Nadukuppam residents terrified: Fact-finding panel highlights atrocities

Chennai: Several residents of Nadukuppam testified to a fact-finding committee on Tuesday that police termed young protesters taking refuge in the hamlets theeviravadhigal (terrorists) and thus justified the attack on villagers for harbouring them.

A report released by a committee, including Dr V Vasanthi Devi, former chairperson of State Commission on Women, which visited Nadukuppam between 2 and 5 pm on January 24, highlighted the atrocities by the police, and the coherence of the villagers in confirming the same.

The report stated that after chasing the bleeding protesters from the Marina beach, the police returned at least two more times to the hamlets armed with stones, bottles, petrol bombs, rubber bullets, tear gas and volatile material.

According to residents of the hamlet, some policewomen set fire to the fish market using an inflammable powder. Several other vehicles, hand carts and shops were also systematically targeted. The report also said that some policewomen looted some of the high-priced fish.

Villagers also said that policemen later came and tried to pressure the residents to sign a testimony declaring that the protestors had indulged in arson and violence, and promised them compensation in return. The residents refused to do so.

The report added that policemen used sexist and demeaning words, entered homes, destroyed furniture, dragged innocent men, women and children out on the street and beat them up in public view.

This incident, which ensued as the fisherfolk were recovering from damages caused by cyclone Vardah which had affected the livelihoods of at least 250 families. “The police claim that the fisherfolk set their fishes and stalls afire. It is the sole means of their livelihood. Will they do it?” said Dr Vasanthi Devi, questioning one claim of the police. She added that the other claim of the police that anti-social elements could have done it also baseless as the fishing community is strong enough to handle such elements.

“Due to the fear of police, they didn’t do anything. The community thrives at sea. Men of the community, as well as women, are strong enough to tackle anyone that is a threat to their means to livelihood, but obviously, they can’t attack police,” she added.

The detailed report will be sent to national and state commissions and the police departments to question the claims made by police.