Chennai, Oct. 23, 2019: Following criticism over an advertisement that said ‘Brahmins only’ flats on sale for an upcoming residential project at Srirangam in Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, the builder on Oct. 22 removed the advertisement and clarified that they are not against any caste or religion.
The builder has denied any ulterior motive.
Speaking to India Today TV, General Manager of Om Shakti Construction Anbu said, “Our initial plan was to sell the flats only to vegetarians but the printers wrongly published it as Brahmins only. We are not against any caste or religion. We will sell the flats to anyone interested.”
Om Shakti Construction had put up the advertisement for its upcoming project ‘Sri Sakti Renga Apartments’ on Melur Road in the temple town of Srirangam. A total of 13 units are up for sale and can be occupied in two months time.
On October 21, Tamil Nadu Untouchability Eradication Front (TNUEF) petitioned District Collector S Sivarasu, seeking action against the builder.
The forum in its petition said, “This is a new form of untouchability in the modern age. The main agenda of the advertisement is not to sell flats to Dalits and minorities.”
TNUEF District Secretary Vinod Mani said the advertisement will further deepen caste and religion divide which is prevalent in society.
The forum has also filed a complaint with the local police to take action against the builder under Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes act.
The police have summoned the builder for questioning on the matter on Oct. 22 evening.
https://www.indiatoday.in/india/story/following-outrage-tamil-nadu-builder-withdraws-brahmins-only-ad-1611782-2019-10-22