CHENNAI:A 72-year-old man was injured after a large hoarding, which was erected without permission to celebrate actor-politician Vijay's birthday, collapsed during heavy winds and rain in Villivakkam on Sunday night.
The city police have registered 53 cases against members of the Tamilaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) for installing banners without authorisation across the city.
In the Villivakkam incident, the victim was identified as Mohan, the resident of Choolai. He works as a security guard at a private firm in Nungamabakkam. On Sunday night, he went to visit a friend in Villivakkam when the incident happened. Around 9 pm, he was walking near the Perumal temple when the 10x20-foot banner fell on him.
Passerby rushed to his aid and moved Mohan to the Kilpauk Medical College Hospital (KMCH), where he was treated for injuries on his forehead. Police said that the banner was put up without obtaining proper permissions.
The culture of illegal hoardings and banners has drawn censure from the judiciary and public outcry, too.