Annamalai, serving as the deputy chairman of Sengurichi Panchayat near Ulundurpet in the Kallakurichi district, reportedly engaged in unauthorized sand extraction from a public works department lake using trucks and bogline machines.
Allegations have been raised by villagers concerning the excessive silting of a local lake, resulting in the formation of a sizable crater within it. Tragically, this has led to the loss of lives, with two students reportedly drowning while bathing in the lake. Consequently, concerned villagers are urging the government to refrain from adding sand to the lake.
However, recent events indicate that sand extraction from the lake by DMK deputy chairman Annamalai has resumed, with the sand being transported via trucks for sale. Jayakumar, a former AIADMK councilor, intercepted one such truck on 9 April 2024 in the evening and interrogated its driver. Allegedly, supporters of Annamalai attempted to harm Jayakumar by loading him onto a tipper truck. Jayakumar, fortunately surviving the assault, sustained injuries to his arms and legs and is currently receiving medical treatment at Ulundurpet Government Hospital. In response to the incident, Jayakumar filed a complaint at the Ulundurpet police station. Following this, over 50 residents from Sengurichi village gathered at the police station, demanding Annamalai’s arrest.
Assured by the police of appropriate action, the protesters dispersed. The incident, wherein a former AIADMK councilor was targeted while attempting to thwart sand smuggling activities, has sparked considerable unrest within the locality.
கள்ளக்குறிச்சியில் மணல் கடத்தலைத் தடுக்க முயன்ற அதிமுக முன்னாள் கவுன்சிலர் ஜெயக்குமார் அவர்களை லாரி ஏற்றி கொலை செய்ய முயன்ற திமுக ஊராட்சி மன்ற துணைத் தலைவரின் ஆதரவாளர்கள்.
காவல்துறை விரைந்து திமுக ரவுடிகளை கைது செய்ய வேண்டும். #திமுக_படுதோல்வி_அடையும் pic.twitter.com/SQAlNppY3B
— CTR.Nirmal kumar (@CTR_Nirmalkumar) April 10, 2024
Previously in April 2023, a shocking incident occurred in Murapanadu, Thoothukudi district, where a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) Lourd Francis was brutally hacked to death inside his office in broad daylight for exposing illegal sand mining and transportation activities in the area.
(with inputs from Puthiyathalaimurainews)
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