I'm leaving!
Hey! Stay.
It's getting late.
My mom will be waiting for me. Bye.
-What's with him? -Let him go.
Semmencherry 30 km from Chennai
Hey!
You're awake?
As if i'm snoring!
Where were you all this while?
I was at Joseph's shop.
Such an actor.
You're just like your father.
Good at putting on an act.
Yeah. He wouldn't share his whereabouts.
Once, you thought he was pretending to be asleep.
You realised he was dead only after burying him.
Weren't you going to say this?
I did you the favour.
It's just two people in this house.
Why can't we eat together?
You sneak in, eat and run off, just like your father.
Ma..! You were sleeping.
I didn't want to disturb you.
Yeah, Right!
Like i'd believe your lies!
You'd do everything by yourself.
But you need someone to tell you to study.
I've borrowed 8000 rupees at high interest rate to pay the fee.
Sit and study properly.
Ma..! Wait and watch.
In just six months..
I'll be a degree holder.
I'll make it big..
..and see how I take care of you.
Hey, The money lenders will come.
They might create a scene as I haven't paid the due last week.
Tell them we don't have money and we'll pay all of it next week.
Fine then! Go study or sleep.
Don't play carrom with the boys.
Hey! The bus is moving. Get off.
It's leaving. Get down.
I'll also come.
No need.
Get down immediately.
Do whatever you want.
You never listen!
Alright! Calm down.
Malar Hospital.
Kumutha has quit.
Why?
The supervisor has been bothering her.
When she resisted, he deducted a month's salary.
He had also lied that she came to work for just ten days.
She called him a ******* and quit.
Really? Did she say that?
Yes!
She did.
Why should she respect him after deciding to quit?
We should make the supervisor sweep the road.
Within 50 meters, he'd run out of breath.
The supervisor shows off only in front of us.
But in front of the manager, he dances like a puppet.
Parthi...
-Hey, Did you see him? -No
Where did he go? He hasn't even eaten.
Oh?! I've no clue.
What is it Surya?
Ma..!
They are saying that Parthiban's got hurt.
Come to the government hospital quickly.
-He says Parthi is hurt. -Where?
He is at the Government hospital.
Lock the door. Let's go.
Where is he?
I don't know. Looks like he is hurt.
Where did he go to get hurt? Did he fall down?
I don't know
Where should we go?
-Is she his mother? -Yes sir!
Come.
What is it, sir?
What happened sir?
Sir! What happened?
Come here!
Open it.
Sir! It's not him.
Sir!
This is the boy who committed suicide in college.
Your son's name is Muthukrishnan, right?
No sir! It's Parthiban, sir.
Wait outside.
-What happened to my son sir? -Wait.
-What happened to him? Tell me sir! -Maa..
Maa..
What's going on?
Sir! The Sub-Inspector is here.
Sir! Regarding the Septic tank case, the boy's family is here.
Did you show them?
No sir! There is a small problem.
Before they identified the boy's body, it went for postmortem.
Did it walk by itself?
Sorry sir! It was sent instead of the college student's body.
Did you really come here to work or...
Sorry sir. There was a small confusion.
-The mother.. -Stop talking nonsense.
Send the body in.
-Do not let people gather. -Okay sir
Is this the family in septic tank case?
Yes sir.
-Have you confirmed it? -Yes sir. confirmed.
Your son Parthiban died in an accident while cleaning the septic tank.
Why would my son go for that job?
You should know. How would I know that?
He's studying in college.
Last night I left him at home and went to work.
We've called you only after enquiring.
We didn't call you by mistake.
-He lives in Semmencherry, right? -Yes sir.
Last night, he has gone to clean a septic tank at an apartment in Adyar.
We need to finish the formalities.
Who else is there with you?
Is the father here?
No sir. It's only us.
We've kept him in the mortuary.
Once the formalities are done, you can collect the body.
You just need to sign a document.
I'll send the paper in a while.
It can't be my son..!
Show him to me.
Do you want me to repeat it again?
It is your son.
Why would he go to clean a septic tank?
He is a college student, sir.
Please take her away and explain.
Indra..
-Indra.. Come. -Let go!
He's showing someone else and saying it's our kid.
Are you out of your mind?
Show me my son!
Show him.
You can see him only after the postmortem. Please leave.
What are you saying?
First you said septic tank..
Now you're saying postmortem..
I need to see him with my own eyes
Show me my son.
You should be questioned first.
Didn't you send him for the thousand rupees?
How many times should I tell you?
Leave now. Take her away.
Trying to question me..
What is he saying?
Ask him to show me my son!
What nonsense is he talking?
Tell him to show me my son.
SHAMEFUL! DISGRACEFUL!
SHAMEFUL CORPORATION!
PAY OUR WAGES!
PAY UP IMMEDIATELY!
PAY OUR WAGES, CORPORATION!
WE'RE STARVING! BUT YOU LIVE LUXURIOUSLY!
IS IT FAIR?
SHAMEFUL! DISGRACEFUL!
What is it this time?
You're asking as if this is the first time.
Can't hear our demands?
Our wages haven't been paid for three months.
Fine.
Four of you go inside and talk as representatives.
I'll arrange a meeting.
How many times should we do this talk?
The previous time we protested,
You told us to talk to them. It was useless.
You know that the mayor is not in town.
If the mayor is not there, ask the commissioner to talk to us.
Ask him to come.
Things can't happen according to your will.
You need an appointment to talk to the commissioner.
Please. Leave now.
We won't. You may do as you wish.
TO THOSE WHO TOIL AND LABOUR!
THE CORPORATION WON'T PAY!
PAY OUR WAGES!
IMMEDIATELY PAY UP OUR WAGES!
WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!
OUR STRUGGLE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!
Sir..
Didn't I tell you that you can't see till the postmortem is done?
We want to file a complaint.
-What do you do? -I'm a driver.
The boy would not go for such jobs.
Someone must have taken him by force.
Do you know who took him?
I don't know sir.
How could we file a complaint without knowing it?
Be patient.
Sir, we'll know if we enquire the apartment people
-Hey! Let me talk!
He is my sister's only child, sir.
What's the point of complaining?
Nothing will happen.
If you're ready to negotiate here, you can get some money.
He has consumed alcohol before entering the sewer.
Sir, He doesn't drink alcohol.
The report will clarify everything.
What is the position, sir?
Postmortem is going on.
We'll know only after we get the report.
How much are you offering?
Sir! This was just an accident.
Sir! The death has occured inside your apartment premises.
According to the High court order, you have to pay 10 lakhs. Hope you know.
You're right. But the contractor is the one who is primarily responsible.
Moreover, as per the high court order,
it is the government who has to compensate.
Not us!
If they refuse to take the body, you can't talk all these law points.
-We'll have to register an FIR. -Sir..!
Sir! We understand. Please don't file any FIRs.
Let's sort it out.
-What do you say Ramanathan? -I agree.
Sir, all our apartment residents are respectable people.
Don't drag us into this mess sir. Please.
Respectable people?
You've brought a 20 year old boy and killed him.
Go, arrange the money. Leave now.
-Put them all in the vehicle. -Get up!
Let go!
WE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!
OUR STRUGGLE SHALL BE VICTORIOUS!
It will take some time, it seems.
I just spoke to the S.I.
Why would he go to clean a septic tank?
Hey! Indra..
Why do you keep asking?
Who knows why he went or when he went.
He went. He died.
It's all over. We need to inform everyone.
Give me your phone.
-Give me your phone -Why?
- Give it -Who are you going to call?
Parthi...
Why do you keep calling him?
-Greetings Sir! -Hey!
I asked you to wash the spot. Did you do it?
Ī washed it first thing in the morning, sir.
- Wash it once again wash with Dettol. -Okay sir.
Hello Sir. What happened?
Nasty business!
I'll go and bathe first.
We'll have the association meeting at 5 PM today.
I can't call everyone up individually.
Please inform everyone.
Okay, sir. I'll send a message in the group.
I've spoken to the apartment people.
They've offered Rs.20,000.
