Periyar statue vandalised in Tamil Nadu amid Rajini row
Chennai, Jan 24: A statue of rationalist leader E V Ramasamy 'Periyar' was found vandalised in neighbouring Kancheepuram district on Friday with political leaders in Tamil Nadu condemning it and demanding stern action against the culprits.
The statue at Salavakkam was found damaged on Friday morning, causing a flutter in the locality, police said.
The state police warned of "strong action" against anti-social elements involving in vandalising statues of Periyar or other leaders.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a renewed debate on Periyar in Tamil Nadu, after superstar Rajinikanth last week had made some remarks about a 1971 rally taken out by the Dravidian stalwart.
Taking part at an event held by Tamil magazine 'Thuglak' on January 14, Rajinikanth had alleged: "In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which the undressed images of Lord Sri Ramachandra Murthy and Sita -with a garland of sandal- (were) featured...."
His comments drew the ire of pro-Periyar outfits and political parties, including the ruling AIADMK and DMK, in Tamil Nadu which hold the late leader in high esteem.
The actor, who is expected to float his political party ahead of assembly elections next year, had refused to apologise as demanded by some Dravidian outfits, maintaining what he said was factual.
Condemning the vandalisation, DMK President M K Stalin on Friday said damaging the statue of Periyar who had "strived for Tamils and Tamil Nadu for 95 years was shameful and regrettable."
The state government must take due action, he told reporters here.
Director General of Police L K Tripathy "has warned police will take very strong action against anti-social elements who vandalise statue of Thanthai Periyar or statues of other leaders in the state," a police source said.
PMK founder leader S Ramadoss expressed concern over the incident and said it will harm general peace.
Of late, such incidents have been recurring in the state, he said adding anyone who hold contrarian views to that of Periyar should only express their opinions but not resort to such vandalism which was unacceptable.
He demanded the arrest of culprits behind the act.
CPI state secretary R Mutharasan and AMMK leader TTV Dhinakaran also condemned the vandalism and demanded proper action.
Statue of Dravidian icon #Periyar damaged in #TamilNadu amid a row between Dravidian outfits and actor #Rajinikanth . The statue in Chengalpattu was found damaged on Friday morning.#RajiniPeriyarRow #Periyar @DeccanHerald pic.twitter.com/jPSnoF6clP
— Sivapriyan E.T.B (@sivaetb) January 24, 2020
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Mangaluru: City Top cop issues guidelines for new year celebrations
Mangaluru: Mangaluru Police Commissioner Anupam Aggarwal has issued guidelines in public interest for New Year Celebrations within the Mangaluru City Police commissionerate.
The guidelines are as follows:
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"All hotels, restaurants, clubs, resorts and other establishments planning to organize New Year celebrations must obtain prior permission from the Mangaluru City Police Commissioner's Office. Applications must be submitted by 5 pm on December 23," the statement
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The New Year program must be completed by 12 midnight. The program cannot be continued after that. New Year festivities without prior permission will not be allowed. Legal action will be taken against those who violate these rules. Organizers must strictly follow the rules as per the licenses and permissions obtained from the relevant departments.
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If any COVID-19 or other health related government instructions are implemented, the organizers must strictly follow them.
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Written permission from the Excise Department must be obtained for the sale and distribution of alcohol.
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Smoking and drinking alcohol are strictly prohibited in public places, bus stands, parks, stadiums, railway stations and other public areas.
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Legal action will be take cause disturbance in public places.
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Prior permission should be obtained for using sound recording systems, loud speakers. The sound level should comply with the Noise Pollution Rules 2000 and the directions of the Supreme Court. DJ is strictly prohibited.
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The organizers should take additional measures to prevent any mishap. Individual parking arrangements should be made.
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The managers of hotels, clubs or special events where New Year celebrations are held should not serve alcohol to individuals below the age of 18. Minors should not be allowed to enter such events unless accompanied by their parents.
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Obscene dances, semi-nude performances, gambling and other obscene activities are strictly prohibited.
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Special task forces will be deployed to prevent harassment, violence or obscene activities against women in the name of festivals.
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Disturbing caused to residences, hotels, hostels or compounds is also prohibited during this time.
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Smoking, drinking, or indecent behavior in public spaces such as parks, bus stands, and railway stations is banned. Strict action will be taken against those disturbing public peace, engaging in harassment, or performing obscene acts.
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A rapid task force comprising traffic police and experts has been formed to keep a watch on those who drive after drinking alcohol. This task force will be operational in all areas of Mangaluru city. Appropriate legal action will be taken against those who drive in an inebriated state.
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Spontaneous activities, wheeling, drag racing, speeding and loud noise-producing activities are strictly prohibited. Special teams will be deployed to prevent these incidents.
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Consumption of alcohol, obscene acts, other obscene displays in other public places or on the seashore are strictly prohibited.
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Burning of fireworks in a manner that disturbs the peace of the public on the pretext of New Year celebrations is prohibited.
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Organizers should coordinate necessary fire-fighting equipment, emergency medical vehicles and other security measures.
All these guidelines have been issued in the interest of public safety and law and order, the Commissioner said in a statement.
