A 64-year-old man was allegedly assaulted by a police sub-inspector during a public grievance redressal event, part of the Tamil Nadu government’s Ungaludan Stalin initiative, in Saathur village, Virudhunagar district. The incident, caught on camera, has gone viral and triggered widespread condemnation from citizens and political leaders.
Victim Sought Acknowledgement for Petition
The elderly petitioner, identified as Venkatapathy, a retired government employee, was submitting a complaint regarding encroachment on forest land in his native village of Sathur. He had previously submitted multiple petitions on the same issue. During the camp on September 3, held at the Government Middle School in Saathur near Arcot town, he asked officials for an acknowledgement slip for his submission.
Officials reportedly refused, stating he had filed similar petitions multiple times before. As the argument escalated, Sub-Inspector Prabhakaran from Arcot Taluk police allegedly intervened and punched the senior citizen in the chest.
Man Hospitalised, Video Sparks Outcry
Following the altercation, Venkatapathy complained of chest pain and was admitted to the Government Taluk Hospital in Walajah. His condition is reported to be stable. Meanwhile, a video of the officer physically assaulting the elderly man was widely circulated on social media, triggering anger among the public and criticism from political figures.
Despite being the victim, Venkatapathy was also booked under Section 221 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for allegedly obstructing a public servant during official duties. The complaint was filed by Village Administrative Officer (VAO) Mohammed Shahabuddin, to whom the original petition had been submitted.
PMK Leader Slams ‘Inhuman’ Assault
PMK leader Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss strongly condemned the incident, calling it “inhuman and unforgivable.” He accused the police and VAO of acting with brutality simply because the petitioner questioned the lack of action on his previous submissions. Ramadoss further criticized the Ungaludan Stalin grievance camps, calling them a “gimmick” and alleging that over 90% of petitions submitted under the program remain unresolved.
“Instead of empowering the public, this scheme has become a platform for suppressing dissent,” he said, warning that such displays of arrogance would face consequences from the public.
Further Investigation Underway
Police have stated that an inquiry is ongoing. Meanwhile, Venkatapathy has expressed his intent to file a formal complaint against both the police officer and the VAO. The state government is yet to issue an official statement on the incident.
