under sub-section (2) and sub-section (3) of Section 50 of the said act, I require the said Kanniyan S/o Chinnasamy to appear before me at my office on 05/072023 along with the documents as per the schedule attached,”

The same media report states that Dalit Parvina, the lawyer representing the brothers has said that the legal case has not been mentioned in the summons. Kanniyan and Krishnan, who own 6.5 acres of agricultural land in Ramanaickenpalayam near Attur in Salem district, are engaged in a legal dispute with Gunashekar, the BJP's Salem east district secretary. The brothers have accused Gunashekar of attempting to unlawfully acquire their land. A criminal case was initiated against Gunashekar in 2020 following Krishnan's complaint, leading to his arrest and subsequent judicial custody. Concurrently, a civil case addressing the ongoing land dispute between Krishnan and Gunashekar is currently awaiting resolution in the Attur court.

BJP member Gunashekar alleged on social media that the Tamil Nadu police are attempting to discredit the ED and the BJP. Salem East District BJP president P Shanmuganathan defended Gunashekar, stating they are actively gathering information on the complainant and the process leading to the ED summoning the farmers.