7 Nellai cops suspended in lawyer assault case

The attack incident happened on November 3 night when seven policemen barged into the house of advocate Semmani at Marankulam and arrested him. He was taken to an undisclosed location and attacked by seven policemen. 

The incident caused widespread criticisms from various quarters. Lawyers staged protests, road rokos and even boycotted courts in various parts of Tirunelveli district. Political parties and various activists had demanded suspension of the inspector attached to Panakudi police, Jones, and other policemen involved in the issue. 

Tirunelveli district police had transferred all the seven policemen involved in the incident to Armed Reserve wing of police and instituted an enquiry under ADSP Udayakumar.

However, the lawyers could not be pacified and on Friday they staged a protest in front of the office of the Superintendent of Police. Thereafter, the policemen were suspended on Saturday.

Further, the lawyers on Friday had stated that they would show black flag to Chief Minister Edappadi K.Palaniswami, who is visiting the town to participate in the MGR centenary function, on Sunday.

To avoid unnecessary controversy during the arrival of Chief Minister Tirunelveli Police had suspended the entire team of policemen including Inspector, Jones, SIs, Palani, Chelladurai, and four more police constables involved in the issue. It is likely that lawyers might withdraw their protest after the suspension of the cops.

In the meantime, journos from Tirunelveli who had demanded to withdraw the cases filed against four reporters at Panakudi Police station and to take action against Jones had withdrawn their protest based on the assurance of the police and District Collector that the cases would be withdrawn. The journos had earlier decided to stage a protest by wearing black ribbons during the Chief Minister’s function. Environmental activist, Mugilan, who is at the Palayamkottai Central Prison, commenced a fast with the main demand of suspension of policemen and to withdrawal of pending cases against Kudankulam protesters. 

The arrangements for MGR centenary function had been completed and seating arrangements for close to 30,000 people had been made. On Saturday, Tirunelveli Collector Sandeep Nanduri, flagged off a rally for the celebrations.