An altercation erupted between a youth and a Congress woman councilor in Mettupalayam, Coimbatore, over the apparent neglect of cleanliness efforts in the area. The youth who was physically assaulted by the councilor family resulted suffered injuries and fracture to his neck. This incident has sent a shockwave in the society.
For the past five months, it is alleged that the railway colony area in the 23rd Ward of Mettupalayam has been plagued by a lack of sanitation efforts, resulting in the accumulation of garbage and sewage. This negligence has raised concerns about potential health hazards, with reports indicating a fatal case of dengue fever in the vicinity. Despite complaints made to Congress councilor Kavitha Purushothaman, no remedial action was taken.
However, when youth Gautham brought the matter to the attention of the Mettupalayam municipality, sanitation workers were finally dispatched to address the issue. Yet, upon learning of this development, Congress 23rd Ward Councilor Kavitha, along with her husband Purushothaman and son, reacted angrily. They not only instructed the cleaning crew to refrain from their duties but also assaulted Gautham. It is also alleged that the councilor directed sanitation workers to intentionally avoid cleaning the area where the youth who lodged the complaint resides.
Tensions escalated as the exchange became more heated, with the youth urging for action to maintain cleanliness and the councilor defending the challenges faced in executing such tasks.
Congress councilor Kavitha, accompanied by her husband, raised her voice, declaring defiantly, “That’s what I’m saying to your face, I won’t do that,” In response, Gautham asserted, “If you can’t maintain the area clean, resign and leave.” Kavitha and her husband Purushothaman adamantly shouted, “We won’t” even as Gautham persisted, urging them to step down, to which Purushothaman angrily exclaimed, “Who are you Puluthi (abusive slang in Tamil) to say that?”
Remaining composed, Gautham queried, “You can’t take care of the area, right” Kavitha arrogantly replied, “I cannot do, go and pluck” Undeterred, Gautham calmly stated, “Okay, I’ll see that.” Kavitha retorted, “Do whatever you want.” Gautham questioned, “Then why are you here shouting?” Enraged, Purushothaman cursed him, saying, “Why the f*ck you ask?” His wife Kavitha asserted, “This is my ward, I’ll shout as I please. You pluck, if you can pluck, you have that much concern right, then do it”
Gautham insisted, “I’ll do it myself, then why you came here and shouting.” while Kavitha defended, “This is my ward I’ll come and shout, why are you are coming and standing before me ”
At that moment, an elderly woman intervened, claiming responsibility for directing the sanitation workers to clean the area. Purushothaman angrily questioned her, “Who are you women? Did you vote?” Gautham, now furious, confirmed, “Yes,” and in response, Purushothaman forcefully struck the teenager, resulting in a neck fracture.
The incident, captured on video, has sparked outrage and condemnation across various platforms. The victim has been hospitalized and is receiving medical treatment while the circulating footage has drawn widespread censure from different quarters.
ஏரியா தூய்மையாக இல்லை என புகார் அளித்த இளைஞர் மீது கவுன்சிலர் குடும்பத்தினர் தாக்குதல் #Coimbatore | #Tamilnadu pic.twitter.com/53eH28Vt5a
— Indian Express Tamil (@IeTamil) May 30, 2024
(With Inputs From IE Tamil)
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