Former MLA Faces Police Case After Altercation Turns Violent
In a shocking incident from Salem district, former AIADMK legislator K Arjunan has been formally charged by the police for allegedly assaulting a 65-year-old woman. The conflict, centered around a road widening project, occurred on Wednesday at Alamaranthur near Mecheri.
The police registered the case against the ex-MLA on Thursday under multiple sections of the law, following the physical altercation that left the senior citizen injured.
The Dispute Over Road Widening Work
The incident was triggered by ongoing road construction on the Kamaneri–Marakkottai stretch. K Saroja, aged 65, objected to the work being carried out near her property. She insisted that the road should instead be widened from the opposite side, which borders agricultural land owned by the former MLA, K Arjunan.
Her protest led her to force the workers to halt the construction activity. Upon learning of the work stoppage, Arjunan rushed to the spot. A heated argument then erupted between Saroja and the former legislator.
Assault and Aftermath: Victim Hospitalized
Sources indicate that when Saroja persisted with her demand, the situation escalated rapidly. Arjunan is accused of assaulting the 65-year-old woman at the scene. The violence resulted in injuries serious enough for Saroja to be admitted as an inpatient at the Omalur Government Hospital for treatment.
Following the incident and medical treatment for the victim, the Mecheri Police Station took swift action. A formal case was registered against K Arjunan. The charges are severe and include sections 296(b), 115(2), and 351(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 4 of the Women Harassment Act.
Legal Repercussions for the Former Legislator
The booking of a former MLA under such serious charges highlights the legal consequences of the alleged assault. The inclusion of the Women Harassment Act provision underscores the gravity of the offense against a senior woman. The case is now under investigation, and further legal proceedings are expected to follow as the police gather evidence and statements from all involved parties.
This incident has drawn significant local attention, raising concerns about land disputes and the use of force in civil matters. The community awaits further developments as the law takes its course.
