Virudhunagar police, on Monday, altered the case of assault against an elderly farmer, perpetrated by the now-suspended secretary of Pillaiyarkulam panchayat, to attempt to murder. The development a few days after the prime accused, J. Thangapandian, obtained advance bail from the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court.
According to the police, Thangapandian kicked Ammaiyappan in full public view when the latter raised some questions at the gram sabha meeting held at the panchayat on October 2. Thangapandian’s friend, Rasu, then slapped the farmer twice on his face
Vanniyampatti police booked the duo for using abusive words, for assault and for criminal intimidation; however, both the panchayat secretary and his accomplice absconded
