Protesters caned near Melur during stir against clip tarnishing women

The tension was brewing ever since an audio clip containing demeaning comments against women of the community went viral on social media last week. Several angered protesters with broomsticks raised slogans against those responsible for posting such objectionable content and demanded the immediate arrest of the accused persons. 

The protesters also squatted on the road causing inconvenience to commuters and blocking the traffic for more than one hour. Meanwhile, the police force deployed at the spot urged them to disperse after pacifying them. Suddenly, some of them in the crowd hurled stones targeting the police personnel. Even after the police personnel made their efforts to convince them, they refused to budge, claimed police. Unable to control the situation, the police resorted to mild lathicharge to chase them away, said sources. 

According to Melur inspector J Sugumaran, a head constable identified as Dharmalingam suffered a fracture on his right hand in the melee caused during the stone pelting incident. While traffic was affected from 11.30 am to 12.30 pm, vehicles were diverted through Othakadai, Thirumohur, Thiruvathavur and Melur, sources said. Similarly, several people from this community also staged protest in Theni and demanded stern action against the accused at the earliest, sources said.