The Chengam police have registered a case against 10 villagers of Ambedkar Nagar in Melpuzhudiyur for attacking a forest guard on Thursday. They have been booked on charges including for attempt to murder.
Thandavarayan, 54, a forest guard, was assaulted by a group of villagers after 35-year-old Thirumal, a resident of Ambedkar Nagar, was found dead in the forest. Thandavarayan and Dinakaran, 57, a forest watcher, spotted Thirumal mining sand illegally in the forest area, and imposed a spot fine. Relatives found him dead later. Dinakaran fled the spot, while the villagers set fire to a motorbike used by Thandavarayan.
Thandaravarayan was admitted to the Government Hospital in Chengam for treatment of injuries. Meanwhile, Dinakaran lodged a complaint with the Chengam police. The police have registered a case against 10 villagers under sections 341 (punishment for wrongful restraint), 294 (b) (sings, recites or utters any obscene song, ballad or words, in or near any public place) and 307 (attempt to murder) of Indian Penal Code read with section 4 of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.