The Hindu : Front Page : Public block traffic

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Tuesday, Jun 26, 2007
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Public block traffic

Staff Reporter

AGITATION: Residents of Poodhipuram being arrested on Monday.

DINDIGUL: A police officer was reportedly injured in a clash between a section of petitioners and the police in front of the Collectorate here on Monday. Over 250 people from Poodhipuram thronged the Collectorate to hand over petitions seeking action against some politicians, who encroached upon a land earmarked for public use in their village.

But the police allegedly denied them entry and ordered them to go away. Hence, the residents blocked Dindigul-Thadimombu Main Road demanding permission to meet the Collector.

Sub-Inspector Suresh, attached to the Thadikombu police station, “rejected their demand and asked them to clear the place.” After a prolonged wordy dual, the SI reportedly pushed one of the agitators. He fell on the road and sustained injuries. A clash erupted between the residents and the policemen. In the melee, the SI is said to have been injured and admitted to the Government Hospital. Twenty-three persons were arrested. The residents alleged that the SI used unparliamentary words against women. Later, four persons were allowed to hand over petitions.

The petition stated that a Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam councillor had encroached upon a public place and put up a cattle shed and a basement for his house blocking the passage. Despite repeated appeals, no action had been taken. Hence, the Collector must visit the village, it said.

Dindigul MLA K. Balabarathi picketed the road demanding action against the SI and release of the arrested. Tahsildar Ganesan said that the encroached area was earmarked for public use.

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