A palm worker from Maruthampudur near Alangulam in Tenkasi district has alleged that he is being threatened to withdraw a case related to a shooting incident involving a police sub-inspector.
The worker, Manikandan, is undergoing treatment in hospital after he was shot in the leg. He said the police SI, Isakki Raja, accused him of involvement in illicit toddy trade and fired at him.
In a video statement released on Tuesday, Manikandan said he does not consume alcohol or tobacco and earns his livelihood through palm work and selling neera (palm sap). He alleged that the SI and accompanying police personnel made him climb a tree and, after he removed and showed the pot, his family members arrived at the spot.
According to him, when his brother began recording the incident, the SI allegedly knocked the phone away and abused them. Manikandan claimed the SI attempted to assault his son, and when he intervened both fell, causing the SI to sustain a forehead injury, after which the SI allegedly shot him in anger.
Manikandan further alleged that unknown persons are now warning him that “things will be different” if he does not compromise, and that there are attempts to have him discharged from hospital even before he has fully recovered.
