A Deepavali celebration in Tiruppur district turned chaotic on Monday, with residents alleging severe police brutality during a festival event at the Avinashi Big Temple. Shocking accounts from eyewitnesses describe a violent, unprovoked assault by police officers on civilians, including women and children.
The incident occurred on the eastern chariot street where a group of Hindus had gathered to burst firecrackers. According to multiple witnesses, the situation escalated when police officers arrived at the scene.
Eyewitness Accounts of Violence
Videos and testimonies from the site depict a scene of panic and alleged police excess. Speakers at the scene gave a detailed, harrowing account:
“The police first came inside and started hitting us (ladies). They didn’t come to talk peacefully… The very first thing they did was raise their hands and start beating,” claimed one eyewitness.
The witnesses alleged that the police specifically targeted women, elders, and children. One woman recounted, “They grabbed people by the neck, pushed them down, and even threw my aunt onto the ground.” A particularly disturbing claim involved an officer hurting a small child on its leg.
A man was seen with a torn jacket, providing visual evidence of the scuffle. It was later reported that one woman sustained a bone fracture in the incident and has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.
Allegations claimed that two police officers, identified as Christian and Muslim, arrived at the Hindu festival in an intoxicated state before launching the attack. These specific claims about the officers’ religious background and state are yet to be officially verified by police authorities.
The incident has sparked significant public anger. Videos from the scene show bystanders confronting the officers, with one person repeatedly asking, “Why are you hitting the women?” The public sentiment on the ground was summed up by a witness who stated, “The police should come to give protection, but here they come only to create trouble.”
There are now growing demands for swift action. Protesters are calling for the immediate suspension and legal action against the two police officers accused of leading the brutal attack. A warning has been issued that if no action is taken, larger protests will be organized.
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, Instagram and YouTube to get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
