Date:23/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122353100300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Efforts on to ensure peace at Vettaikaranpudur

Staff Reporter

Special teams deputed to nab those involved in the clash

Members of the media fraternity stage a demonstration in Pollachi
Coimbatore Press Club plans agitation condemning the attack on media

Pollachi: With the deployment of nearly 300 police personnel and arrest of nearly 150 persons belonging to two groups, the police are trying to restore pace in the caste conflict hit Vettaikaranpudur in Anaimalai, near Pollachi.

It may be recalled that a wordy duel that ended in exchange of blows led to a clash between two groups at Vettaikaranpudur on Sunday evening. The clash between Kongu Velala Gounder Peravai and Dalits witnessed attacks causing hurt, pelting of stones. Even the media personnel were attacked resulting in snatching of photography and video cameras. Based on complaints from both the groups and from the media personnel, the police have registered cases against both the groups numbering close to 400 on each side. Cases were registered against them under sections 147 (unlawful assembly), 148 (unlawful assembly with weapons), 341 (wrongful restraint), 323 (causing hurt), 324 (causing grievous hurt) and for robbery besides invoking sections from the prevention of atrocities and on SC/ST Act. The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Coimbatore Range, P. Sivanandi, Superintendent of Police (in charge), K. Shanmugavel are camping at Vettaikaranpudur.

Special teams have already been deputed for nabbing those involved in the Sunday’s clash besides special teams for recovering the video and photo cameras of the media personnel. Peace and calm prevailed in Vettaikaranpudur on Monday and the situation would be kept under close watch, Mr. Sivanandi said.

Demonstration

Members of the media fraternity staged a demonstration at Pollachi on Monday condemning the attacks on them. The demonstrators demanded police action against those involved in the attack and compensation for the damages caused.

The Coimbatore Press Club in a memorandum to the Police condemned such barbaric acts of violence suppressing the freedom of expression. It also exhorted the police officials to ensure the rule of law by initiating criminal action against those all involved in the attack. The press club has planned for a demonstration in front of Red Cross Society Buildings on Huzur Road in the City on Tuesday.