Woman TVK functionary, three others booked for assaulting shopkeeper for objecting to erecting banner in Vridhachalam

CUDDALORE: The Vridhachalam police have registered a case against four people, including a woman TVK functionary, following a violent altercation and assault outside a local rice store near the Palakkarai junction in Vridhachalam in Cuddalore district. The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over blocking a part of the entrance of the store with a banner with birthday greetings of the TVK functionary B Abinaya’s son. A worker at the store was injured. As per the first information report registered by Vridhachalam police station, the victim and complainant, identified as Ashik (alias Abdul Khader), a resident of Bungalow Street in Pudupettai, Vriddhachalam, was working at the Noor Rice Mandi near Vriddhachalam Palakkarai when the incident took place. Trouble began when a group of individuals placed a banner and erected a shamiana in front of the rice store, obstructing its entrance and visibility. When Ashik questioned the setup and requested them to remove the obstruction, the confrontation quickly turned violent. A four-member group ransacked the rice store and assaulted Ashik using their hands and a log. The worker sustained injuries to his hands. The attackers issued death threats before fleeing the spot. The injured sought medical attention at the Vriddhachalam govt hospital. The Vriddhachalam police registered a case under five sections against Abinaya and three others and began investigations. Police filed a case following a counter-complaint by Abinaya, who alleged that she and her mother were physically assaulted when they attempted to set up a charitable food distribution stall for her daughter's birthday.