In a brazen act of vandalism, miscreants defaced the statue of former Chief Minister CN Annadurai at Mela Kalkandarkovil in Tiruchy, applying saffron paint on Wednesday night. The desecration prompted swift action from DMK cadre, who staged protests demanding the arrest of the culprits on both Wednesday and Thursday.The disturbing discovery was made by passersby near the Corporation Junior Engineer office, who were alarmed to find the revered statue marred by saffron paint and kumkum adorning its forehead. Alerted to the sacrilegious act, DMK cadre, led by councillor Muruganandam, swiftly gathered at the scene, denouncing the vandalism and clamoring for justice.
Undeterred by the darkness of the night, the DMK cadre intensified their protests on Thursday, converging once again in front of the defaced statue to demand swift action against the perpetrators. Their fervor culminated in a roadblock as they voiced their indignation and called for accountability.
Responding to the escalating tensions, Ponmalai police intervened, engaging in dialogue with the agitated DMK cadre to defuse the situation. Subsequently, corporation officials arrived at the scene, undertaking the solemn task of removing the offensive paint and restoring the statue to its former dignity. In a symbolic gesture of reverence, DMK members garlanded the statue before securing the premises.