Image Source: ABPLive
A shocking incident reminiscent of the Vengaivayal faeces in water tank incident has been reported from Panneer Veli village near Needur in Mayiladuthurai district, where an unidentified person allegedly defecated on the top of an overhead drinking water tank supplying water to a locality inhabited by Scheduled Caste residents, as reported in ABPLive.
The incident has triggered panic among residents, who depend on the tank for their daily drinking water and other domestic needs. Police and local body officials have visited the site and initiated an investigation. The entire stock of water in the tank is being drained, and sanitation measures are being undertaken.
Panneer Veli, which falls under Villiyanallur Panchayat, has around 200 Scheduled Caste families, comprising more than 350 people. A 30,000-litre overhead tank located near the local Kaliamman temple supplies drinking water to the area. Built around 15 years ago, the tank is the primary source of water for hundreds of residents.
The incident came to light when workers responsible for maintaining the tank and some local youth went to its upper section ahead of the routine water supply. They reportedly found human faeces on the top surface of the tank and alerted others.
Following the discovery, residents stopped using the water supplied from the tank for drinking, cooking and other purposes. Some also reportedly discarded water they had already stored at home, fearing contamination and the risk of waterborne diseases.
Tank Cleaning Faces Hurdles
Villiyanallur Panchayat officials rushed to the spot and began draining the 30,000 litres of stored water to prevent any health risk. However, cleaning the tank has reportedly become difficult because its internal staircase has been damaged.
The tank, which was constructed around 15 years ago, has allegedly not received proper maintenance. The damaged steps make it difficult for workers to enter the tank and carry out thorough cleaning and disinfection. Officials are exploring the use of ladders and safety equipment to complete the work.
Police Launch Investigation
Police have begun an investigation to identify the person responsible. They are examining whether the act was intended to disturb social harmony or was motivated by personal enmity.
Police personnel have inspected the tank and its surroundings and questioned local residents. They are also gathering information about people who may have moved through the area during the night and checking whether nearby CCTV cameras captured any relevant footage.
Residents Demand Emergency Water Supply
With around 200 families and more than 350 residents affected by the disruption, villagers have demanded that the local administration immediately arrange safe drinking water through tanker lorries.
They have also called for the damaged staircase to be repaired, the tank to be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected, and regular water supply to be restored at the earliest.
Residents have urged the police to identify and arrest the person responsible and initiate stringent legal action for contaminating a public drinking water source.
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