Statue removal sparks tension

Pudukkottai, Tamil Nadu, Apr 14 (UNI) Tension prevailed at Poonkodi village in this district today, when the district authorities removed a granite statue of Dr B R Ambedkar, installed without obtaining permission from the authorities concerned.

Police said the five-and-half feet high Ambedkar statue was installed by a group of villagers last night in connection with the birth anniversary of the Architect of Indian Constitution.

However, on information Revenue Divisional Officer Mohan, along with other officials and police rushed to the village this morning and removed the statue, stating that the statue was installed without obtaining proper permission from the district administration.

To defuse the tense situation, police personnel were posted in and around the village and armed police patrolling was initiated to prevent any untoward incidents.

Meanwhile, police had registered cases against ten persons in this connection.

UNI