In a shocking incident from Madurai's Sivaganga district, a head constable has been placed under suspension following widespread public outrage. This action came after a video depicting him assaulting an elderly neighbour and her son over a land dispute went viral on social media platforms.
Details of the Assault Incident
The accused, identified as Raju, served as a head constable attached to the Singampunari traffic police. He allegedly attacked Poovathal, a 70-year-old woman, and her son Anand at Sadurvedamangalam village. According to police reports, the dispute centered around a pathway near Poovathal's house, which Raju was accused of encroaching upon.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Assault
Police officials revealed that Poovathal had lodged a formal complaint at the Sadurvedamangalam police station on Sunday, January 18, regarding the ongoing land dispute. Enraged by this complaint, Raju allegedly assaulted her later that same day using a plastic pipe. When Anand intervened and questioned Raju about the attack on his mother, the head constable is said to have struck him with a wooden log.
Viral Video and Public Reaction
The video capturing this brutal assault surfaced on Thursday and spread rapidly across various social media platforms. Its circulation triggered sharp criticism from the public, highlighting concerns over police misconduct and brutality in civil disputes.
Police Response and Legal Actions
Senior police officials swiftly responded to the incident by registering a criminal case against Raju. He was subsequently arrested, though he was later granted bail by a judicial magistrate. In a statement, officials confirmed, "A departmental inquiry has been initiated and the head constable has been placed under suspension." This move underscores the department's commitment to addressing such misconduct seriously.
The case has drawn attention to the broader issues of land disputes and police accountability in the region, prompting calls for stricter oversight and ethical conduct among law enforcement personnel.
