Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit was involved in a minor car accident on Friday. The Governor was travelling from Pudukkottai to Tiruchi when a Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation bus brushed against the side of his car.
According to one report in the Times of India, the Governor was in Tiruchi to conduct review meetings with officials. The government bus reportedly brushed against the Governor’s vehicles leaving a dent and green-coloured scratch marks on the right side of the Toyota Innova.
According to the newspaper, the bus driver was attempting to overtake three college buses. The Governor escaped the accident unhurt even as his car sidetracked to the left side of the road.
The Vellanur police station have reportedly booked the bus driver under Indian Penal Code Sections 279(Rash driving or riding on a public way) and 337(Causing hurt by act endangering life or personal safety of others). No injuries were reported.
According to ToI, the incident had left the Governor rattled and he was in a state of shock.
According to one report in The Hindu, The TNSTC bus was headed for Devakottai when incident happened. Soon after the accident that took place at around 2: 50 pm, the Governor alighted his vehicle and hopped into another car in his convoy.
The newspaper also reports a large number of DMK party cadre who staged a black flag protest in Pudukkottai near the Government College for Women. The DMK has been vocal in their opposition to the Governor meeting with district officials and conducting review meetings. The role of the Governor is merely ceremonial, they have opined. They have taken to black flag protests every time the Governor travels across the state for the same.
According to the newspaper which quotes police sources, around 600 DMK took part in the agitation led by MLA S Regupathy.