Chennai: Cabbie's mom files complaint against cops who harassed him
A day after a Tambaram-based cab driver Manikandan attempted to commit suicide by immolating self near Thiruvanmiyur on Wednesday.
CHENNAI: A day after a Tambaram-based cab driver Manikandan attempted to commit suicide by immolating self near Thiruvanmiyur on Wednesday, his mother Vasantha had submitted a petition to city police commissioner demanding action against traffic police personnel who abused her son and instigated him to take the extreme step.
“Manikandan was trying to take video of police collecting bribes from others. On seeing this, police assaulted him and told him to take video of women of his household,” Vasantha said in a petition addressing city police commissioner A.K. Viswanathan.
Vasantha also alleged that police personnel attacked Manikandan with an iron rod.
“Humiliated by police abuse and excess, my son (Manikandan) attempted to end his life on the spot. There is no provision allowing traffic police to use force against motorists, however, they used force against Manikandan,” Vasantha added.
Attempt to murder and abetment of suicide cases should be registered against traffic police persons, namely Manikandan, Anduselvan, Thamarai Kannan and Vijayakumar, she demanded.
The incident happened when 23-year-old Manikandan was flagged by traffic police near Thiruvanmiyur on Wednesday. The police slapped fine on Manikandan for not wearing the seat belt and uniform after which both exchanged abusive words, reportedly.
Following the abuse, humiliated Manikandan immolated self at the spot where police allegedly abused him.
However, onlookers and police personnel secured him and sent to Kilpauk Medical College Hospital for treatment, where he is undergoing treatment.
Meanwhile, city police commissioner A.K. Viswanathan conducted a meeting with traffic police personnel, on Wednesday, where he warned them of departmental action if they misbehave with public hereafter.
“The commissioner gave stern warnings to the traffic police to not to indulge in such kind of activities. He ordered police to not to use force or abusive words against motorists,” a police source said.