Use of drones scares Thoothukudi residents

Though the situation in many parts of Thoothukudi were brought under the control on Friday, some pockets continued to remain tense, especially the fishing hamlets of the Pearl City. 

In Trespuram, a fiberglass boat was set on fire on the road. Logs were put across on all the routes leading to Trespuram to block outsiders’ entry. Police were making all efforts to enter the pocket and bring it under their control. Fishermen in Trespuram were yet to overcome the shock of the police firing incident in which two women were killed. 

Anna Nagar and Bryant Nagar were again on the edge after fresh arrests on Friday. Residents recounted that cops stormed into houses and picked up teenagers.

Meanwhile, three drones were operated from Thoothukudi South Police for surveillance of Anna Nagar and Bryant Nagar. 

A police official informed that they were used only for surveillance. However, this explanation failed to convince residents, who said that the drones, in addition to the large deployment, has only added to the tension. 

Speaking to DT Next, Palraj, a local businessman, said that drones were unheard of in Thoothukudi. “The very sound of drones flying creates panic. The situation will ease only if the police and drones are withdrawn from the locality,” he said.