I've asked for Rs.30,000.
Please get the mother's signature.
How to get the signature without knowing any details, sir?
The alcohol percentage is clearly mentioned in the report.
-Only by protesting.. -Excuse me.
-What is it, Surya? -Anna.. Parthiban is dead.
-When? -In the morning.
Where?
In an apartment in Adyar. They said he died cleaning a septic tank.
Go with him and get the signature.
Here.
I'll get it.
Indra! Sign this paper.
We can't see our child without the signature.
-Yes, sir. -Listen
Don't give the body to them.
Put it in the ambulance and take it to the cemetary straight away
-Got it? -Okay sir.
Where did this happen? Who took him along?
We don't know. They aren't telling anything.
Did you file any complaint?
No, they say he died because he was drunk.
Did they offer any money?
The inspector said they're offering Rs.30,000.
-Did you sign any document? -Yes.
Why did you sign it?
Did they give you the death certificate?
We shouldn't leave the place without filing the FIR.
-But we've already signed.. -So what?
I've tried talking to them since morning. It's useless.
Hello, sir!
We need to talk about the septic tank death.
Yeah, tell.
We need to file an FIR first.
It has to be filed against the apartment secretary
and the one who took the boy.
We've talked about it already.
You can collect the body by 5 PM and leave.
Sir! The boy was just 20 years old.
He has died, inside an apartment's septic tank
You need to take appropriate action. else, we won't accept the body.
Are you playing games?
What did I do?
You've signed the document already. Leave now.
Why are you threatening him?
We want legal actions to be taken.
Did they sign the document without wanting to receive the body?
Is there any law that the FIR can't be filed if the papers are signed?
Parthi..!
Parthi...
Parthi! Look at me!
Parthi! Here, look at me!
Did you go there just to come back as a corpse?
Oh my! Parthi!
Ma! Ask him to get up.
My dear!
Parthi...!
Hey! Leave him. Let go.
Damn! Stop it!
Bloody stop it!
Hey! Hey! Stop it.
Stop the vehicle! Hey!
Stop the damn vehicle!
Stop it!
Here! Take him out!
Careful!
-Why did they do this to you, dear!?! -Move.
Hey!
What? Are you trying to smuggle the body out?
-What's the problem? -Go away!
Lift him.
-Hold properly! -Hello!
I'm talking to you
-Why are you taking the body? Hello? -Carry him to the front.
-Bring him! -Where are you taking the body?
To the front yard of your house!
We shouldn't let go!
Bring him..
Turn it! In the centre! Place him down.
-Oh dear! -Dear!
Come Here! All of you!
Come over here!
WE ASK THE POLICE!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
WE CONDEMN!
THE CASTE-BASED KILLING!
WE WILL NOT RELENT!
-TILL WE GET JUSTICE! -Calm down!
-Please calm down - WE ASK THE POLICE!
-Stay quiet! -DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
Don't you understand? What do you think you're doing?
What should we do?
Why are you creating a ruckus after all the formalities?
-What formalities did you finish? - Take the body and leave.
-Why should we? -Take the body away.
-Get lost! -We can't do everything as you wish.
Sit down everyone!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
WE ASK THE POLICE!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
ARREST THEM!
ARREST THE CRIMINALS!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CASTE-BASED KILLING!
FOR THE MANUAL SCAVENGING DEATH!
-DON'T YOU DARE SUPPORT! -No Sir!
Sir, We are not able to manage the situation.
The crowd gathered all of a sudden.
For now, ask them to register a complaint.
It's just an FIR.
-File it. We'll take care of it later. -Okay sir.
WE WANT JUSTICE! WE WANT JUSTICE!
FOR THE MANUAL SCAVENGING DEATH!
WE WANT JUSTICE!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
FOR THE MANUAL SCAVENGING DEATH!
DON'T YOU SUPPORT THE CRIMINALS!
-Please listen. Calm down. -What?
I've spoken to the inspector. He promised to take action.
Please leave quietly. I'll get it sorted.
Give us a written complaint. We'll file the FIR.
Madam, The association meeting is going on.
You're not in the WhatsApp group, right?
So, the Secretary told me to inform you.
Really?!
They even bothered to tell me?!
What is the meeting about?
The boy who came to clean the septic tank died.
-Oh -It's about that.
Fine! I'll come.
Honestly, we don't have to give any money.
It's the government that has to provide the compensation.
But it's not that simple to get it from them.
On the other hand,
It's easy-peasy for them to fleece money from people like us.
-Exactly! Ain't we the fools here? -Sir!
Our names are also included in the FIR.
Don't forget it.
So, it's better to keep aside some money.
Why didn't you sort it out before the FIR got filed?
Where were you from the morning, Ma'am?
I was running sleeplessly to the hospital and police station.
Now you are pointing fingers at me?
Sir! Ain't you the secretary?
Sir! I'm doing a bloody thankless job.
The police asked me sarcastically,
If we are indeed respectable people..
Hello! Hello!
Please listen!
The case is not only against him.
But against all of us.
All of us will have to face its repercussion.
I don't know about others.
I can't spare any money.
I have a lot of commitments.
It's not helping if you speak so apathetically.
We all have to be together in this situation.
Moreover, please don't talk to the media.
Sir! I have a suggestion.
Why don't we do a homam?
An evil incident has happened here.
Why are you all silent?
Believe me! It's good for all of us.
Even for the boy who passed away.
Fantastic idea sir.
We should definitely do that.
Who scribbled ***** on my door?
Hey!
Why are you talking irrelevant stuff at this meeting?
Do I have to organize a seperate association meeting for this?
-Creating problems all the time! -Oh god!
Talking nonsense!
No! Wait!
By tomorrow, I need to know who did it!
Otherwise, I'd lodge a police complaint.
As if we'd be scared by her threats!
What kind of stupidity is this?
How could we take responsibility for someone else's doing?
We need to file a complaint on her first.
Indrani! Eat something.
Please eat a little.
Eat something atleast to think of him.
Please don't cry.
'Deep Condolence'
Should we believe that Parthiban died drowning?
Do we have the guts to punish the one who took Parthiban along?
If not, then what is the use in talking?
Come let's go and thrash him to pieces!
Fine! Let's go thrash him,
..and die along with him. Okay?
What else can we do?
There is no pride in getting revenge.
Think what should be done to prevent someone else
from dying inside the septic tank like Parthiban.
If not, shut up and stay quiet.
Hey! Come here.
Which locality are you from?
Semmenchery sir.
What are you doing here at this hour?
We came to stick posters.
-Leave -Sir, We'll finish it and go.
I said to leave now!
Hey! Stop!
Why sir?
Are they sticking the posters near your house?
15 years back, Mary's son died when he was 20 years old.
10 years back,
Arumugam's brother died when he was 24 years old.
12 years back,
Brother Guna died.
7 years back,
Aadhavan, a 30-year-old, died.
Everyone who died were from our community.
Till date, not one person from a different community
has died of cleaning shit and sewage.
We've begotten and taken care of our children just to lose them to this.
And you're not even letting us stick posters.
Hey oldie! Stop your prattle.
Hey! leave now.
Are you going to leave or...
Are you still stealing the CCTV footage?
You're going to get caught some day.
They are the ones who are going to get caught today.
They've scribbled dirty words on my door.
What did they write?
Wait!
-I'll show you. - Let go!
They're making a fool out of themselves. Why do you even care?
Why should I let go?
Why are they so bothered about who visits my house?
If a girl lives alone,
Are they free to do whatever they want to?
-Cheers! -Cheers!
Oh! Here comes the daredevil..!
Hi!
Already, so many people want to hire me.
I chose not to go.
Even yesterday, Marley brother invited me to his place.
Who is this Marley brother?
He is a great singer.
He is from another country.
He said it would be quite helpful, if I accompanied him.
But I told him, I can't live without my mother even for a minute,
..and refused his offer.
You?
You told him that you can't live without your mother for a minute?
Ma! I swear on you!
Look who is making promises!
What's it, ma?
Where are you Parvathy?
In the car!
