Anti-methane activists abused, lawyer held

After an accident at Thirupanathal in Thanjavur district last week, sub-inspector Vijayakumar had allegedly seized a two-wheeler involved in the accident, which triggered a protest by around 50 people led by advocate Karthikeyan. The protesters had blocked the road near Thirupanathal police station.

A few days later, another protest was organised at the Thirupananthal bazaar which was presided by advocate Karikalan, who has been attending the cases against ONGC activities in Kathiramangalam.

Karikalan had reportedly used abusive words directed at sub-inspector Vijayakumar and his family.

Meanwhile, a peace talk was organised on Sunday by Thirupananthal Tahsildhar on an issue related to the usage of pond by public and the advocate Karikalan was present in support of the masses.

After the meeting was over at around 10 pm, the police led by the DSP Ramachandran and 50 other policemen surrounded him and arrested Karikalan.

Though he was arrested for using verbal attacks on the sub-inspector, the anti-hydrocarbon activists claim that the advocate was arrested by the police because he was not in their good books.