Dates 10 Sep 2011 – 13 Sep 2011 | Location Paramakudi | |
The Paramakudi riots were a series of riots held from 10 to 13 September 2011 in Paramakudi, in the Ramanathapuram district. The riots were held in response to the detention of Tamizhaga Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) leader John Pandian who was detained while heading to Paramakudi to commemorate the 54th death anniversary of Immanuvel Devendrar, former revolutionary leader from Devendrakula vellalar caste.
Violence
On the second day of rioting, 11 September, five rioters were killed and 50 injured. Two later died of their injuries. Hundreds policemen were injured. Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Sandeep Mittal and Superintendent of Police, K. A. Senthilvelan and DSP Ganesan were grievously injured in the stone-pelting. According to district collector Arun Roy, the police opened fire when the mob refused to disperse after an attempt to utilise tear gas. According to Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu Jayalalithaa Jayaram, "What happened at Paramakudi was unfortunate and we are forming an inquiry commission under a retired high court judge to probe the whole incident". Justice Sampath commission justified the police firing without which there would have been loss of lives and state property. The report suggested that sensitive caste gatherings must be avoided.