The peaceful protests which were hosted at the VOC grounds for conduct of Jallikattu turned chaotic after police lathi charged the students and the public who were protesting. It has been reported that a section of protestors were injured in the police lathi charge. Those who sustained injuries have been admitted to the Coimbatore General Hospital for treatment.
In this regard, A Amalraj, City Commissioner of Police today met the press at the Coimbatore police commissioner's office. During this interaction, he said, “False information was spread to the students through various forms of social media. The information shared on the social media platforms without verification misled the protestors. Anti-national sentiments and provoking messages were spread through such unwarranted messages.”
“Coimbatore has a population of 20 lakhs, but there are only 3000 police personnel and 4 thousand CCTV cameras have been installed all over the city to keep a watch on these 20 lakhs people. Some medias by telecasting a particular incident, over and over, kindled unnecessary thoughts amongst the supporters. Spreading news and information alleging police for not taking steps to control violence was also spread through media. Media should refrain from carrying such things'.
“After the initial days of protest, some miscreants infiltrated into the protest sites. They raised slogans against Indian sovereignty and attempted to instill their ideas in the minds the students. To prove these allegation, we have enough video and material evidence. Action will be taken against those people as per the law" he said.
He also apprised that "The police made peaceful attempts to disburse the crowds by explaining the students to conclude their protests. But unfortunately, stones were thrown at the police who were on duty yesterday in Coimbatore. Such unexpected events led to lathi charge' he said.
'Close to 1000 people courted arrests in this connection however they were all released yesterday evening and no case has been filed against them. Cases were filed against three persons for breaking the glasses and panels of buses in Gandhipuram.
Students should not stay in contact with the miscreants whom they met at the protest venues. Parents should keep a watch on their children.” he warned.
When the journalists raised questions about hosting rekla race despite the ban, he said 'an enquiry will be conducted on this matter'. Commissioner of Police, Amalraj refrained from answering further questions posed by the press.