Oh fine!
Call me when you make a stop.
You're on the speaker, ma
Tell me.
-Drive carefully. -Hmm
Where are you going?
On my way from the office to the swimming pool.
Oh!
I'd sent you details about a house. Did you check it?
-Hmm -What? My colleague said you never called.
Brother..!
It's not an issue at all.
The postmortem report will be written by us.
There is no other evidence.
We can reach a compromise. Don't worry.
Ma!
Maa!
Didn't you cook?
Mariyam!
What's wrong, Indrani?
I'm not able to sleep.
These are Parthiban's clothes...
Shall we give it to someone?
Shall we give it in the morning?
Yes!
It's quite late.
You go sleep!
Wait!
Sit down. I'll get water!
Here!
I feel like Parthiban is still inside the house.
He looked inside the vessels..
Held my hand,
And asked why I hadn't cooked.
He asked me knowing that I haven't cooked.
Why aren't you listening? Come sleep here for a few days.
Here!
Read this, whenever you feel down.
Don't cry..!
Hey! Dharshini is your daughter's name, right?
Yes
Tell your sister to withdraw the complaint. Or else you'll be in trouble.
Oh you're here!
Shall we have some tea?
Did they show their faces?
Didn't I tell you that they were wearing helmets?
We filed the FIR, right? They want to mess it up.
I thought they'd go to Indirani. But they've come to you.
Don't worry. We'll see to it.
Come in, Comrade.
I'll explain the situation. Then, you tell me what you want to do.
Usually, the victims would be from a poor background.
They won't be able to fight legally.
There won't be anyone to support them too.
They'd accept whatever money they're offered.
Think about this. You live alone.
If you put the money in the bank, it might be helpful in an emergency.
That's what I've been telling her.
But there is another option.
How many more kids like Parthiban are we going to lose?
According to the law this is a crime.
But till date, not a single case has been tried in court.
If we take this up and put up a fight,
We can get 10 lakh rupees as compensation.
If we put even more effort,
We can take the criminals to court and send them to prison.
Hey, nothing will happen at the court.
What can we do against them?
Comrade
If we take this to the court, will they be punished?
There are chances.
We can try as much as possible.
But the contractor should not be taken lightly.
He'll definitely try to destroy the case.
And the engineer mentioned in the FIR,
He'll try to sabotage too.
Listen to it!
If you decide to go to the court, I'll take care of it.
Only if we take these people to the courtroom,
Will we be able to save the lives that are easily disposed off.
Think well and let me know.
Hey! It's not as easy as you think. Try to understand.
You're also getting old. You struggle to go to work.
Who will walk to the court everyday?
They've killed my son.
And you want me to stay quiet?
What will I do with that money?
They've taken him and killed.
Why should I live anymore? Tell me!
I understand your anger Indra!
But the money you get will be of no use to you.
I'm telling you the same.
Of what use will the money be to me now?
I picked the trash to get him educated
Now...
Let me spend that money to get justice for his death.
Comrade!
We should drag them to the court.
For killing my son...
Atleast once, they should come to the court
And answer me.
-Parvathy -Hmm
We've got the approval for the Vandalur plan.
Did we send it for approval?
-I sent it 10 days back. -Oh great!
With whose permission did you do it?
Well.. It looked complete. That's why I sent it.
Oh!
Can you please read what I wrote in the mail?
For review..?
Yeah
In bold.
-But it was complete.. -Who are you to decide that?
Parvathy.. It was brilliant.
-We've never got an approval so fast for.. -I don't care.
This is my design and you cannot bloody play with it.
I'm escalating this.
"While cleaning the septic tank of a multistorey apartment in Adyar, Chennai...
... a 20-year-old youngster called Parthiban died inhaling poisonous gases."
Anna!
The boy who came here the other day..
See if it's him..!
Yes! It's him
-Hello -Hello
-This is Parvathy. -Yes!?
I need Parthiban's contact details.
You can find his number in the swimming pool whatsapp group.
No! I have his number!
But his phone is not reachable.
Can you please give me his address?
Give me 5 minutes.
It will be in the register. I'll send you.
Okay! Thank you.
If you don't mind me saying,
We shouldn't try to overpower it.
First, we should listen to the water.
and trust it completely.
It will definitely help us.
But it is not so easy for me.
It's quite simple really.
1.. 2.. 3.. breathe.
That's it.
♪Is it not the accursed debt that got you buried?♪
♪Not the sky nor the earth♪
♪All the friends are here for you♪
♪My buddy should come here now♪
♪We should see his smiling face♪
♪All the friends are crying for you now♪
♪Not the sky nor the earth♪
Parthiban's mother? Yeah...
Indrani akka someone is here for you.
-Who are you? -I am Parvathi... Parthiban's friend
I know him from the swimming pool.
Did the boys inform you... He has a lot of friends.
I don't know most of them. Sit down.
Your son has saved me many times.
Everyone has some thing to say about him.
But now he's left me all alone
♪Our dreams of you succeeding vanished with your death♪
Sit down.
♪Our dreams of you succeeding vanished with your death♪
♪Not the sky nor the earth♪
What are you people doing?
We are holding a condolence event for our friend.
Who gave you the permission to do this?
We'll wrap it up soon sir.
Won't you listen when you're told nicely?!
Remove the photo! Lower the banner!
-Do it now! -Why sir? Why should we?
Did you get permission? As if he is a bigshot,
-sticking posters all over the place. -Don't!
Don't!
Sir, don't!
Leave now!
Who are you?
Parthiban's friend.
Why do you ask?
You don't look like you belong here.
Leave madam.
The place is rampant with criminal activities
These are very dangerous people. Leave.
Won't you leave?
Won't you leave when told to.
I am going to break your bones.
Don't raise your voice here. Leave.
I'll do as I wish. What can you do?
♪We are flying like birds♪
♪Without a shelter♪
♪Without a meal together♪
♪We labour. We survive♪
♪Don't have a world for us♪
♪Nor a quarrel among us♪
I'm leaving..
♪He was thick with us like a shadow♪
♪He thrived on swimming♪
♪He slept on his mother's arms♪
♪He studied to rise above♪
♪He smiled like a flower in bloom♪
♪He was the face of the town♪
♪He made his own way♪
♪He slipped into the hole♪
♪Can we ever forget, Can we ever forget♪
♪Will it ever come back♪
♪This abyss between him and her♪
♪Does it make any sense♪
♪The doors of authority♪
♪Will it ever open for her?♪
Jesus Chirst who came by that way, looked at her
and saw that she had been crying badly.
He thought about what he could do to stop her tears.
The child had to be brought back from the dead.
And then the god brings the child back from the dead
Praise the Lord, my soul.
all that is within me, praise his holy name.
Praise the Lord, my soul,
and forget not all his benefits.
Amen. Hallelujah!
Hallelujah!
Hallelujah! All praise to the Lord.
Indrani ma...
I went to Semmenchery...
They told that you would be here.
Today, I have my duty here. You carry on...
That day, I couldn't talk to you properly because of the commotion.
I had come there that day,
to talk about Parthiban.
Your son died..
..in our apartment.
Ma.. you filed a case, right?
Hmm.
Parthiban coming to our apartment, him cleaning... has all been recorded.
The video is in this.
Here...
give it to the union leader.
It would be an important evidence.
Keep it safe.
Is he in this?
Show me...
Ma... Let's not.
I will help you in every way that I can.
I will even stand as a witness in court.
Stay strong.
I don't even know who you are... You're helping so much.
Comrade! Sir called you in.
Comrade!
Good to see you.
Have a seat.
Please sit down.
How's your revolution coming about?
Very soon comrade.
Let's talk about this later.
Now I've come regarding an important matter.
Tell me, comrade.
She is Indrani...
You would have heard about the Adyar apartment septic tank case.
Yes.
It was her son.
He was a college student.
FIR copy.
I can't give any assurance.
I will go through it and call you.
Sibi...
Sir...
Go through this FIR and see what can be done.
Okay Sir.
We got the CCTV footage of the incident.
How did you get this?
