Village targeted in vendetta over Ponmudy row: TN BJP to Guv Ravi
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Friday, BJP state secretary A Ashvathaman condemned the ‘disproportionate and draconian’ actions of the State police and district administration, allegedly at the behest of Forest Minister K Ponmudy.
BJP state secretary A Ashvathaman met with Guv Ravi at Raj Bhavan on Friday
CHENNAI: State BJP unit on Friday petitioned Governor RN Ravi to intervene in the alleged police atrocities against the residents of Iruvelpattu village in Villupuram district, charging vengeful action of the government machinery over the mud-slinging on State minister K Ponmudy during Cyclone Fengal relief visit a few months back.
In a memorandum submitted to the Governor at Raj Bhavan on Friday, BJP state secretary A Ashvathaman condemned the ‘disproportionate and draconian’ actions of the State police and district administration, allegedly at the behest of Forest Minister K Ponmudy.
The villagers are targeted with retaliatory action over mud-slinging on Minister Ponmudy during a visit to the village, the BJP said.
“It has sparked a chain of events that culminated in a massive crackdown on the villagers,” Ashvathaman said in a petition.
Despite the minister’s public declaration that he would ‘magnanimously’ drop the matter, the police have continued to harass and intimidate the villagers, he alleged.
“The actions of the police and district administration are reminiscent of the authoritarian regimes of yesteryears, where the State apparatus was used to suppress dissent and intimidate citizens,” Ashvathaman stated in the memorandum.
“The brazen disregard for human rights and the rule of law exhibited by the authorities is a blot on our democracy,” he charged.
The BJP leader highlighted “atrocious” treatment meted out to female protesters, who were allegedly manhandled by male police personnel in contravention of established legal protocols.
“It is nothing short of shameful that women were subjected to physical abuse and humiliation by the very personnel sworn to protect them,” Ashvathaman said in the petition handed over to the Governor.
Demanding immediate action against the errant officials, Ashvathaman urged the Governor to intervene and ensure that the fundamental rights of the villagers are safeguarded.
“We request your excellency to take cognisance of this grave injustice and direct the State government to cease its oppressive measures forthwith," the memorandum stated.
