A Dalit man was arrested for vandalising a bust of B.R. Ambedkar in Pennagaram around midnight on Monday.
The accused, Naveen Kumar, 25, from Anna Nagar, was reportedly in an inebriated state when he poured petrol on the bust, located opposite the Pennagaram Government Hospital. On witnessing the incident, a group of VCK functionaries put out the fire. A complaint was lodged by Nagaraj, deputy secretary of the party, based on which the Pennagaram police arrested and remanded Naveen Kumar in judicial custody.
Speaking to The Hindu, a police official said the accused’s act was premeditated, since he had purchased petrol around 9.30 p.m. and waited till 11.50 p.m. to set the bust ablaze. “The bust was installed by the VCK, and its cadre happened to be there to catch the accused in the act,” the official said. Following the incident, the Deputy Superintendent of Police of Pennagaram, accompanied by the Inspector, wrapped the damaged bust with a cloth.
TNCC president K. Selvaperunthagai said the culprit should be arrested under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The CPI(M) also condemned the act and demanded a probe.
Published – May 20, 2025 10:41 pm IST