My son's friend lives in that apartment.
She herself brought this to me.
Sibi... Sir.
Play this on the laptop.
Sub-contractor, apartment secretary. All of them are there..
Interesting evidence.
-Sibi... -Sir.
Get me all the details about these guys. -Okay sir!
Why don't you bring a bed and pillow too?
I am not feeling well sir...
Take a leave then.
Yeah you're paying us in millions...
Taking a day off will be so delightful!
Just do the work then!
Indrani ma..
Sweep inside the tower block too.
Okay.
What Renu? Heard you were at the beach yesterday?
Had fun?
What fun is there at the beach?
Murugan told me you were at the beach with your family?
Only the sea doesn't charge us anything.
Where else to go?
Get to work.
[Walkie talkie audio]
Calling you pet names, as if he is your husband?
Such arrogance... My time will come one day.
That day I will tear him apart.
Thanks for the evidence. What do you do?
I am an architect. Nice.
Comrade... Only if we take this evidence to court, will it be of advantage for us.
The police and contractor work hand in glove.
They will definitely want to delay the case.
They won't even file the chargesheet.
Our strategy for this case is...
We need to get a preventive injunction at the court.
If we can do that, it will be a huge blow for them.
Stay order? Yeah...
Sir, how would this affect the contractors?
Ma.. Only when their income dries up,
..will they take us seriously.
It is a long shot... But worth a try.
In the zones where the contractor was in charge,
15 people have died last year alone.
Even in the Adyar apartment death which occurred recently,
an FIR has been filed against them.
So...
To prevent the loss of precious human lives,
we request this contractor to be banned permanently.
Moreover, we also request that a temporary injunction be slapped on
..their tender until this case is over.
All that they've said are unproven and baseless allegations, your Honor.
If the ban is enforced, public health would be at risk.
Sewage works would be hugely affected,
and people would be at the risk of contagious diseases.
So, I request you to reject this petition, your Honor.
This case that has been filed out of personal enmity..
..should be dismissed, your Honor.
To show that these 15 deaths have happened under the same circumstances,
I am submitting verified news reports
and the FIR copy of Adyar septic tank case, your Honor.
Hello.
Yes, comrade.
The court has given a stay order against the contractor.
Is it... What should we do now?
Now, we have to fight the case in court.
Ok comrade.
I want to thank you for this.
This is not an ordinary thing.
I don't know if you understand the implications.
If we win this case, they would think thrice
before asking someone to go down the sewer.
Now, we're in direct conflict with them.
So you should be careful.
They're capable of anything.
The entire government is behind them.
But don't you worry.
I and the union are always with you.
Hm..
This is Petharaju, sir.
PAY US, CORPORATION!
WE'RE STARVING!
BUT YOU LIVE LUXURIOUSLY!
IS IT FAIR?
I worry about you all day.
Even if you're a bit late, I lose my peace.
Panicking if the police had taken you.
or locked you up.
I'm not against helping others,
but think about us too!
Anna... Hey, Surya! Come in.
How are you, Surya? I am fine akka. You?
We are doing terrifically.
Want some tea? No. let's have it outside.
This work which was done by the corporation,
..was handed over to private, and now, to a multinational company.
But the laborer still earns only Rs.5000 per month.
Take a day off and they lose 1000 rupees.
While working, if they die getting hit by a vehicle..
No one gives a damn.
It's the same if they die inhaling poisonous gas.
We should fight against the corporation giving..
their work to private and multinational companies.
If we go on a strike for a few days, the whole Chennai will stink!
In spite of knowing the dangers involved,
Why do people still come forward to work in the septic tank?
There are plenty of other jobs.
Who wants to do such work?
Just look at the caste of the people the corporation recruits for this kind of work.
Then you will know who oppresses whom.
You claim that you speak for workers' rights,
But why do you divide the workers in the name of caste?
Good question. Who is dividing them?
Why don't people from other castes do this work?
A boy I knew, died last week while cleaning a septic tank.
He was studying in college.
..a swimmer too..
Just because he couldn't pay the interest to a loan,
They forced him to do it and killed him.
There are many other jobs. But why did they use him for this specific work?
Now tell me who sees caste.
We need to talk...
Go ahead.
To this day, there have been so many complaints against you.
Do you think you're running a police station?
Stop your sarcasm. We don't have the time to quarrel with you.
Please leave and save your time, sir.
I told you right... It's a complete waste talking to her.
Hello.
Tell it to my face... Don't mumble.
You don't respect this apartment's rules.
You create a new problem each day.
So? So, you should leave this apartment.
This is my own home.
You can't make me leave.
If you don't like it, why don't you all leave the place.
Look at her arrogance...
Are you going to allow me to talk?
Please...
See what I'm trying to say is..
I have given my answer. Decide what you want to do.
Have one of your meetings and come back tomorrow.
Oh!
Comrade Petharaju... You're requested to come on stage.
Comrade Petharaju... Wherever you are... Please come on the stage immediately.
Comrade Petharaju... Wherever you are...Please come on the stage immediately.
Comrade.
We've already spoken twice to the commissioner.
He said he will fax all the police stations and enquire.
You've been saying the same for the past three days.
We are making all efforts.
Be hopeful.
Don't lie to me.
Something is not right.
I believed him when he told everything will be alright.
Now I have no clue what to do.
Greetings Comrade!
When was it?
Just a minute comrade.
What are you saying comrade?
Who told?
Do you know which court?
Are you sure, Comrade?
Oh!
Okay Comrade.
Why have they arrested him now?
Mathi.. Come. Let's go
Check if advocate Srinivasan is free. Let's take him along.
I'll check.
-Will they let us meet him? - I'm not sure
We'll check and let you know.
This is going to be a modern residential project in its truest sense.
It will be a chic looking apartment complex with very futuristic planning.
We can set up a sewage treatment facility inside.
We can avoid the complications regarding sewage cleaning and collection.
We'll be trendsetters on all aspects.
Is this a new trend?
Spending unnecessarily?
-She's just being ambitious. -It's okay
Apart from this, the design is fine. We can proceed further.
Kalpana!
Come
-Dad -Kani..!
-Who gave you the biscuits? -Mathi uncle gave it to me.
-Did you eat? -I did!
-When will you come home? -Soon dear!
They said you won't be released for two years?
Who told you so?
-They said at the union office. - It's not true.
-You say the same every single time -Is this new to you?
Don't worry. The comrades will take care of it.
Did you eat?
Hmm
Is Indirani amma here?
She is outside.
-Did you meet dad? -Yeah. I did.
He wants to talk to you.
-Hello comrade! -Hello
How are you doing?
Hmm.
Kalpana is heart broken.
She is a brave woman, comrade! She'll take care of herself.
Don't worry about it. Did you meet the lawyer?
No!
Pch!
Please go and meet the lawyer.
We have to proceed with the case.
They think, if I'm locked inside, the case will be dropped.
We shouldn't let it go.
It's quite strict in here now. I'm unable to talk to the lawyer.
Please go meet the lawyer. And proceed with the case.
Fine!
Sibi!
Sir
Sir! Looks like they are going to register the chargesheet.
So soon?
They've become quite active!
And..
Looks like the case might get listed for Judge Narayanamurthy.
They'd have absolutely no idea about Narayanamurthy.
No one can guess his actions. So unpredictable he is.
What shall we do?
Sir?
I'm talking about our case. I don't need any fee.
But we have the court expenses.
I'm not sure if I can arrange it now.
Tell me how much it is. I'll take care of it.
If only Petharaju was here, I wouldn't have worried about it.
He'd have handled it.
Court expenses are not as minimal as you think.
Money will dry up fast.
Moreover, the inspector is on their side.
I can argue only with the evidence he provides.
So..
I can't guarantee you that we'll win this case.
It's okay if we don't win the case.
But my son's killers, should stand in the court.
They should answer.
Fine! I'll call you.
Fine sir!
♪I look at the sky, as a mother♪
♪All the stars, are just like you♪
♪I will meet their eyes ♪
♪Like you, I shall ask why.♪ -Kani keeps asking for her father
♪Life changed forever♪ -What do I tell her?
