THANJAVUR: The police arrested 32 persons belonging to various Hindu organisations including Hindu Makkal Katchi (HMK) here on Friday when they staged a demonstration demanding the immediate arrest of Pa. Ranjith, film director who according to them denigrated King Raja Raja Cholan who built the Big temple here in a speech at a function on June 5 at Thiruppanandal.
T. Gurumurthy, state convener of HMK, Karthik Rao, state secretary, Radhakrishnan, secretary of Anmeega Makkal Kartchi, Veeran Selvarasu, founder of Veerathamizhar Ezhuchi Peravai participated in the agitation. The police said that permission has not been given for the agitation. The agitators tried to burn the effigy of Pa. Ranjith, but police intervened and arrested them.
It may be recalled that Bala, former district secretary of HMK lodged a complaint with DSP of Thiruvidaimaruthur stating that Ranjith described the period of Raja Raja Cholan as a “black era”. He also allegedly spoke that lands of Dalits were taken away by the King. He also said that atrocities against Dalits were many in Cauvery delta.
Following the complaint Thiruppanandal police registered two cases against Pa. Ranjith. Meanwhile, Pa. Ranjith has approached Madurai bench of the Madras High court seeking anticipatory bail.
