The individuals of Ayyambatti near Orathanadu in Thanjavur district have lodged a formal complaint with the authorities, urging decisive measures against the officers who barred their community from bringing floral offerings during the Ayyanar temple festivities, resulting in physical confrontation.
Over 350 residents of Ayyambatti convened and submitted a plea at the district collector’s office, seeking redress against law enforcement officials who prevented their community members from participating in the Ayyanar temple festival in Thanjavur district, specifically at Kottaitheru within the Orathanadu circle.
The Valavanda Ayyannar Temple, situated on Kottaitheru near Orathanadu in Thanjavur District, has observed its traditional festivities for over seven decades. Administered by the 18 village group, certain communities hold significant responsibilities during this annual ten-day celebration. While it’s not customary to bring floral arrangements to this event, recent years have seen members of another community doing so, prompting Ayyambatti locals to request similar participation with the village head. Following discussions on the matter, with representatives from the 18 village on the 28 April 2024, permission was granted for Ayyambatti villagers to contribute floral offerings. However, it’s alleged that individuals from a particular community obstructed them from doing so.
On the night of the 28th, Ayyambatti villagers gathered and proceeded with floral offerings, only to be intercepted by police and revenue department officials, leading to a confrontation. Reports indicate that the police employed batons to disperse the villagers, resulting in severe injuries to two individuals who are currently hospitalized. Subsequently, ten individuals, including Mahalingam (48), Karunanidhi (60), Satish (37), Ayyappan (25), and Saminathan (20) from Ayyambatti North Street and Keeza Street, were detained by the police.
காவல்துறையா சாதிவெறியர்கள் துறையாக
தொடர்ச்சியாக முத்தரையர் சமுதாய மக்கள் மீது கொலைவெறி தாக்குதல் நடத்தும் தஞ்சாவூர் காவல் துறையை @ThanjavurPolice வன்மையாக கண்டிக்கிறோம்…@tnpoliceoffl#Justicefor_Ayyampatti_Mutharaiyar pic.twitter.com/qwXxr9bMAE— விருதை பாலா (@BALA8012) April 29, 2024
Responding to these events, more than 350 villagers, accompanied by Tamilar Desam Katchi coordinator Guru Manikandan, State General Secretary Thalavai Rajesh, submitted a petition at the Thanjavur Collector’s office. They demand action against the officers involved in the altercation, the release of the ten detainees without charges, and the removal of police presence from Ayyambatti village. The villagers assert that failure to address their grievances will result in widespread protests throughout Tamil Nadu, involving members of their community.
கலத்தில் தமிழர் தேசம் கட்சி 💛❤#Justicefor_Ayyampatti_Mutharaiyar @KKSelvakumaroff @mkstalin @ThanjavurPolice pic.twitter.com/DsK70VwVUs
— Sarathkumar.K (@Sarathkuma79753) April 29, 2024
(With Inputs From ABPNadu)
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.