Department takes action against jallikattu cop

“However, six months after the incident, an enquiry was conducted. Now a disciplinary action has been initiated against him by the city police administration, after framing charges under Tamil Nadu police sub-ordinate service rules 3 (b), which is usually done for grave offences within the department. His increment has been cut and promotion will be also affected. He may face further departmental action,” an official noted.  

The constable, from Chennai city Armed Reserve (AR), became a hero of the frenzied crowed on Marina on January 20 after he addressed the gathering and spoke in favour of Jallikattu. Maya Azhagu, a native of Ramanathapuram had been on duty at the Jallikattu protest venue on the Marina for more than two days when he, in police uniform, delivered a speech. Stating that the state should bring in an ordinance on jallikattu, he urged the youth to not stop their protest with jallikattu but extend their support to poor farmers.

He also slammed the Centre for being lethargic in lifting the ban. Senior police officers rushed towards him and asked him to get back to duty. Though a few protestors refused to let senior police officers to go near him, the then Deputy Commissioner, Mylapore, assured the agitators no action would be taken against him for expressing his views.