Chennai: Police have filed an FIR against the DMK Panchayat President for obstructing government officials and scuffling with police during the removal of encroachments on government water land. The accused is still absconding, and police have launched a search to locate and arrest him. Last year, a social activist filed a petition in the High Court, claiming encroachment on government water land within the limits of the Agaramanthen Panchayat. The court ordered the Chengalpattu District Administration to remove the structures built on the encroached land. When revenue and police officials took action, they faced resistance as the structures belonged to members of the ruling party. When no action was taken despite the court’s orders, the activist filed another petition.
With a hearing scheduled for next week, officials again went to the encroached area, this time with an earthmover and more people. One of the structures to be demolished reportedly belongs to the brother of Agaramanthen Panchayat President Jagadeeswaran. He and his supporters stormed the site, and the situation soon escalated into a scuffle and verbal abuse. Despite protests, officials called in additional police and, under heavy security, began demolishing several houses and shops. When officials proceeded to demolish other structures built on the waterlogged land, including the old Panchayat office building built before 1986, Jagadeeswaran and his supporters again obstructed the officials’ path and blocked the road. Unable to take further action, the officials left the scene. Based on a complaint from revenue officials, the Selaiyur police filed an FIR against Jagadeeswaran under several sections, including obstructing government employees from performing their duties and using abusive language. Upon learning of the FIR, Jagadeeswaran reportedly went into hiding, fearing arrest.
