Chased by cops, fisherman drowns

The incident sparked tension in the area, with people resorting to a protest to condemn police action. It was T Thamizharasu’s wedding anniversary and he was allegedly gambling with other fishermen in one of the moored boats when a police patrol team spotted and tried to nab them. 

The players ran helter-skelter but as the police chased Thamizharasu, one of the officers threw a lathi at him. He lost his balance and fell into the sea. 

Later, fire personnel joined the search, but could not find him. But, on Saturday morning, Thamizharasu’s body was found on the shore.

His relatives and fellow fishermen refused to hand over the body for post-mortem examination and staged a protest condemning the police for his death. They withdrew the protest only after Washermanpet Deputy Commissioner told them that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the welfare of Thamisharasu’s wife Deepika and two children.