Dismissing Panchayat Secretary who Assaulted Farmer in Srivilliputhur: Recent Development and Consequences
3rd October 2023Panchayat Secretary Dismissed for Assaulting Farmer during Village Council Meeting
Srivilliputhur – In a shocking incident that took place during a village council meeting near Srivilliputhur, a panchayat secretary was dismissed from his post after physically assaulting a farmer who had asked a question in the presence of the MLA and PTO.
The incident occurred during a Grama Sabha meeting held at the Gangakulam Papapathy Amman temple complex in the Pilliyarkulam panchayat, in commemoration of Gandhi Jayanti. Srivilliputhur MLA Manraj (AIADMK) was presiding over the meeting.
During the meeting, Veppankulam farmer Ammayyappan raised concerns regarding the irregularity in the rotation of Gram Sabha meetings in the villages. He pointed out that the previous meeting was held in the same village on Water Day, despite the local government department’s circular urging a rotational basis for these meetings. Ammayyappan also questioned the lack of action taken by the district authorities, despite the District Development Officer and District Collector being aware of the issue.
In response to Ammayyappan’s query, Panchayat Secretary Thangapandian dismissed the farmer’s concerns and physically attacked him, kicking him while he was sitting on the ground. Thangapandian’s followers also joined in the assault. Adding insult to injury, Thangapandian further berated Ammayyappan using inappropriate language. The incident sparked outrage among the villagers from the area, who got into a heated argument with the Regional Development Officer and the Panchayat Secretary.
Fortunately, MLA Manraj and PTO Meenakshi intervened and managed to resolve the situation and calm tensions. However, the Gram Sabha meeting had to be halted prematurely due to the public protest that ensued in support of Ammayyappan.
Following the incident, a case has been registered against Panchayat Secretary Thangapandian, including charges of death threats, and the Vanniyambatti police are now conducting an investigation. Meanwhile, Regional Development Officer Meenakshi, under the instruction of Virudhunagar District Collector Jayaseelan, has ordered Thangapandian to be removed from his post.
This incident highlights the importance of maintaining decorum and professionalism during public meetings and underscores the need for swift and appropriate action to be taken in response to any form of misconduct or violence by public officials. The dismissal of the panchayat secretary sends a strong message that such behavior will not be tolerated and that those in positions of power and authority are expected to uphold the dignity and rights of citizens.
