Thanjavur: A protest organised by the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) in Thanjavur turned tense on Monday after a police officer allegedly slapped a 26-year-old man who attempted to pass through the road blockade, following which the youth reportedly slapped the officer back.
The incident occurred during a VCK protest outside the Thanjavur municipal office after civic authorities removed digital banners allegedly erected by the party without permission. The confrontation between the youth and the police officer added tension to a demonstration that had already caused significant disruption to traffic in the area.
VCK stages road blockade
VCK members staged a road blockade outside the Thanjavur municipal office on Monday to protest the removal of the party’s digital banners.
According to reports, the banners had been installed at several locations across the city in connection with a VCK meeting in Ulundurpet. Civic authorities reportedly removed the banners as they had been put up without the required permission.
Protesting the action, VCK cadres gathered outside the municipal premises and gheraoed the office. The protesters also blocked Gandhi Road around noon, resulting in severe traffic congestion.
Vehicles travelling in both directions were reportedly stranded for a considerable period as the blockade continued.
Youth attempts to cross blockade
The situation became tense when 26-year-old Aakash arrived at the protest location on a two-wheeler.
According to reports, Aakash attempted to make his way through the blockade and repeatedly honked while trying to pass through the congested stretch. His actions reportedly led to an argument with members of the VCK who were participating in the protest.
As the argument intensified, Special Sub-Inspector (SSI) Raheem of the West Police Station intervened. The officer reportedly asked Aakash to wait until the demonstration was over rather than attempting to cross the blockade.
However, the exchange between the youth and the police officer soon became heated.
Police officer and youth exchange slaps
During the confrontation, the SSI allegedly struck Aakash. The youth then retaliated by slapping the police officer on the cheek.
The impact reportedly caused the officer to stagger, following which other police personnel immediately intervened and separated the two.
The intervention prevented the confrontation from escalating further. Police subsequently attempted to take Aakash into custody for questioning.
When the youth reportedly refused to board the police vehicle, officers forcibly took him into the vehicle and transported him to the police station.
Police reject allegations of excessive assault
Following the incident, Thanjavur district police issued a statement rejecting some reports that suggested police personnel had unnecessarily assaulted Aakash.
Police described such reports as false and provided their version of the events.
According to the police statement, Aakash had allegedly used disrespectful and abusive language towards police personnel during the confrontation.
Police said the primary objective of the officers at the scene was to prevent the argument between Aakash and the VCK cadres from escalating into a larger law-and-order issue.
The police statement maintained that only “minimal force” was used to control the situation and prevent further disruption.
Traffic affected during protest
The road blockade had already caused considerable inconvenience to commuters in Thanjavur before the confrontation took place.
With protesters occupying Gandhi Road, traffic movement on both sides was severely affected. Vehicles remained stranded for a prolonged period, creating congestion in the surrounding area.
The incident involving Aakash and the police officer occurred against this backdrop of heightened tension between protesters, commuters and law enforcement personnel.
Road blockades during protests can create additional challenges for police, who have to manage both the demonstration and the movement of emergency and regular traffic. In this case, officers intervened after the dispute between the youth and protesters reportedly escalated.
Incident draws attention
The confrontation has drawn attention to the difficulties that can arise when protests and road blockades disrupt regular traffic movement.
While the VCK was protesting against the removal of its unauthorised banners, the dispute between Aakash and the protesters eventually involved a police officer and resulted in an exchange of slaps.
Police have maintained that their intervention was aimed at preventing the situation from escalating and that minimal force was used.
The incident has also highlighted the need for protesters and commuters to exercise restraint when demonstrations affect public roads. Further action in the case will depend on the police inquiry and the circumstances surrounding the confrontation.