CHENNAI: Days after a civic activist flagged an alleged road encroachment by an eatery in front of a bus stop near Bougainvillea Park in Anna Nagar on social media, the eatery owner reportedly visited the complainant's home to explain his predicament, triggering concerns over the safety of citizens who raise civic issues online.
On December 20, activist Sandhya V posted on X, tagging the official handle of the Greater Chennai Corporation, stating that a roadside eatery has taken over the bus stop near Bougainvillea Park and is using it as a seating area. As no action followed, she posted again the following day (December 21), sharing a photograph and questioning the efficacy of complaints.
On December 22, Sandhya alleged that the food vendor, accompanied by his wife, came to her residence after civic officials attempted to remove the establishment the previous night.
Expressing shock, she posted on X, questioning how the civic body had disclosed her identity and address, and said the incident had left her feeling unsafe.
Speaking to DT Next, Sandhya said she was disturbed that the vendor was aware of her residential address. "This indicates that my personal details were disclosed by someone, compromising my safety. I regularly raise civic issues to promote better governance, but this incident has gone beyond acceptable limits and caused serious distress," she said.
She also alleged that the issue had been given a political colour, with individuals affiliated with the ruling party targeting her online and publicly sharing her location on digital maps. "I raise issues of illegal encroachments purely in the interest of public welfare. Such intimidation affects freedom of expression," she stated.
Another civic activist, David Manohar, said such incidents were condemnable. "Often, street vendors pay intermediaries with political links. Disclosing details of complainants undermines free speech and discourages public participation," he said.
Meanwhile, a Chennai Corporation official from the grievance redressal wing denied sharing complainants' personal details, stating that complaints received via social media were addressed on-site and only photographs of action taken were posted in response.