New Delhi, April 8: In the latest in a series of incidents of vandalism,  the statue of social reformer and Dravidian movement icon E.V. Ramasamy, popularly known as “Periyar", was found damaged in Tamil Nadu on Monday. According to a tweet by ANI, the statue was vandalised near Aranthangi in Pudukkottai district. Reports inform that Police have started an investigation into the matter to nab the culprits. Attack on Statues Continue! Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s Statue Garlanded With Empty Cold Drink Bottles & Grass in Gujarat. 

In March 2018, a similar incident was reported from Tamil Nadu's Vellore district where Periyar's statue was allegedly vandalised.  Police claimed that the incident was perpetrated by two drunk men. The vanndalism drew condemnation from Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) working president M.K. Stalin and top actor Rajinikanth.

Ramasamy is a Dravidian icon in Tamil Nadu who heralded the self-respect movement. A staunch atheist, he had often questioned then prevailing social and religious customs, drawing the ire of a section of the society. Reports inform that he had founded the Dravidar Kazhagam, the parent organisation of DMK, floated by late chief minister C N Annadurai and taken forward by its incumbent chief Late M Karunanidhi.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 08, 2019 10:05 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).