Periyar statue found vandalised in Pudukkottai dist: political parties condemn incident, demand action

The statue of Periyar located near the government hospital in Aranthangi town was found with the head dislodged and lying on the ground, the police said. The statue was erected in 1998. The incident triggered an outrage with the State government joining the opposition parties in condemning the act, while assuring action against the culprits.

Local leaders of the Dravidar Kazhagam noticed the damage caused to the statue on Monday morning and informed police, demanding that the culprits be arrested immediately. Officials said steps were being taken to repair the statue.

Periyar, who launched the self-respect movement in the state, was a staunch atheist and had founded the Dravidar Kazhagam, the parent organisation of the DMK.

The incident comes days after Dravidar Kazhagam leader K Veeramani kicked up a controversy by making derogatory remarks against Hindu culture and Lord Krishna during an event in Chennai. His comments received strong protests from various Hindu outfits. Based on the complaint by Hindu Makkal Katchi, Veeramani was booked by the Central Crime Branch Police under various sections of the IPC.

Condemning the incident, State Fisheries Minister D Jayakumar said, “This is not acceptable. Whoever did this, action will be taken against them.”

DMK President MK Stalin tweeted, “Not only should stern action be taken against whoever be the destructive forces which acted with the intention to disturb peace during election time, but they should be controlled with an iron fist.”

Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) leader K Veeramani and AMMK’s TTV Dhinakaran also condemned the incident. “Periyar statues are not mere stones, but an inspiration,” Veeramani said in a statement. Dhinakaran alleged that attempts were being made to derive political mileage by targeting Periyar statuesat the time of election. “Those responsible for (the desecration) should be punished,”he tweeted.