COIMBATORE: Former BJP state president K Annamalai was detained by police for protesting against the Tirupur Corporation's dumping of garbage at Chinnakalipalayam near Iduvai, triggering strong opposition from residents.

Two days ago, the residents besieged the garbage-laden trucks, and a scuffle ensued, resulting in injury to some police personnel. Police then arrested ten persons in connection with the issue.

Condemning the police action, Annamalai, who led the protest despite police denying permission, accused the Tirupur Corporation of widespread corruption. “Of the 28 micro-composting centres, only five are operational in Tirupur. Garbage is not recycled intentionally because more garbage means more commission,” he said, adding that such peaceful protests are suppressed while criminals are allowed to move around freely.

Annamalai also warned that the party would resort to dumping garbage in front of the houses of ruling DMK and alliance party councillors as well as outside the Mayor's residence, if the corporation fails to address the issue at the earliest.

The police then detained a total of 410 people, including Annamalai, the party’s state general secretary AP Muruganandam and 110 women. A scuffle broke out with the police when the party cadre surrounded the police van, in which Annamalai was taken away to a marriage hall.