Coimbatore : The farmers have alleged that police officials of Prohibition Enforcement Wing are repeatedly targeting farmers who extract Neera from Coconut trees, suspecting it to be toddy.
Coimbatore : The farmers have alleged that police officials of Prohibition Enforcement Wing are repeatedly targeting farmers who extract Neera from Coconut trees, suspecting it to be toddy.
In one such incident, it is alleged that the police of Prohibition Enforcement Wing have indulged in destroying Neera pots at a private farmland here.
Kandasamy hails from Muthukoundanputhur in Coimbatore. He produces Neera beverage in his coconut farm.
"In a surprise raid, the Prohibition Enforcement Wing police entered his farm and broke the Neera pots and also caused damage to other properties. Their action has caused the farmer a loss of Rs. 3.5 lakhs", alleged A.S. Babu, President of Narayana Swamy Naidu Farmers Association.
"The police have been continuously involved in attacking farmers who are producing Neera. We have requested the TN government to provide permission like the neighbouring states Kerala and Karnataka. If the assaults continue, we would indulge in stronger protests", warned Babu.
He also condemned the behaviour of the police and raised slogans against them.
As tense moments prevailed in the area, the police officials rushed to the spot and pacified with the farmers. Following which, the farmers submitted a petition to the police and the MLA.