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Farmers Protest Against Police for Arresting Toddy Tappers in Pollachi

SimpliCity News Team · 12 Oct 2024

Coimbatore: Farmers in Pollachi staged a protest by besieging the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) office, condemning the arrest of toddy tappers in the region. The demonstration was led by Muruganantham, the policy propagation secretary of the Narayanasamy Farmers' Association.

The protest was triggered by the recent actions of the newly appointed Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Kristy Singh, who has been conducting raids on coconut groves in and around Pollachi to check for illegal toddy tapping. It is alleged that the ASP has been forcibly arresting farmers involved in toddy tapping.

When the protesting farmers attempted to meet the ASP at the DSP office in Mahalingapuram, Pollachi, he reportedly left the premises in his vehicle, citing some urgent work. Undeterred, the farmers continued their sit-in protest at the DSP office, stating they would wait until the ASP returned.

The farmers put forth several demands during their protest. They argued that if arrests were to be made, the concerned minister and the Chief Minister should be arrested first for allowing the sale of harmful liquor in Tamil Nadu. Only then, they said, should the toddy tappers be arrested.

Furthermore, the protesters highlighted that the neighboring state of Kerala has granted permission for toddy tapping. They urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to consult with his Kerala counterpart and consider granting similar permissions in Tamil Nadu.

The farmers also demanded the immediate release of the arrested toddy tappers. They warned that if their demand was not met, they would escalate their protest to include road blockades.

As tensions continue to simmer, the authorities are yet to respond to the farmers' demands, leaving the situation in Pollachi uncertain.

protest farmers toddy tapping police arrest Pollachi

Farmers Protest Against Police for Arresting Toddy Tappers in Pollachi

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