Tension prevailed in Triplicane following clashes between police and Tamil Nadu Towheed Jamath (TNTJ) members on Saturday. Around 300 persons belonging to the TNTJ laid siege to Triplicane Police station demanding the release of their organisation’s functionary Yaqoob.
Zam Bazaar Police had arrested one Yaqoob for printing handbills that allegedly threatened social harmony. The handbills had reportedly portrayed ‘Vallalar’ in bad light. A complaint was received from Hindu Munnani and the arrest was made. “We did not want them to assemble in large numbers. So we decided to evict them, but they delayed getting into the police vehicle. Hence, we had to resort to mild force,” said a senior police officer on condition of anonymity.
The TNTJ members began gathering in front of he police station and attempted to besiege the police station. Meanwhile, the police had stepped up security by deploying extra personnel. The attempts to disperse the agitators were in vain and the police were forced to arrest them. While the arrest was being made, a confusion sparked the clash and several TNTJ men were injured in the subsequent lathi-charge.
ACP (L& ) - South & East) Rajesh Dass went to the spot and reviewed the situation. Police said that the situation was under control. The protestors claimed police excesses in the arrest of Yaqoob and demanded action against police officials who erred. However, the police refuted the allegations and claimed that all protocols for the arrest were followed. All the arrested were detained in a community hall.