Chennai, Oct 22 (UNI) Tamil Nadu BJP Sports Skill and Development Cell head Amar Prasad Reddy was among the six party cadres arrested by the police on Saturday evening for opposing the police move to remove the party flag pole in front of BJP State Chief K.Annamalai’s residence at suburban Panaiyur on the ECR.
Police went to Mr Annamalai’s house late on Friday night to remove the 45-ft high flag pole citing that it was erected without prior approval and was causing hindrance to traffic.
As the news spread, high drama was witnessed as a large number of BJP workers gathered in front of his house and resisted the police move and also indulged in heated arguments with the cops.
The protests by the BJP workers, who also staged a demonstration opposing the removal of the pole, stretched till Saturday.
After police removed it amid stiff resistance, a total of seven cases were booked against the BJP workers, including Mr Amar Prasad Reddy, under various sections of the IPC.
Later, they were arrested and remanded in judicial custody for two weeks and lodged in Puzhal Central prison.
Mr Annamalai and a host of BJP Leaders condemned the arrests of the party workers, including Mr Reddy and accused the ruling DMK of acting in an arrogant manner for BJP’s criticisms against the DMK’s “corrupt and inefficient government.”
Mr Annamalai said the party will install 10,000 flagpoles across the State within the next 100 days.
A police press release said around 110 people, led by the BJP State Vice-President Karu Nagarajan, staged a demonstration and entered into confrontation with the officials despite warning.
The police also said a few cadres pelted stones at the earthmover brought to remove the flagpole, damaging its window panes.
The police had to use mild force to evict the protesting BJP workers and remove the flagpole.
While 110 people were initially detained, police released all but five of them for allegedly involved in causing damage to the earthmover. Later on Saturday evening, police arrested Mr. Reddy for his alleged involvement in the incident.
