Tenkasi: A farmer was allegedly shot in both legs by an Assistant Sub-Inspector in Maruthamuthur village near Alangulam, sparking widespread protests in the region. The incident occurred just hours after nine policemen were given the death penalty in the Sathankulam custodial deaths case.
Tenkasi police shootout
According to sources, farmer Manikandan was at home when police personnel led by Alangulam ASI Esakkiraja arrived and took him to his farm. The police had received a tip-off that, alongside pathaneer (sweet palm sap), toddy was also being illegally tapped and sold. When the police arrived at the grove, Manikandan was seen climbing down from a palm tree. Upon inspecting the pot he was carrying, they found no toddy inside.
The officers instructed him to demonstrate how he climbs up and down the tree. As Manikandan climbed up and descended the tree once again, the presence of hidden toddy was revealed. A wordy quarrel erupted between the two, resulting in a fight in which the SI also sustained injuries. Esakkiraja allegedly fired at both of Manikandan’s legs at close range. Sources say around four bullets were reportedly fired, with some hitting Manikandan.
Official version
An officer claimed that the man was tapping toddy on his farm and had attacked the police first. “Even his father is condemning the man’s act,” the officer added. However, Manikandan’s father, upon hearing the sound of gunfire, rushed to the spot and found his son lying in a pool of blood, wailing in anguish.
Injuries and hospitalization
Both the injured police officer, Isakkidurai, and Manikandan were transported to the Tenkasi Government Hospital in the same ambulance. Both are currently undergoing intensive treatment. Doctors have stated that neither of their injuries is life-threatening.
Protests erupt
Villagers began a sit-in protest in front of the Kamaraj statue in Alangulam, demanding an FIR against Sub-Inspector Esakkiraja. Protesters briefly blocked the Tirunelveli and Tenkasi highway, condemning the police shooting. Police personnel have been deployed in large numbers to the area, as tension continues to prevail at the site of the incident.
The Alangulam Sub-Inspector who shot the farmer was previously accused of manhandling suspects, raising further concerns about police conduct in the region.