In Krishnagiri district, a controversy has emerged after a man who lodged a complaint alleging that DMK members vandalised a public drinking water facility was himself arrested by police.
The incident occurred near Uthangarai, in Thilirkuppam village, where more than 30 families reside and depend on an overhead tank for drinking water. Residents alleged that a group of over 50 individuals led by Perumal, husband of a former panchayat president from K. Ettipatti and associated with the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam, entered the area.
The group allegedly confronted residents, stating that they had not voted for the DMK in the previous election and had again failed to support the party. Following this, they allegedly damaged drinking water pipelines connected to the overhead tank.
Residents further alleged that when some individuals attempted to intervene, they were threatened and faced attempts of physical assault. It was also reported that abusive language was used, including caste-based insults. The damage to the pipelines led to water flowing onto the road and being wasted, resulting in a shortage of drinking water in the area.
Despite informing authorities, residents stated that no immediate action was taken. The villagers subsequently undertook repairs to the damaged pipelines themselves.
Ilavarasan, district secretary of the Democratic Youth Federation of India in Krishnagiri, filed a complaint at the Samalpatti police station regarding the incident. However, according to local accounts, no action was initially taken by the police.
The matter gained attention after being reported by Tamil Janam television, following which higher authorities and DMK leadership reportedly directed that action be taken. Police then stated that cases would be registered against both sides.
In a subsequent development, a police team comprising more than 30 personnel reached Ilavarasan’s residence around 5 a.m. and attempted to arrest him. During the operation, Ilavarasan reportedly questioned the action, stating that those accused of damaging public property and attempting to assault residents had not been arrested, while action was being taken against him for filing a complaint and circulating video evidence.
Videos of the confrontation between Ilavarasan and the police have since circulated on social media. Police later detained him and took him to the Samalpatti police station, where an inquiry is underway.
The arrest has triggered reactions among several organisations, including groups within the DMK alliance, particularly the Democratic Youth Federation of India. Local residents have alleged that the incident has caused unrest within the alliance.
Residents have demanded immediate action against those accused of damaging the drinking water infrastructure and called for the arrest of Perumal. They have also warned of protests if authorities fail to take action.
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