Daijiworld Media Network - Tiruchirappalli
Tiruchirappalli, Nov 9: A man who had accused Tamil Nadu Deputy Speaker and TVK MLA Ravi Shankar of assaulting him has now said that “nothing happened”, claiming that the incident was being misrepresented on social media.
Karthik Kumar, a resident of Tiruchirappalli district, had alleged that the MLA abused and assaulted him when he approached him with complaints about drinking water shortages and garbage accumulation in his neighbourhood. The allegations triggered controversy after a video purportedly showing the MLA kicking and chasing him away went viral.
In a subsequent video, Kumar is seen sitting beside Ravi Shankar and clarifying his earlier claims. He said there had been some pushing and shoving amid a crowd but denied that the incident had unfolded as described in social media posts.
“I came to the house next to the Deputy Speaker's residence. There was a push and pull during the crowd gathering, but it is being misreported on social media,” Kumar said.
He also stated that he had worked for Ravi Shankar when the latter was a candidate and that they were travelling together to join the same party.
The controversy began after Kumar alleged that the Deputy Speaker used abusive language and assaulted him when he approached the legislator on Diwali over civic problems in his locality. He claimed that the area had been facing drinking water shortages for a week and that garbage continued to pile up despite repeated complaints to the municipality.
Kumar said he had tried contacting the MLA several times but received no response. He also claimed that he had repeatedly told the legislator that he had voted for Chief Minister Vijay.
The incident reportedly took place in the Manachanallur area, where Kumar had gone for personal work and encountered Ravi Shankar, who resides there. Following the alleged assault, Kumar was admitted to the Manachanallur Government Hospital for treatment.
The viral footage, however, was dark and did not clearly establish the identities of the individuals involved. It was also difficult to identify the speakers in parts of the recording.