Tension at Athipadi as police remove MGR, Jaya statues

This led to heated arguments and tension in the area. 

Officials contended that the statues were erected without proper permission and we had hence removed both statues, which were then taken to the Tiruvanamalai taluk office for safekeeping. 

But partymen were sore at this second instance of official highhandedness. Just prior to the MGR birth anniversary celebrations near the town bus stand a couple of months ago, police removed MGR and Jayalalithaa statues citing the same reason – lack of permission. 

However, police said that the statues erection was a clear case of violation, as partymen had been warned of such action when the work on the statues was under way.