Trichy Court Complex Witnesses Physical Altercation Between HMK Founder and Lawyers
A tense confrontation escalated into a physical scuffle between Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) founder Arjun Sampath and a group of lawyers at the combined court complex in Trichy on Thursday. The incident unfolded after Sampath appeared before the chief judicial magistrate court in connection with a 2006 case.
Background of the Court Appearance
Arjun Sampath was present in court for a hearing related to allegations of his involvement in damaging a new Periyar statue in Srirangam during the DMK government era. The case, which dates back to 2006, has been a point of contention, with Sampath consistently dismissing the charges against him.
Escalation of the Confrontation
After the hearing concluded and Sampath prepared to depart, his supporters began filming him on mobile phones and creating social media reels. Lawyers present at the premises strongly objected to this activity, citing strict prohibitions on video recording and media interactions within court premises.
What started as a verbal argument rapidly escalated into a physical altercation, involving pushing and shoving between the two sides. The situation grew increasingly heated as tempers flared in the confined space of the court complex.
Complaints and Allegations
In the midst of the chaos, Sampath lodged an oral complaint with the presiding judge, seeking protection for himself and his followers. He accused the lawyers of belonging to the Dravidar Kazhagam and demanded legal action against them for their alleged aggressive behavior.
Police Intervention and Aftermath
Police personnel intervened promptly to restore order and separate the conflicting parties. While the immediate situation was brought under control, there were no confirmed reports of arrests made in connection with the incident at the time of reporting.
Sampath later stated that he would address the matter through legal channels, emphasizing his intention to pursue the issue formally rather than through further confrontation.
Historical Context of the 2006 Case
The 2006 vandalism incident involving the Periyar statue has remained a controversial topic. Sampath has been dismissive of the charges, maintaining that his party only pursued legal avenues to remove the statue and denying any direct role in the act of vandalism. This longstanding legal battle has contributed to the heightened tensions surrounding his court appearances.
The incident highlights the ongoing sensitivities and conflicts that can arise in politically charged legal environments, particularly when historical grievances intersect with contemporary court proceedings.
