RAMANATHAPURAM: Normalcy was returning in Paramakudi, the scene of violence on Sunday, and Ramanathapuram but in a slow pace. Three bodies of those killed in police firing were handed over to their relatives after postmortem on Monday.
The 54th death anniversary of Dalit leader Emmanuel Sekaran was observed at Paramakudi on Sunday, when a large number of his followers visited Paramakudi to pay their respects at his memorial. Meanwhile, Tamilaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam leader John Panidan was detained at Thoothukudi when his men resorted to agitations in other districts. A group of people resorted to picketing on the NH in Paramakudi.
Police personnel tried to persuade them to disperse and heated arguments broke out between cops and the people.
Then, the police resorted to lathi charge and burst tear gas shells to disperse the violent mob which began pelting stones and wooden clubs at the police. Many police officers, including Sandeep Mittal, DIG, Senthil Velan, SP, Ganesan, DSP, and 20 police constables sustained injuries.
Therefore, the police opened fire at the mob in which six persons, Panneerselvam (50), of Veerampal, Jayapal (21), of Manjur, Vellaichamy (45), of Paramakudi, Theerpukani (22), of Keelakavanur, Ganesan (46), of Vallavarayanenthal, Paramakudi, and another person were killed.
Three of the bodies were sent to Madurai GRH and two bodies shifted to Ramanathapuram GH while one body was kept at Paramakudi Government Hospital. The relatives of Panneerselvam and Jayapal came to the government hospital here in the afternoon to receive the bodies.
A large number of police personnel were deployed at the hospital since morning. The bodies were handed over to the relatives in the evening on Monday.
The bodies were taken to their village amidst tight police security.
Buses damaged: Four TNSTC buses and a private bus were damaged at Kanjirankudi, Palkarai and Peravur areas when mobs began pelting stones. Two women sustained injuries and were taken to the government hospital.
Meanwhile, a group cut down a tree and placed it across the road at Kanjirankudi which the police removed.
Educational institutions, including colleges, remained closed in the district. Most of business outlets had downed their shutters in Paramakudi, Ramanathapuram, Mudukulathur and some other areas. The TNSTC was operating a skeleton bus service. However, life was returning to normal in the evening. Rajesh Das, South Zone IG, Mahali, Central Zone IG, and other higher police officials are camping at Paramakudi.
Collector Arun Roy told media persons that a panel led by DRO Jayaram would probe the Paramakudi incidents and stern action would be taken against those who instigated the violence.
A large number of police personnel have been deployed in the district to ensure law and order.