-We're there for you. ♪in an instant♪
-Mariam and Parthiban's friends are there. ♪My eyes are searching for a respite♪
♪Eagle preyed on the little chicken♪ -Comrade will come back soon.
♪So what, the little spark lives within♪
Go meet the girl from the apartment and see if you can get any evidence or witness.
And casually try getting details about the chargesheet from the inspector.
-Huh? -Sir!
All over India such incidents are occuring every day.
If we win this case,
It will be the first in India.
Hmm.
If the security guard deposes as a witness in the court,
..we feel that the case will become much stronger.
I'll try!
♪The paper - sways and swings the sky When it’s a kite♪
♪The paper – when it’s a boat in water drowns, and it’s so gloomy♪
There are toilets in every country.
But only in our country, even in this 21st century,
A specific community of people are cleaning it with bare hands..
But..
The government can change this, if it wishes to.
-But, it won't. -Why not?
What do you think could be the reason?
Corruption?
Wrong answer.
-Don't we have enough money? - I don't think so.
India is among the top ten economies of the world.
-Don't we have enough resources? -Not at all.
We have so many IIT's and research institutes..
So, what else could it be?
-Proper plan? -Exactly.
The conviction! And the will to abolish it, is absolutely not there.
Because, they think only a specific community of people should do this job.
Caste! Untouchability.
Just imagine this.
Every single day,
We knowingly send people to death.
Because we know for sure, that we are not going to clean it.
Never..! Ever..!
♪Voice of justice, whom does it stand for Voice of sorrow, flows as stream of tears♪
♪Ancient soul screamed inconsolably♪
♪Will the path be found? Will the wishes be granted?♪
♪It is now for the almighty to decide♪
♪Poisonous showers pour on her lonely soul♪
- Maharasi akka -Yeah tell me!
A security guard used to work here, right?
Yes. Aathimoolam.
Do you know anything regarding his whereabouts?
I'm not sure...
Why are you suddenly asking about him?
Well..
I want to talk to him about the boy who died in the septic tank.
I heard he is in Padappai. But I'm not sure.
Please try to recall anything about it akka.
Well. I heard Ramanathan owns a grove there.
-They have employed him there. -Okay
Is Aathimoolam here?
Who are you, Ma'am?
I heard he is working here.
He is not here.
When will he come back?
He has left. He won't come back.
Do you know his address?
His house is right behind the Pammal Municipal school.
Heard that you've taken a case against contractor Jegadeesh.
Yes brother.
He is our Sudalai uncle's son-in-law. Hope you know.
He is in fact your cousin.
I don't think I need to teach you about this.
Why are you antagonizing your relatives?
Don't take me wrong.
Have you ever cleaned your own toilets at home?
We don't even clean our own toilets in our houses.
They are cleaning the filth of the whole city.
Despite losing their husbands and sons inside the sewers,
They're still carrying on with the job.
How are we going to pay them back?
Because of the indifference shown by the government and the society,
..a profession banned by the law
..Is still carried out right infront of our eyes.
This has to be given our immediate and serious consideration.
Yeah we know that.
Can you make it quick please?
21-year-old Parthiban,
..died of suffocation, as he was forced to enter and clean a septic tank.
The contractor who forced him to do the illegal work,
The area engineer who supervised it,
The chief engineer who administered it,
The administration of the place of incident,
the Residential Welfare Association...
have all been charged of causing 'death due to negligence'
The charge should be changed as culpable homicide.
Moreover,
They should also be tried under The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Objection Sir.
What's your objection?
This cannot be considered a culpable homicide or an offence under the PoA Act.
He is just presenting his case.
Sit down
Apart from the evidences submitted by the police,
Please permit us to produce additional evidences.
Considering the seriousness of this case,
I request you to permit these two changes in the chargesheet as well.
-Objection. -What's your objection?
The CrPC does not have provision to add new charges.
There is provision in it.
The judge has the authority to do that.
Go and study the CrPC once again.
Why didn't you produce this along with the chargesheet?
Sir, we didn't get this evidence at that time.
How did you get it now? Are you covering up your lousy work?
We've got additional evidence. That's why we are presenting now.
What evidence do you have?
Do you have the community certificate of the victim?
Yes sir.
Fine! You said culpable homicide. Do you have any evidence for it?
Yes sir!
Right infront of the septic tank,
The area engineer, the contractor and the apartment secretary are all present.
We can see them talking to Parthiban.
Parthiban is trying to leave the place.
The contractor says something and Parthiban walks back.
Secretary says something to the security.
-Objection, your honour! -What's your objection?
Prosecution lawyer is providing dubbing for the visuals.
-This should not be admitted. -It is admissible.
Prove if he is providing dubbing, during the trial.
This is not just a death due to negligence as mentioned in the chargesheet.
Since, despite knowing that someone could die because of this act,
they made him do it,
They should be charged with culpable homicide not amounting to murder
That is, they should be considered to have caused the death of someone.
SC/ST's Prevention of Atrocities Act, and 304 section 2
..is added in the chargesheet.
Did you eat?
Not yet.
Only if you eat well now, your body will assimilate it.
As if you ate!
I know. You don't even have tea at the court.
You'd have it only if we force you to.
What happened?
I'll be alright.
-This happens once in a while. -Oh my!
Why don't you see a doctor?
Already done.
Anxiety.
Nervousness..
I'm used to getting these..
Recently, I'm also experiencing anxiety.
All of a sudden,
I hear voices.
What are you saying?
Yes!
I hear Parthiban's voice.
Since the past few days.
You'll be fine...
Don't be worrying too much and try to sleep well.
I see him..
standing somewhere.
Trying to..
..tell me something.
For how many years have you been practicing?
10 years.
It was you who wrote the postmortem report, right?
Yes.
It was you who did the postmortem too, right?
Yes.
On an average, how many postmortems can a doctor perform in a day?
As per regulations, a doctor should do only 300 per year.
Hmm
In the report, you've mentioned it as 'death due to drowning'.
Correct.
Can you explain it in detail?
The deceased had been under heavy alcohol influence.
Since, in that state, he went inside the sewer to work..
..he wasn't able to come up and suffocated to death.
Why was he not able to come up?
When someone is under alcohol influence,
They lose their motor control.
Which means, their muscle control and thinking ability weakens.
So, they're neither able to control their own body nor correctly perceive the danger.
How much alcohol was there in Parthiban's body?
Legally permissible limit for driving is 30mg per 100ml of blood.
But the deceased had 80mg per 100 ml of blood.
From which part of Parthiban's body did you take the blood for testing?
From his stomach.
Didn't you test the blood sample from his brain?
-No! -Can you explain why?
It was unnecessary.
A sample from the stomach is more than enough.
So we don't have any data about the alcohol that was found in his brain.
-Right? -Yes
-Do you have the blood sample? -No.
Why haven't you stored it?
Isn't it necessary as per law?
There are no adequate facilities in this hospital.
We perform atleast 1600 postmortems in a year.
It's not possible to store so many samples.
So, you disposed the sample after testing?
Yes!
This is a copy of the attendance register of the government hospital.
The doctor didn't even turn up for work on the day of postmortem.
Please explain how you performed the postmortem without going to the hospital?
No Sir!
There must be some mistake in the attendance register.
Are you saying that your hospital administration is being irresponsible?
Do you know what's the punishment for giving a false postmortem report?
The court can even cancel your doctor's license.
-Shall I? -No sir!
You may leave.
According to the doctor's statements,
There is no sample to prove that Parthiban had consumed alcohol.
He hasn't done any tests to prove it beyond doubt.
So, we cannot conclude that alcohol influence..
caused Parthiban's death inside the septic tank.
There's complaint that you aren't sweeping properly in front of the building.
Pay attention.
I'm sweeping properly sir!
But they throw garbage right after I finish.
They are so unjust.
Unjust, is it?
You file cases, right?
Go! Give a complaint.
Go!
Devi hasn't come today.
Sweep the other side too.
