Villagers suspect foul play as accident kills protester’s wife

They were returning from the police station where he was detained for raising corruption charge against local officials when the incident happened, which led to allegations of foul play and protests.

Pandidurai (53) of Thirumukudal village near Uthiramerur in Kancheepuram had recently staged protest seeking restrictions on lorry movement in their area citing accidents that claimed many lives. During the protest, he charged officials and police personnel of collecting bribe from stone quarry owners.

Early on Tuesday morning, a team from Salavakkam police picked up from his house for an inquiry. When he failed to return till afternoon, his wife Maheshwari went to the station where she allegedly found him assaulted. She reportedly argued with the police to free him. Finally, after around 6 pm, Pandidurai was released after submitting a written statement.

As they were returning home on a two-wheeler, a lorry coming from the opposite direction rammed into them near Thirumukudal village. Maheshwari died on the spot while Pandidurai escaped with injuries.

As the news about the incident spread, hundreds of villagers gathered at the spot and staged a protest demanding probe by special team to find out whether it was a planned murder. After initial efforts by personnel from Salavakkam police to pacify them failed, Revenue and police officials promised action and convinced them into giving up the protest by 10 pm. Later, the body was sent for post-mortem examination.