Police have arrested Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) district president and a municipal councillor on charges of instigating people living around the Sri Ramanathaswamy temple to hoist black flags and agitate against the ban on movement of vehicles on the four car streets around the temple, violating police and court orders.
Three days after the black flag stir on February 21, police arrested HMK leader Prabakaran and councillor R. Ramakrishnan.
They were produced before the local Magistrate Court and remanded in judicial custody.
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As tension prevailed when they were taken to the court, Additional Superintendent of Police S. Vellaidurai rushed to the spot with strike force and defused the situation.
Superintendent of Police N M Mylvahanan said the duo were served notice on February 21 warning against proceeding with the agitation after explaining in detail, the orders passed by the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court in this matter. But they ignored the warning and instigated the people, violating police orders. They also failed to offer explanations to the police within two days, the SP said.
The SP said acting on High Court order in October last he held a meeting with all stake holders and allowed residents living in the car streets to use their own cars.
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Shop keepers and lodge owners were allowed to use their two wheelers, he also said. For the convenience of aged pilgrims, battery operated cars were being operated, the SP added.
Local MLA M H Jawahirullah condemned the arrest and demanded the immediate release of the two persons and lifting of the ban.