I'll come back and check in one hour. Okay?
What have you done Parvathi?
What happened?
What is this?
What's wrong?
Tulip estate guys are bombing me with phone calls.
Their clients are even ready to sue them.
What do I tell them?
Tell them it's a sewage treatment facility.
Have you gone mad?
They spend crores of money to build so many things.
But I think, taking responsibility for their own waste.
..is what will be a genuine modern thinking.
Look!
You can think whatever you want. It's your problem.
-It's their money. Their building. -Okay
Nice.
So, the building is theirs, the money is theirs..
But the waste they produce belongs to others?
You're talking as if they alone produce waste in the whole world.
-Hema.. This is way bigger than... -You know...
Why am I even having this pointless argument with you?
You're fired!
You need me to complete this project.
Only I know what all I've done inside the construction.
-Whom do you want to meet, madam? -Who are you?
I am the new security guard.
This is my parking space.
That is the secretary's car.
Ask him to take it out.
Tell him to come and take it out.
He has gone out with his family, madam.
What did you mess up now, Ma'am?
Why the long face now?
Nancy, Please!
Don't ask me anything.
I'm super pissed off.
Lot of issues at the office.
I come home and these guys create a ruckus.
What happened at the office?
Were you present when Parthiban entered the septic tank?
Yes Sir. I was there.
Why didn't you stop him?
I told not to enter.
But it was Murali who told it'd be over in 10 minutes and told the boy to enter.
I tried to stop as much as possible.
-So you tried to stop? -Yes sir.
How generous you are!
Objection your Honour!
Sivaprakasam!
-Stick to the case -Okay sir!
Usually, how much do they charge to remove the blockage?
It depends, sir!
They'd charge more than Rs.5000 for lorry.
For manual labourers?
They'd charge around Rs.1000 to Rs.1500.
-Do you usually pay what they demand? -Yes sir.
But sometimes if it's unfair, we'll ask them to reduce.
Do you know that it's a crime to ask someone to get inside the sewer?
Yes!
Despite knowing that, did you refuse the lorry to save money?
Objection sir
Tell me!
-Why didn't they bring the lorry this time? -I don't know sir.
We need to ask the contractor.
Don't they ask you in the association about..
why it's getting blocked often needing to spend so much money?
They do ask.
But they also know the reality.
What is that reality?
The reality of corruption.
Oh!
You mean they'd understand that only because of corruption,
People are getting inside the sewer to manually clean it.
-Am I right? -Objection sir
Sivaprakasam!
Please don't try to confuse people.
Sorry sir!
I'll move on to the next question.
How much time after Parthiban got inside the sewer,
..did you start to be concerned?
He went in and started working.
After a while, we couldn't hear any movement.
We called him again and again.
There was no response.
Contractor Murali left the place saying he'd be right back.
He never came back.
We had no clue what to do.
When did you call the ambulance?
When we lifted him out, we found him unconscious.
We called the ambulance immediately.
How did you lift him?
Apartment security helped.
Did he volunteer to do it?
No sir. I requested him.
He said he will get in.
Why didn't you call the fire service?
We were waiting for the contractor to come.
There was no sign from the person inside.
Without any protection, you've sent in another person.
No sir. I really didn't know what to do at that time.
Well! You could have gone in!
Resident Welfare Association, acts as the administration of an apartment complex.
The secretary of such an association has caused the death of Parthiban.
So, under 304 section 2
And for making him handle human waste,
Under the Manual Scavenging Prohibition Act,
And under the SC/ST PoA Act, must be considered guilty.
The next hearing is posted on the 26th.
Ma... It's stinking from somewhere in this city.
Wherever I go, it keeps chasing me.
How far should I run?
I don't know how to escape from it.
It's suffocating me.
Metropolitan Magistrate
-How long did you work in that apartment? -Five years sir.
-Why did you quit all of a sudden? -I didn't quit. They sent me away.
-Why? -I don't know, sir.
Your honour! This is an unnecessary question. It's not related to the case.
Sit down.
Move on to your next question, Sivaprakasam.
Does the sewer get blocked often?
Yes sir. It happens every two or three months.
Why?
At times, people dump the trash in the sewer pipes. And it gets accumulated.
Usually, who comes to clear the blockage?
There was a plumber nearby. He used to bring someone.
Hmm
A year back, he passed away. That's why we informed the Metro Water Department.
What did they say?
They didn't turn up, even after calling multiple times.
It began to stink terribly. Then one night, they came.
-Who came? -The deceased boy and two other people.
The men left halfway through the work...
Sibi! Give me the photo.
Can you identify him?
Sir! He is the one.
The boy said he doesn't know how to do the work.
They intimidated him to do it.
The person in the photo checked the depth of the sewer with a rod.
They asked me to get a rope.
So I got one for them.
They asked him to dive in once and remove all the trash.
-What did Parthiban say? - He kept refusing.
They told him that it's just one dip and he can leave.
-For how much time did he do it? -Not for too long sir.
Like they told, he dived in twice and removed a lot of trash.
After going in for the third time, he didn't come out.
We tried calling him repeatedly. We didn't know what to do.
-For how long did he not come out? -For around 30 minutes.
-How did you get him out? -We only lifted him out.
Who exactly?
I did it. Secretary sir asked me to do it.
When you lifted him out, was he conscious?
No sir, That's why he called the ambulance.
-Mr. Aathimoolam, What is your age? - 63 years sir.
How is your health? Are you under any treatment?
Objection your honour
My Lord! I'm trying to prove a point. Please permit me.
-Okay. Go ahead. -Thank you your honour.
Do you have any health issues?
I'm diabetic, sir. I have swelling in my leg too.
I'm taking pills for both.
-How many pills do you take in a day? -I take two pills at night.
Fine! Do you drink alcohol?
A little!
Little means? Once in a month?
I drink 3 or 4 times a week.
Did you drink on the day of the incident?
-I can't remember sir. -Try to recall.
-I'm not sure. -Thank you Athimoolam.
Your honour,
He doesn't even remember whether he had drunk on the night of the incident.
But he's explaining the incident so accurately. This is not believable.
How can a person taking pills for leg pain..
climb down the manhole and lift a youngster's body?
Moreover, he was sacked from the apartment only because he was sick.
It's no way related to the case.
His witness statement is unreliable.
So, I kindly request you to dismiss it.
Thank you, your honour!
Association secretary Ramanathan,
..during the direct examination done here,
..gave a statement that the security guard lifted Parthiban from the manhole.
It doesn't matter if he took pills, or if he was drunk or if he remembers about it.
What is to be noted is, whether he helped to get Parthiban out of the sewer or not.
-Ma..! -Hmm
-Okay comrade. I'll leave. -Hmm.
-Are you going to Semmenchery? -Hmm
-I need to go that way too. I'll come along with you.
I'll go by bus..
I'll also come on the bus.
What happened to your car?
I've given it for service.
Oh dear!
See! That's where my house used to be.
-Where? - Do you see the park? Right there.
Quite close by is Devi talkies.
Do you see?
My father was an ardent MGR fan.
He'd never miss his movies.
He'll literally live there till they change the movie.
After marriage, we shifted to another neighborhood.
My husband and I used to come here by bicycle to watch the movie.
On Sundays we used to go to the beach.
Then why did you move to Semmencherry?
We didn't move! We were thrown out of the city.
First, they said we can go if we wish.
Then all of a sudden, our houses started to catch fire.
Only then we understood that they threw us out to beautify the city.
Whatever!
The days pass by and so am I.
*Lullaby*
Aren't you also living in this flat? Didn't he do good for you too?
I know what is good and what is bad.
You'll bring a boy here, kill him and try to cover up..
And you want me to be a part of it too?
Did we drag him here?
If he loses his life fancying for Rs.1000, what are we supposed to do?
The judge will tell in the court if it was you or him, who fancied the 1000 rupees.
Then we'll get to see your true face.
Hey! You made me answer to nameless people.
Even after this, do you think you'll be able to stay here peacefully?
Crap!
Why are you struggling? Vacate the house!
