Tension prevailed in Sundarapuram near Basin Bridge on Saturday as residents protested the removal of a statue of St. Mary which was installed recently.
The residents had got the five-foot long statue installed near the junction of Basin Elephant Gate Road and Basin Power House Road despite the authorities denying them permission. Police and civic authorities removed the statue on Friday afternoon.
Over 500 residents took to the streets in protest.
Three women doused themselves with kerosene in an attempt to immolate themselves. Police personnel intervened and stopped them.
K. Latha, a resident, charged: “We decided to get the statue installed as a lot of accidents were taking place here. We collected around Rs. 35,000 and sought permission from Corporation. When they refused, we got it erected anyway.” They alleged the statue was removed at the insistence of another outfit.
They also said they would intensify the agitation until the authorities restored the statue.
