Tensions flared again in Madurai on Thursday as a massive police force clashed with and detained cadres of the BJP and other Hindu outfits, preventing them from climbing the Thiruparankundram hill to light a ceremonial lamp (deepam) at a non-traditional site. This marked the second consecutive day of confrontations, despite a Madras High Court order that had initially directed police to provide protection for the act.
Court Order Defied, Leaders Arrested
Earlier in the day, a single judge of the Madras High Court had ordered the Madurai city police to grant protection to petitioner Rama Ravikumar and ten others to ascend the hill and light the deepam. However, the police refused to comply, stating that permitting the act would be detrimental to public order, especially after a scuffle had occurred on Wednesday.
The situation escalated as hundreds of cadres assembled. BJP state president Nainar Nagenthran engaged in a heated argument with the police before being arrested. He was taken into custody along with several other prominent leaders, including H Raja and Amarprasad Reddy. In total, about 50 cadres were detained and held at two community halls in Thiruparankundram.
Massive Police Mobilization at Temple Town
The police administration had mobilized an overwhelming force to control the situation. More than 1,000 police personnel were deployed at the site. The contingent included at least six officers of Superintendent of Police rank, the Madurai City Police Commissioner, and the Southern Regional Inspector-General.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (South) A G Inigo Thivyan announced that the police would appeal against the court order. The court had earlier quashed prohibitory orders promulgated on Wednesday under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Thiruparankundram. Police asked the cadres to disperse from the temple town to prevent further unrest.
A Repeat of Previous Day's Clashes
The events largely mirrored the violence witnessed on Wednesday. On that day, cadres had breached security amidst a similar heavy police deployment, leading to protests atop the hill and at the 16-pillar mandapam of the Sri Subramaniya Swamy temple on the foothills. Two police personnel were injured in those clashes, and nearly 50 people were temporarily detained.
Prior to the main confrontation on Thursday, around 50 cadres had blocked Periyar Rathaa Veedhi, chanting slogans against the government. Tension peaked as petitioner Rama Ravikumar and his supporters approached the hill's entrance, only to be firmly turned away by police. Authorities stated they are analyzing video footage from Wednesday's incidents to identify more individuals involved in the protests.