I'll stay right here! What is it to you?
Vacate this apartment. Or you're finished.
Talk now!
Whoever wants to talk, talk now! Talk everything!
Grab that phone from her!
Whoever wants an attempt to murder case on them, come forward.
-Come on! -Hey!
Within an hour, I'll show you who I am! Move!
How many zones have you taken the contract for?
Ten zones sir!
For how many years have you been doing this contract work?
I've been doing it for around 7 years, sir.
You've been owning the contract continuously for the last 7 years?
Yes sir!
How many employees do you have?
I don't have any direct employees.
Then, how do you get work done?
I delegate it to sub-contractors. They manage everything.
For this zone, to whom have you given the sub-contract?
To a contractor called Murali.
On what basis did you give it to him?
Many offered. But his quote was the lowest.
-Does he have the necessary equipments? -Yes sir!
-How many people work under him? -I don't know.
-Do you know where his office is? - No, I don't.
Then, how do you know that he has all the equipments?
He rents a couple of equipments from me.
What kind of equipments do you have?
Jet rod, Supersucker and many such equipments.
If we need anything else apart from this, then we hire it.
What kind of equipments do you give to the workers?
Masks, gloves, first aid and rope..
-Why is a rope needed? -For safety reasons.
-Do they get inside the sewer? -No sir.
Then what's the need for a rope?
In case they slip and fall.. to support them...
To support them if they fall?
-When does your contract term end? -In another 6 months, sir.
How is the work these days?
-Prosecution is trying to intimidate him. -I don't think so.
Tell me!
Now, they've issued a stay order.
For what reasons?
I know! Next question.
Where is the sub-contractor?
I don't know sir! He has been missing since the incident.
Why did 15 people die last year, in the zones that you've taken contract for?
I don't know. It was all under the control of subcontractors.
-What action did you take against them? -I've issued warnings, sir.
15 people have died. And all you've done is issue warnings.
Great.
-Sir! -Unnecessary comments.
Sorry sir!
According to the Manual scavenging prohibition Act, chapter 3, section 7,
If it comes to notice that manual scavenging is
..happening, the contract has to be terminated.
Sir! Only the corporation management can do it.
He doesn't have the authority to do it.
Yeah, right!
As he ignored his duties and responsibilities,
he has also become a reason for it.
Since he has caused Parthiban's death,
Under 304 section 2 and,
As he was responsible for making Parthiban clean human waste with his hands,
Under the Manual Scavenging Prohibition act,chapter 3 section 7
and also under, the SC/ST PoA Act, he should be considered guilty.
Impressive performance!
If you start doing our work, then what are we here for?
Someone has to do the work, right?
Fine!
Stay there till the case gets over.
Wait for my call
I know how to deal with this.
Hello madam! Looks like you're resting after finishing all the work!
No sir!
If you can't work, go home. Why do you come here?
Am I in a position to take leave?
Looks like I can't escape this broom till I die.
Stay at home, Indra.
I'll ask them to pay you a monthly salary of one lakh!
Just come on the salary day to get it!
Get back to work!
On the way, sweep inside the tower block.
I've informed the watchman.
Why are you giving me extra work?
Won't they clean it themselves?
Is it my job to clean and mop everyone's house?
Oh!
So ma'am won't be accepting any extra work?
You won't get attendance if you don't finish it.
Remember, you get attendance only if I take a photo.
Do you think I don't know that?
Not turning up to work for half the month..
Even if you come, you sit and cry that you're sick.
But when you need money, you do all the sweet-talking!
Who is sweet-talking?
What do you mean by that?
Will you talk whatever you feel like?
If you don't stop talking now...
I'll call you names!
Get back to work now!
Go!
What will you call me? What will you call?
Let me hear it!
Let me!
Sir! We are from Semmenchery.
Wouldn't you get down?
- Sir, He was answering? - Answering? Get down!
-Come this way. Come!
Get the documents.
Hello sir!
I'm Surya's lawyer.
Can you tell us why he is being held here?
Motorbike theft has happened in this area. We are enquiring.
Did you see him steal any bike?
-Have you got any evidence? -That's what we are enquiring.
How? By beating him up all night..
..and declaring in the morning that he committed suicide?
Don't talk unnecessarily, sir. He is a suspect.
Last week, four bikes have been stolen from this area.
He is the one who keeps passing by in the CCTV visuals.
If the camera is on his street, will he not pass by?
If it's on your street, you'll also be passing by it.
Why are you raising your voice?
You will raise your hands but can't I raise my voice?
What happened?
Nothing!
Tell me!
What do you want me to say?
Nothing happened.
I'll be able to understand the problem only if you tell me.
I told you that there is no issue!
Tell me, Parvathy
This is why I never come here!
You keep asking something or the other!
Stop behaving like your father!
Why are you bringing dad into this?
You can't sleep if you're not bringing dad into everything.
If you were really concerned about me, you'd have never left me alone.
Was I the one who left you alone? Tell me!
Do you think I'm happy here, staying all alone?
You should have been with me, ma!
You shouldn't have left me alone amongst those people.
They are like that. Don't think much.
Come, stay with me.
I've already told you so many times.
Find another house and I'll move there.
Why should we move to another house?
After, all that's happened, why do you want to stay there?
Why should we get scared of them and leave our house?
Dad's memories are in the house.
I won't leave it.
It's not 'our' house. It's your father's house.
Is this your problem?
Why are you being so childish?
Am I being childish?
I abandoned my family and came with your father.
I loved him so much.
Don't start it again.
What do you know?
First, listen to what happened after shifting to that house.
You have to ruin everything for me, is it?
You want me to hate dad too, right?
I hate you ma!
Everything that happens in this world is not about you.
Never only about you.
I thought you'd vacate the house, if I didn't come and stay with you.
The place is a hell!
Whatever they did to you now, they did it to me right in front of your father.
It was all because of caste.
Only that.
Your father was a good person.
I don't blame him.
But he never really understood what I went through.
He never confronted them for me.
Why was the Area Engineer present there?
Sometimes, Area Engineers visit to supervise. He might have gone for that.
I've issued a show cause notice. He hasn't responded yet
As the Area Engineer's superior, will you take responsibility for this?
No! I can't be going everywhere to personally supervise.
I'm the in-charge of the whole city.
-What is your designation? -Chief engineer, Operation and Maintenance.
What are your roles and responsibilities?
Over all control of the operation and maintenance of..
..the city's water supply and the sewerage system.
Are you aware that employing people to do manual scavenging is a crime?
Yes. I know.
Last year, 15 people have died in Chennai's sewers and manholes.
All these zones were contracted out.
What actions did you take against those contractors?
Though the accidents happened in those zones,
..there is no proof that it was because of the contractor's mistakes.
Even third parties could have done it.
What measures have you taken to stop manual scavenging?
We've done surveys. We've held awareness camps and rehabilitation programmes.
Due to our efforts, we've abolished manual scavenging in the zones under our control.
Have you prepared any safety guidelines for cleaning sewers and manholes?
Yes. We have prepared one.
How do you ensure that they follow it?
We do surprise visits.
For the zones that are contracted out,
We check if the bidders have necessary equipment before finalising the contract.
Despite this, why do so many deaths happen?
I don't know.
You're responsible for it.
No. I'm only responsible for Operations and Maintenance.
So many people have died.
Doesn't it mean that your operations and maintenance are at fault?
Sir, In all the incidents you mentioned,
the workers had entered the manhole without any precautions.
As a result, they died inhaling poisonous gases.
How does it become the fault of our operations and maintenance?
Why did they have to get inside the manhole and work?
I don't know anything about it.
-Did you conduct any enquiry on it? -No.
Why?
We never asked them to go down the sewer.
At times, they get greedy for money and alcohol..
..and enter the sewer without any safety gear.
You are saying that the workers voluntarily enter the sewer, isn't it?
It happens at some places.
In the zones under your control, is it possible to..
clean all the sewers and septic tanks with machines?
No. Sometimes, we might need manual help too.
Then, why do you blame the workers?
