Cops on mask checking duty ask caste of man, transferred

P Siva Kumar (38), Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi’s (VCK) Avinashi union secretary, was returning on a two-wheeler with his wife in pillion after attending a condolence meeting in Karukattupudur, when constable Kasiraja stopped him for not wearing a mask in Perumanallur near Avinashi on Thursday afternoon.

“I was not wearing a mask, but my wife was wearing it. After collecting my name and address, the cop asked my caste details,” said Siva Kumar to the media. Refusing to divulge his caste, the VCK functionary questioned the cop for asking his caste resulting in an argument. “I am ready to pay the fine amount for not wearing a mask. But why are you asking my caste? Who gave you the rights to ask such details? This is not the right way to talk,” said Siva Kumar in a video recorded by him and updated on his social media account.

After the video went viral, Tirupur Superintendent of Police Disha Mittal ordered an inquiry. Following a detailed investigation, Kasiraja and two other cops attached to Perumanallur police station, Nataraj and Veluchamy, who were at the spot during the incident, were transferred to the armed reserve.

“Though lockdown violations, including not wearing masks, is a punishable offence, the fine can be levied only by police officials, not below the rank of Sub Inspector, on violators,” said a police official. A disciplinary action is likely to be taken against them after further inquiry.