A police Sub-Inspector allegedly opened fire on a farmer following a dispute during an inquiry, triggering protests by relatives and locals in Tenkasi district.
The injured farmer, Manikandan, aged 32, a resident of Maruthamputhur Melatheru near Alankulam, is engaged in agriculture and palm grove work. Based on a confidential complaint regarding the sale of illicit liquor in the area, Sub-Inspector Isakkaraja, along with two police personnel, conducted a patrol in the Maruthamputhur forest area.
Police noticed a pot placed on a palm tree for collecting padaneer and later brought Manikandan and his father Perumal Seth to the ადგილზე for inquiry. Relatives of the family also gathered at the spot.
According to sources, Manikandan was asked to climb the palm tree and retrieve the pot. During the process, a verbal altercation reportedly broke out between the police and those present. Manikandan allegedly got into an argument with Sub-Inspector Isakkaraja, which escalated into a scuffle.
During the altercation, Isakkaraja allegedly attempted to attack Manikandan with a wooden log. In the ensuing struggle, the log reportedly struck the officer on the head, causing a serious injury. Following this, the Sub-Inspector fired four rounds from his service weapon, of which two bullets hit Manikandan in the legs, leaving him severely injured.
Both the injured Sub-Inspector and Manikandan were rushed to the Tenkasi Government Hospital, where they are undergoing treatment.
On learning about the incident, more than 100 people, including relatives of the injured farmer, staged a road blockade protest on the Alankulam–Mukkudal road, demanding action against the police officer.
All India Kamaraj Adithanar Kazhagam General Secretary Singh Nadar extended support to the protesters. Alangulam Deputy Superintendent of Police Cladson Jose and other officials rushed to the spot and held talks with the agitators.
The protesters alleged that the farmer had no connection to any illegal activity and demanded immediate action against the Sub-Inspector. The incident has created tension in the area.
