In the aftermath of the devastating Michaung cyclone that led to widespread flooding in various parts of Chennai, residents of Dr Radhakrishnan Nagar (RK Nagar) confronted their local MLA, J John Ebenezer, demanding accountability for relief efforts. A video circulating on social media captured the heated exchange between the residents of Korukkupet and the ruling DMK MLA.
In the video, residents questioned MLA Ebenezer about his absence during the floods and expressed dissatisfaction with the relief work provided. They demanded an explanation for his delayed visit to the locality, four days after Cyclone Michaung wreaked havoc in the area. The confrontation escalated into a heated argument, and locals were physically assaulted by Ebenezer’s supporters for challenging the MLA.
One victim recounted the incident, stating, “We questioned the MLA who came to our area four days after the cyclone. Not expecting such questioning, his supporters pushed us away and attacked us severely. But, without even consoling us, Ebenezer hastily left.”
A man who questioned the MLA was seen severely injured and had to be taken to the hospital to treat the injuries.
An aggrieved woman was seen asking, “Even if someone hits you, will you thrash the public? Does the MLA have no patience when people are asking justified questions? People are furious and he is answerable to them for having failed. Should you have not replied, no I could not come on time, we will do whatever you need.”
The incident happened yesterday in korkupet. RK Nagar DMK MLA Ebenezer seemed to have engaged in an argument while the people questioned his role during the cyclone michaung. The man with all blood and eyes hurt- his relatives – locals claim he was beaten by Ebenezers supporters. pic.twitter.com/8ZhFgQFvSG
— Pearson abraham/பியர்சன் (@pearsonlenekar) December 10, 2023
The incident unfolded in Korukkupet yesterday, highlighting the growing discontent among residents towards the DMK MLA’s lack of responsiveness during the crisis.
Earlier in January 2023, the same DMK MLA was in news for threatening Shalin Maria Lawrence, who identifies herself as a ‘Dalit Christian writer’ and an ‘anti-caste activist’, for a social media post against him in which she alleged that he forced a corporation worker to clean the sewer.
(with inputs from DT Next)
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