A group of farmers who sell their produce at the R.S. Puram Uzhavar Sandhai have alleged that an office-bearer of the Tamilnadu Vivasayigal Sangam (non-political) has lodged a false complaint with the police that officials of the shandy had beaten him up.
Presenting this complaint at the weekly grievances redress meeting at the Collectorate on Monday, the farmers accused the office-bearer, N. Sakthivel, of inflicting injuries on himself and then getting admitted to the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital, as if these were caused by the officials.
In a counter petition, Su. Palanisamy, president of the Tamil Nadu Vivasayigal Sangam alleged that the officials were indulging in benami trade through a few farmers by buying and selling vegetables through the marketing committee.
Irked over the irregularities being pointed, the officials had incited violence against Mr. Sakthivel on Saturday, Mr. Palanisamy said, and wanted a special officer appointed to inquire into the alleged irregularities at the R.S. Puram Uzhavar Sandhai.
‘Evict encroachers’
A petition demanding action against alleged encroachment of a community hall constructed in Malumichampatti Panchayat was submitted at the grievances redress meeting.
The petitioner, N. Kandasamy of Malumichampatti, alleged that an individual had encroached upon the land and building, worth ₹5 crore, with the support of officials. The government land was registered in the name of an individual, he said.
The issue was brought to the knowledge of the officials at the Madukkarai Panchayat Union and the official concerned at the Malumichampatti panchayat, but no action was taken.
Mr. Kandasamy appealed for immediate retrieval of the land and building and stringent action against those involved in any irregularity.
‘Shift Tasmac shop’
Members of Indu Urimai Kazhakam – Tamil Nadu and a few students of the Corporation Middle School at Selvapuram turned up at the Collectorate to demand the shifting of a Tasmac shop that was near their school.
They also urged the government to allocate alternative sites for constructing temples, churches and mosques when roads are expanded.
