Thevar's statue desecrated, tension grips districts

Madurai, Apr 21 (UNI) Tension gripped Southern Districts of Tamil Nadu following the desecration of a statue of Veteran Freedom Fighter and Mukkulathor Community Icon Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar by unidentified miscreants here today.

Police sources said the miscreants defaced the life-size statue of the Thevar at Goripalayam in the heart of the city in the early hours.

The news spread like wildfire and members of various Thevar federations gathered at the site and resorted to road roko.

Violence broke out in the city when some agitators pelted stones on passing vehicles in which the windscreens of several buses and lorries were damaged.

Sensing the tense situation, police used mild force to chase away the agitators. However, within few minutes another mob rushed to the spot and attempted to block vehicular traffic.

Meanwhile, several parts of Southern Districts witnessed violent incidents over the desecration.Shops were closed and vehicular traffic disrupted in several places.

Security measures have been tightened in Southern Districts to prevent untoward incidents. Police pickets have been posted in sensitive places and patrolling intensified.

Police protection was given to Thevar statues in the Southern Districts, said a police official.

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