1 dead as police try to stop speeding bike

Public protest results in transfer of two policemen

People gather in front of the KK Nagar police station in Chennai on Saturday to protest against the police action.— Photo: M. Vedhan

Traffic policing turned tragic on the 80-Feet Road in K.K. Nagar on Saturday when a youth died after crashing a motorcycle, with two friends riding pillion, on a pointed railing on the median when he was intercepted and attacked by a police constable on duty. The apathy by the traffic police party towards the injured enraged the public who assaulted a Sub Inspector and damaged a police vehicle.

The freak accident took place around 11 a.m. when friends, identified as V. Selvam (19) from Nerkundram, G. Raja (20) from Alwarthirunagar and Vignesh (18), also from Nerkundram, were coming from Arcot Road.

“The three boys on the motorcycle took a right turn into the 80 Feet Road and two traffic policemen there attempted to stop them. When they tried to speed away, one policeman attacked the boys with a lathi. The rider lost balance and crashed into the median. The sharp edges of the railing pierced into his stomach and he was bleeding profusely,” recalled eyewitness Sathya, an autorickshaw driver from a stand on the road.

Selvam who was riding the motorcycle suffered a grievous injury, while pillion riders Raja and Vignesh escaped with minor injuries. Within minutes a crowd gathered and traffic came to a grinding halt on the busy stretch.

Local biryani stall worker Anbu added that the traffic policemen started abusing a woman who attempted to stop the bleeding using a dupatta. “The reaction of the cops sparked anger among the crowd who soon retaliated by assaulting the cops and damaging their SUV parked nearby,” he said.

A group manhandled Sargunam, the traffic police officer involved, who was escorted to safety by a police party that arrived. Meanwhile, the youths were rushed to a private hospital in the area, but Selvam died on the way.

The news of his death spread anger among agitators on the 80-feet Road who staged a road roko demanding action against the traffic policemen. Shopkeepers on the stretch downed shutters in protest and lashed out against police before mediapersons who gathered there. Senior police officers reached the spot and pacified the protesters and tension was defused after a two-hour standoff.

Inquiry ordered

The two traffic policemen involved in the city were issued a punishment transfer and a judicial enquiry is ordered into the death of Selvam.