Image Source: Hans India
The State President of the Hindu Traders Welfare Association, V.P. Jeyakumar, issued a stern statement advocating for the arrest of rowdies who target traders under the stringent Goondas Act. Emphasizing the urgency of the matter, the president underscored the need for swift and decisive action to curb such criminal activities.
In the statement released by him, he said,“In recent times, merchants have faced threats from unruly elements like rowdies. Arumugarajah, who runs a grocery store in Pattarai, Tiruvallur district, experienced such intimidation firsthand. Jayavel, known for his coercive tactics, used to extort money (maamool) from Arumugarajah’s shop daily and even took water cans without payment. Frustrated by Jayavel’s harassment, Arumugarajah refused to comply with his demands. In retaliation, Jayavel, along with his associates Malu and Siva, viciously attacked Arumugarajah. This incident has sent shockwaves through the trading community in Tamil Nadu.”
He added details about another incident, “Just two months ago, a similar incident occurred in Guduvanchery, where a businessman was attacked after filing a police complaint against a rowdy who had returned from jail. Amidst concerns about the safety of tax-paying traders in Tamil Nadu, Chief Minister Stalin assured his support during a Traders Association conference, expressing personal anguish over such tragedies. The Hindu Munnani and Hindu Traders Welfare Association intervened, pressing the police to take action, leading to the registration of a case against Jayavel, Malu, and Siva, with one arrest made so far.”
He also urged that, “While various associations have offered condolences to the affected family, the incident has deeply impacted them. It is imperative for the police to handle this matter effectively to restore confidence among businesses. Implementing stringent measures like the Goondas Act against such offenders visiting commercial premises is crucial. Only through decisive action by the Chief Minister and the enforcement of such laws can such attacks on traders be prevented. The Tamil Nadu government should extend support to Arumugarajah, and the Hindu Traders Welfare Association urges the immediate apprehension of the remaining perpetrators.”
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