Following the massive protests against IPL that turned violent on Tuesday, actor-turned politician Rajinikanth slammed the attack on the policemen stationed on duty at the MA Chidambaram stadium in Chennai.
Taking to Twitter to speak on the issue, Rajinikanth said, “The worst form of violence in law and order situation is attack on uniformed personnel on duty.”
“This form of violence has to be tackled immediately as it poses grave danger to our country. We need more stringent laws to punish the perpetrators of attack on police personnel on duty,” he said. The actor also put up a video of protestors attacking policemen along with his tweet.
வன்முறையின் உச்சகட்டமே சீருடையில் பணிபுரியும் காவலர்கள் தாக்கப்படுவது தான்.இத்தகைய வன்முறை கலாச்சாரத்தை உடனே கிள்ளி எறியவில்லை என்றால் நாட்டுக்கே பேராபத்து.சீருடையில் இருக்கும் காவலர்கள் மீது கை வைப்பவர்களை தண்டிக்க இன்னும் கடுமையான சட்டங்களை நாம் இயற்றவேண்டும். pic.twitter.com/05buIcQ1VS
— Rajinikanth (@rajinikanth) April 11, 2018
After this, Rajini’s fan association, too, posted a tweet, apologising to the team for the violence.
In the tweet, the association blamed the political parties and said, "Please don't spoil Tamizh culture," followed by an apology to the team and the players.
In Cricket everyone will say Chennai crowd are Knowledgeable crowd.
— Rajinikanth fans (@Rajni_FC) April 11, 2018
But it was proved as false because of some political Parties.
Pls don't spoil #Thamizh Culture.
Sorry @ChennaiIPL Team@faf1307 @imjadeja @JadhavKedar @Zakka_Jacob pic.twitter.com/4Ga8giyQLI
On Tuesday, several protesters from various political parties as well as some members of the film industry laid siege to Anna Salai ahead of the CSK vs KKR match that took place at 8pm.
Protesters from parties including Thamizhar Vazhu Urimai Katchi (TVK), Vidudhalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), Naam Thamizhar, SDPI came in droves and landed up near the Anna Statue in Anna Salai in the evening.
Visuals even showed CSK fans being assaulted by the protesters. Some of the fans were made to remove their CSK jerseys by the protesting crowd.
The police jumped into action, putting barricades to cut off their onward march towards the stadium. But protesters jumped over barricades and fell on the police and media personnel on the other side.
There were 4000 odd police personnel stationed at the stadium to ensure that the situation was peaceful. Inside the stadium, one of the protesters hurled a shoe into the pitch to continue the agitation.
The protesters were detained by the police and six cadres from the Naam Thamizhar party were arrested for hurling shoes into the stadium.
The CSK vs KKR match went on relatively uninterrupted despite the massive protests. CSK won the match against KKR by 5 wickets.
Political parties, farmers and even actors have been holding protests against the non-formation of the Cauvery Management Board and have also demanded that IPL matches should not be conducted in Chennai, as it would remove focus from the ongoing struggle against the Centre.
The superstar had earlier stated that CSK players should wear black badges during the IPL to send a message about Cauvery.
Addressing media outside his residence, the actor had said, “It is an embarrassment if we enjoy IPL during this crucial time. Our team (CSK) should try to wear black badges during the game to send the message across the country, the team owners should also support it,” he said.