South Zone IG Clarifies Theni Incident as Traffic Mishap, Not Inter-State Conflict
South Zone Inspector General Vijayendra S Bidari has provided a clear explanation regarding a recent altercation in Theni district. He stated that the incident involving Karnataka pilgrims and a local lorry driver was simply a routine traffic mishap. This clarification directly counters the viral social media misinformation that portrayed it as an inter-state conflict.
Details of the Traffic Incident
IG Bidari spoke to reporters in Madurai about the event. He explained that on January 12, around 4:30 PM, a van carrying Sabarimala pilgrims from Karnataka was traveling on the Dindigul-Kumily bypass road. As the van approached Madurapuri village in Theni, a lorry with a Tamil Nadu registration hit the rear of the van. The impact broke the van's rear light, but fortunately, no injuries occurred.
Following the collision, a verbal altercation erupted between the lorry driver and the Karnataka pilgrims. Police officers quickly arrived at the scene to manage the situation. They successfully resolved the issue by facilitating a payment of Rs 1,000 from the lorry driver to the pilgrims. This payment covered the cost of repairing the broken light, and both parties agreed to the arrangement.
Social Media Escalation and Police Response
Despite the swift police resolution, the incident took a different turn on social media platforms. Unknown miscreants amplified the event, falsely framing it as a conflict between two states. IG Bidari emphasized that this online narrative was entirely misleading and did not reflect the actual nature of the incident.
In response, Theni District Superintendent of Police Bhukya Sneha Priya took proactive steps. She wrote a formal letter to her counterpart in Chamarajnagar, Karnataka. The letter clarified that the event was a routine traffic mishap. It assured that the matter was being handled fairly, impartially, and strictly according to the law.
Since neither party filed a formal complaint, the police took independent action. They registered a case at the Allinagaram police station, and an investigation is currently ongoing. Additionally, authorities arrested a man from Theni district for engaging in a verbal altercation with the pilgrims.
Actions Against Misinformation
IG Bidari highlighted that Karnataka police also took measures against those spreading misinformation on social media. This coordinated effort aims to prevent the escalation of false narratives and maintain peace between communities.
During the press briefing, DIG Dindigul range P Saminathan and SP Bhukya Sneha Priya were also present. Their presence underscored the seriousness with which law enforcement is addressing both the incident and the subsequent misinformation campaign.
