'Sanitation workers' storm Tamil YouTuber Savukku Shankar's home in Chennai, dump human excreta in rooms

Savukku Shankar (Credit: X)

A group of men dressed as sanitary workers reportedly ransacked the home of YouTuber Savukku Shankar, and dumped buckets of slush, filth, and human faeces into the rooms, kitchen and hall on Monday. Shankar is a vocal critic of the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Tamil Nadu.

According to Shankar's mother, Kamala, nearly 20 people broke in through the rear door, ransacked the house, and allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if her son continued speaking out. “The men grabbed my phone, made a video call to Shankar, and hurled abuses before fleeing,” Kamala said.

. 11.43. . . @CMOTamilnadupic.twitter.com/yv5J1PiPm1

Savukku Shankar (@SavukkuOfficial) March 24, 2025

The attack seemed to be a retaliation for Shankar's alleged derogatory comments about sanitary workers in one of his videos. However, the Tamil YouTuber has denied making any defamatory remarks against sanitation workers. "I only highlighted that an MLA took the funds rightfully owed to them," he said in his defence.

In a series of videos uploaded on X, Shankar informed that the attack took place while he was not in his home and that his mother was alone when the intruders broke in. He also claimed that only a Sub-Inspector and a constable arrived at the scene despite informing the police immediately.

He alleged that the attackers staged a protest for hours, refusing to leave the premises. He shared several videos as proof, including footage of the attack, a video call in which the gang members threatened him, and CCTV recordings capturing the intruders.

The attack has sparked strong political reactions. The AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami condemned the incident, demanding immediate action against those responsible. “No one who believes in democracy will tolerate this. This incident showcases the height of cruelty, and anyone with a conscience should hang their head in shame, as it has happened under the DMK regime, which boasts of ruling as per law,” he said.

Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram also denounced the attack, and termed it as "highly condemnable and egregious." He called on the Tamil Nadu police to take swift action against those responsible, warning that any inaction would further undermine public trust in law enforcement.

Meanwhile, the state authorities have assigned the Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) to investigate the alleged attack on the YouTuber’s home.