DMK Legislator, Son, and Media Personnel Booked in Tamil Nadu Quarry Incident
In a significant development, the Kulithalai police in Tamil Nadu have formally registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Srirangam DMK MLA M Palaniyandi, his son Vimalanathan, and two television journalists. This legal action follows a violent altercation connected to alleged illegal stone quarrying operations in Karur district.
Viral Video Triggers Police Action
Police authorities confirmed that the FIR was lodged after a video, which purportedly shows the MLA assaulting a journalist, circulated widely on social media platforms this week. Initially, the matter had been addressed through community service registers (CSR) based on complaints from both parties involved. However, the emergence of the viral footage prompted a more stringent response from law enforcement.
Multiple Charges Filed in the Case
According to official police sources, the individuals named in the FIR—MLA Palaniyandi, his son Vimalanathan, journalist E Kathiravan, and cameraman Sebastian—face a range of serious charges. These include sections related to assault and the use of obscene language, highlighting the severity of the incident. The clash, which occurred on January 30, erupted when journalists from a private Tamil news channel visited the quarry site after receiving tips about suspected illegal stone extraction activities.
Conflicting Accounts of the Altercation
The incident has sparked conflicting narratives from the involved parties. On one side, the journalists have alleged that they were physically attacked and their equipment was forcibly taken during the encounter. Conversely, individuals present at the quarry have accused the media personnel of trespassing onto private property without authorization. The confrontation resulted in injuries to several people from both sides, necessitating hospitalization as confirmed by police reports.
This case underscores ongoing tensions surrounding illegal mining activities in the region and raises questions about media safety and political accountability. The FIR marks a critical step in the legal process, with investigations likely to delve deeper into the circumstances of the clash and the broader issue of unauthorized quarry operations in Karur district.
