Bid to drape saffron cloth on Periyar statue foiled

Police said Prakash (44), HMK’s district president from Nathegoundanpalayam, walked towards the statue holding the cloth. Cops stopped Prakash, who shouted slogans in praise of Hindu deities before being taken away.

The incident comes days after a Bharat Sena functionary poured saffron paint on a Periyar statue in Coimbatore triggering widespread protests across the state.

Following this, police personnel have been deployed for Periyar statues to prevent any repeat of such incidents across the district.

A case has been filed against Prakash under IPC sections 153 (Wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot), 153A (promoting enmity between different groups) and 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace).

Members of Hindu outfits have been involved in such acts in retaliation over a YouTube channel Karuppar Kootam’s video insulting the religious sentiments of the Hindus.