Tamil Nadu police arrested state Bharatiya Janata Party president Nainar Nagenthran and his supporters on Thursday after they made attempts to light a lamp at ‘dheepathoon’ (pillar) atop the Thirupparankundram hill. For a second day, cadres from Hindu outfits gathered at the foothills of Thirupparankundram to light a lamp at ‘dheepathoon’ (light pillar) following Madras High Court orders.
Nagentharan, along with the petitioner in the case Rama Ravikumar and several BJP cadres, gathered at the foothills of Thirupparankundram to climb the hills and light a lamp at the pillar. The Madurai bench of Madras High Court, hearing a petition by Rama Ravikumar, ordered the lighting of the lamp at the pillar in the hills on December 1. However, the Tamil Nadu government challenged the order. Hearing the matter, Madras High Court judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan ordered the government to ensure the lamp is lit on Thursday itself. The high court also directed authorities to ensure compliance and file an affidavit on Friday. It had directed the police to give protection for the petitioner Rama Ravikumar to light the lamp on the pillar.
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According to Madurai police, Nagenthran and others were told in clear terms that they would not be permitted. They also reportedly conveyed the protesters that the state government will be challenging the high court's order.
As Nainar and others did not disperse, they were taken in a police van and taken away from the spot that led to the hilltop. Police said the protesters will be freed after some time.