Even as the family members of Sasi Perumal are returning from Nagercoil without receiving the body, stream of his supporters from different parts of the State have started descending on his native E. Mettukkadu village near Elampillai since Saturday to pay their last respects.
Chandran (55), a long-time associate of Sasi Perumal, who came to E. Mettukkadu to console the bereaved family, created a flutter when he all of a sudden climbed the 120-foot-tall mobile phone tower on the Sinnappampillai road in Elampillai town.
The functioning of the Tasmac shops in E. Mettukkadu and the surrounding areas on Saturday despite the tragedy was the reason for Mr.Chandran’s instant protest.
He demanded immediate closure of the Tasmac retail outlets functioning in Elampillai and surrounding areas as a mark of respect to Sasi Perumal, implementation of total prohibition in the State as per his wish. He also criticised the State government for not coming out with any explanation on the death of Sasi Perumal.
On receiving information, police and revenue officials rushed to the village and held discussions with Mr. Chandran. As a compromise formula, the officials ordered the closure of all the six Tasmac shops in Elampillai and surrounding villages immediately.
The officials also assured him that other demands will be fulfilled too, following which he climbed down the tower at 1.15 p.m.
Supporters on fast
Meanwhile, the relatives and supporters of Sasi Perumal who had arrived from different parts of the State launched indefinite fast in front of his house this morning demanding the government to order the permanent closure of Tasmac shops in the State as a mark of respect to departed soul. Women and children too participated.
To condole his death, an all-party procession was taken out in Elampillai town in the evening. Cadres of the DMK, DMDK, TMC, VCK and other parties and members of various other organisations took part in the silent rally.
