A policeman attacked a newspaper vendor and smashed his bike at Kodambakkam on Thursday morning, creating a flutter as the government had earlier said essential services, including printing and distribution of newspaper, could continue during the lockdown.
A video of the constable attacking the vendor taking newspaper bundles packed on his bike to agents, despite his pleadings, soon went viral, drawing condemnation from all. “Police at the lower level lack clarity about essential services. Even before questioning people, they begin to wield lathi,” said R Chandrasekar, an advocate with the Madras high court. Soon after the incident, constable Balamurugan was transferred to the vacancy reserve and police commissioner A K Viswanathan clarified that the delivery agents will not be stopped from doing their work.
Representatives of Times of India Chennai met deputy commissioner of police R Thirunavukarasu and sought safety for vendors and others in the newspaper delivery field. The officer promised safety and asked the TOI officials to get passes from the district administration for vendors and delivery boys. Earlier, on Wednesday, police stopped a newspaper laden truck at Surapattu near Puzhal and let it go after after the intervention of senior officer. In another incident, a newspaper delivery boy was attacked by police near Virugambakkam but no case was registered as there was no complaint.
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Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/chennai/chennai-police-attack-newspaper-vendor-smash-bike/articleshow/74839762.cms
