CHENNAI: The public threw dirt on Minister for Forests K Ponmudy during his inspection of the flood-affected Iruvelpattu area in Villupuram district on Tuesday, angry that the senior DMK leader reportedly did not alight from the car while hearing the locals' grievances.
The incident occurred when the minister and the officials went to speak to the protestors who were blocking a national highway. Villagers from Arasur, Iruvelpattu, Villupuram, and Tiruchy had staged a road roko for more than an hour, reportedly furious about delays in getting necessities like food and water. The roko caused traffic disruption for up to a 10-kilometre stretch. The anger spilled over reportedly after Ponmudy didn't get down from the car when hearing their grievances.
According to Maalaimalar and Thanthi TV reports, the minister and the officials had to leave the spot abruptly after briefly getting down from the car and trying to pacify the protesters.
The minister had gone for the flooded inspection accompanied by DMK’s Villupuram south district in-charge Gautham Sigamani and Villupuram district collector Palani. Mud thrown at the minister also fell on party workers, officials, and others who accompanied him. It was said that the public was upset over how the flood situation was handled.
Villupuram district has been heavily affected by the unprecedented rains caused by Cyclone Fengal. As many neighbourhoods and houses were flooded, several residents took to the streets to protest.