Public interest litigant ''Traffic'' Ramasamy arrested

Chennai, May 27 (UNI) ''Traffic'' Ramasamy, a public interest litigant, was arrested today when he tried to stage a hunger strike in front of the Chepauk Guest House, violating prohibitory orders in the city.

Police said the 73-year-old former mill worker was arrested this morning when he tried to observe a fast to protest against the highhandedness of a Regional Transport Officer.

He was produced before a magistrate court and remanded to 15 days custody, police said.

A founder member of the state's 'Home Guard' and a self-appointed traffic policeman cum public interest litigator, Mr Ramasamy had filed a number of public interest litigations for public causes.

After he was attacked by his opponents' lawyers, he was provided armed security following a court order.

Mr Ramasamy had ensured demolition of illegally constructed buildings in the city, restricted motorised fish carts and banned auto rickshaws in some busy routes through court orders.

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