We only use well trained workers with proper safety gears to go inside the sewer.
A while ago, you admitted that there is..
..no manual scavenging in the zones under your control.
You said it's completely abolished.
Entering the sewer without any safety gears,
..and handling human waste with bare hands is
..what is manual scavenging, says the law.
It doesn't say that one should not enter the sewer.
It's not possible too.
Do you agree that it is still not completely mechanized?
Yes.
Why hasn't it happened yet?
We do not have the infrastructure and technology for it.
Whose responsibility is it to develop that?
It's not our responsibility, sir.
Sit down.
-Whose responsibility is it? -It's not just our responsibility, sir.
Health department,
Central Public Health and Environmental Engineering Organisation,
CMDA,
Corporation and many other departments are involved in it.
We can't do anything independently.
This is not a proper answer...
Two centuries ago,
People were migrating from England to North America.
During those days, they used to play a lot of Poker, the card game.
It used to create lot of squabbles and commotion.
At times, it even resulted in murders.
When they sat together in a circle to play,
..to show who was going to throw the next card, they'd
..use a knife with a handle made of buck horn.
If one felt he did not have the right card to throw,
he'd immediately pass the knife to the next person.
The phrase " Passing the buck" originated from this.
Later, this phrase was used by the people to denote powerful authorities
...evading their responsibilities.
This, exactly is what is happening through this case.
Each one is trying to pass on the buck from one person to the other.
He is the head of the entire city's Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Department.
Despite so many people dying in septic tanks and sewers,
..he had been indifferent and irresponsible.
This caused Parthiban's death.
This has to be considered as culpable homicide not amounting to murder.
On one hand, most of the recently expanded areas of the city..
..have not been given the sewerage connection.
On the other hand,
the existing sewerage system..
are as old as 20, 30 or even 50 years.
What was the population of the city 30 years ago?
What is the current population of the city? We all know the difference.
A street that had 100 people living, now has 500 people.
But the sewerage system was not modified according to it.
As a result, the pipes get overloaded and they break.
Moreover, these pipes have not been modified for machine cleaning.
We don't have effective machinery too.
Apart from this, the storm water drains
..are illegally used to drain sewage.
During the rainy season, the flood water, sewage..
and garbage mix together and block the pipes.
No measures have been taken to check these.
Because of all this,
The one who gets affected are the labourers who
..are illegally forced to get inside the sewers for cleaning.
During one such instance, Parthiban had died.
As a result, Parthiban's death should not be considered a separate incident
but as a case that concerns the lives and livelihoods of hundreds of laborers..
The argument is over.
It went better than expected.
Even the judge looks favourable to us.
Let's meet on the 3rd of next month.
Thanks a lot sir.
I'll leave.
Hey! What's this?
Kanagu said you've started working.
What else to do?
After marrying me, you've only been suffering.
Who said so?
I always wanted to be with you.
But you'd come home only for sleeping.
You won't even spare time to have a tea with me.
-Your daughter's name? -Karunya.
The verdict is on the coming 3rd.
The lawyer said even the judge is in our favour.
You're the one to be thanked.
Without giving up, you stood determined to fight the case.
My salutes.
-You should come out soon, comrade. -Definitely, comrade.
Ma'am. I'm here for my PF amount.
Ma'am. I'm here for my PF amount. Can you please check it?
Is he the one?
Sir.
-Sir? -What?
I'm here for my PF amount
-What's your name? -Indrani
-Number? -782.
This number is wrong!
When did you join?
I've been working for the past 10 years.
-Which zone? -13.
The salary would get credited in the account.
The supervisor will withdraw and give it to us.
The number is wrong. Go and check with..
your supervisor and get me the correct number.
Didn't you leave?
Do one thing. Go and meet your Accounts Officer.
Get your PF number from him. Without your number,
we can't give your salary or PF amount.
Do you understand? Leave now.
Okay sir!
What is your supervisor's name?
-Suresh sir! -Suresh?
He's on leave for two days. I can check it only after he gives the details.
He won't give the details sir. There was an issue.
What issue?
There was a confrontation.
He spoke ill of me. So, I slapped him.
You slapped him?
Yes sir!
He spoke ill of me. That's why.
I quit my job.
Please check my pending salary and the PF number.
Go to room number 4 at 2 PM.
A woman official will be there. Ask her.
Hmm.
Take your card
Hello comrade!
-Comrade! -I was thinking of calling you.
I heard that you had an altercation with the supervisor.
I slapped him in anger.
Now, they are making me wait from the morning for the salary and the PF amount.
Is that so?
I'll enquire about it and let you know.
-See you, comrade.
Listen! The worker number is 7..8..2.
Sir, it says 'No records found'
The number seems to be wrong.
What's this sir?
Why are you people making me run around in circles?
For the past 10 years, I've been getting the salary using the same card.
I'm not leaving the place without getting my salary.
Why are you creating a scene?
How many of you are here with this plan? Get out now.
I will not leave the place without getting my salary.
Whom are you trying to rob now?
-Get lost! Hey Ganesa.. -What, sir?
-Are you calling me a thief?
For 10 years, I've used this same card for getting my salary!
Hey Ganesa! Drag her out of this place.
Won't you listen? Get out.
-Hey! -You're such a pain.
-Get lost. -Leave me. Let go.
Your ruckus is going beyond the limit!
Do we look like fools to you?
Stop staring and throw her out of this building.
You're talking as if I'm asking for your own money?
Have you ever driven a broken tricycle?
Have your hands ever been torn by broken glass pieces in trash?
We've given our entire lives for cleaning this city's filth.
And you're asking us if we're here to steal?
I won't leave the place without getting my money.
Do whatever you want.
Hey! Throw her out.
- I've worked hard all my life -Won't you listen?
-Get up! -Take your hands off.
How dare you threaten to throw us out?
I've been watching from the morning. Will you
..throw us out if we ask for our hard earned money?
I'll also sit with her! Let's see what you'll do.
Hey! Come here!
We shouldn't leave without getting justice for Indrani.
DON'T YOU STEAL! DON'T YOU STEAL!
DON'T YOU STEAL OUR MONEY!
Won't you listen now?
Get up. Don't you understand!
-Let go. Leave her. -What are you doing?
-What happened comrade?
They are refusing to give my salary, comrade
For how long are you planning to cheat us like this?
Hey! This won't work. Call the police.
Yeah, let's see!
DON'T YOU THREATEN US!
DON'T YOU THREATEN US WITH AUTHORITY!
WE WON'T GET SCARED!
WE WON'T GET SCARED OF AUTHORITY!
DON'T YOU THREATEN US!
DON'T YOU THREATEN US WITH AUTHORITY!
WE WON'T GET SCARED!
WE WON'T GET SCARED OF AUTHORITY!
DON'T YOU THREATEN US!
DON'T YOU THREATEN US WITH AUTHORITY!
WE WON'T GET SCARED!
They are not giving my salary!
Ma, They are not giving my hard earned money!
It's my hard earned money!
I'm just asking for my hard earned money!
DOWN WITH THE POLICE ATROCITY!
Nothing serious, comrade. It will heal soon.
We've thoroughly enquired. We even directly checked in their computer.
The record of everyone who worked with you is there.
Only your record is not found.
Someone has deliberately deleted it.
Ma!
Both of you have tricked me into believing your falsehoods.
I thought I knew everything.
Now I realize, I don't even know much about my own life.
I feel totally lost.
Tomorrow is the verdict, Parthi.
Tomorrow will be the 300th day since you left me.
I still can't believe that you are not here.
How could you not be with me Parthi?
These 300 days weigh on my shoulders like a mountain.
In these 300 days, I've climbed all the doorsteps I've seen.
Faced every form of adversity.
Met with all types of insults.
And, not a day went by when I did not think of dying.
Now, at this moment, just like all of these people,
You should have lived happily in this world.
You should've been with me.
No other son should die like you.
And no other mother should have to cry like me.
Abiding by the centuries-old soceital practice,
..using the force of authority,
..and our reputable birth,
..We free ourselves from these accusations.