A palm sap tapping worker was injured after a police sub-inspector allegedly fired at him in Tirunelveli district, triggering tension in the area.
According to a statement by AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (EPS), the incident occurred in Maruthamputhur panchayat under Alangulam constituency when Manikandan was collecting palm sap from a tree. EPS said a dispute arose after a complaint allegedly accused the worker of extracting toddy.
EPS claimed the Alangulam police sub-inspector opened fire during the argument, and two bullets hit the worker, leaving him seriously injured. He said the victim has been admitted to hospital.
Stating that the episode has created fear among palm climbers across Tamil Nadu, EPS criticised the functioning of the police during the election period. He urged the Director General of Police to take stringent action against the officer involved.
