'Hindu outfit workers in TN being targeted', says BJP

Coimbatore, Sep 25: BJP today alleged that police's "failure" to provide protection to a Hindu Munnani functionary despite him asking for it, cost him his life in Tamil Nadu where workers of Hindu outfits are being "targeted" lately.

"Law and order in Tamil Nadu is deteriorating day by day. Of late workers of various Hindu outfits are being targeted in the state," BJP state president Tamilisai Soundararajan said.

Speaking to reporters after the visiting the house of Hindu Munnani functionary C Sasikumar in Thudiyalur, she alleged police failed to provide protection to him, despite a threat to his life.

"Despite Sasikumar seeking protection following a life threat, police failed to give him protection, resulting in his murder by a four-member gang near his house," Tamilisai said.

Sasikumar (36), the Munnani's district spokesperson, was returning home on a two-wheeler on the night of September 22 in Subramaniampalayam in the outskirts of the city when unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles. He was taken to a private hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

Alleging that attacks against BJP functionaries and other Hindu outfits are increasing in the state, Tamilisai demanded that government fill up nearly 20,000 vacancies in the police department so that law and order can be maintained.

She also sought Rs 25 lakh as solatium to the bereaved family and a government job for Sasikumar's wife. She refuted allegations that workers of Hindu outfits were behind violence which broke out during the funeral procession of Sasikumar on September 23 and said "anti-social" elements were reponsible for it.

PTI