Tiruchirappalli: A statue of Dravidian icon E V Ramasamy “Periyar” was found smeared with saffron dye here on Sunday. The provocation drew strong responses from political leaders in Tamil Nadu.
Police said the vandalism was discovered this morning at Samathuvapuram Colony in Inamkulathur locality. A slipper was strewn near the statue. Police said a case has been registered against unidentified persons.
Tamil Nadu deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam condemned the vandalism and assured that legal action would be taken.
DMK chief M K Stalin slammed the incident, the second such one in Tamil Nadu in recent months. A statue of the rationalist leader was found daubed in saffron paint in Coimbatore recently.
Locals blocked traffic for some time on the Dindigul highway, protesting against the vandalism and dispersed after police assured them that action would be taken.