The death of an anti-quarry activist and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) functionary in Tamil Nadu has been altered as a case of murder. Jagaber Ali (58) died on the spot after he was run over by a lorry at Vengalur in Pudukottai district on Friday, January 17. The death was initially suspected to be an accident but police changed the case based on a complaint from his wife.
The complaint stated that Ali had faced threats to his life from a private company in Thirumayam for raising his voice against mining violations. Four people involved in quarrying activities have been arrested in connection with the case.
“Ali had filed a petition in the Madras High Court and got an interim injunction and fine imposed on the violators. He has been mobilising people against people who are illegally looting natural resources, holding occasional protests and giving interviews on social media. Ali also used to meet the officials concerned in-person,” the complaint added.
The First Information Report (FIR) was registered under Section 194(1) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) and later altered as a murder case.