Namakkal: An unfortunate incident of miscreants cutting down 2000 banana trees and 200 betel nut trees in an agricultural garden has baffled the residents of Konthalam village near Paramathi Vellore. The incident, which has created a sensation in the area, has left farmers devastated.
The affected farmer, Dharmalingam, who belongs to Konthalam village in Namakkal district, had diligently planted and maintained 1750 banana trees in his 2 acres of agricultural land. All of these trees were just six months old. However, this morning when Dharmalingam went to water and maintain his garden, he was shocked to discover that all the banana trees had been cut down.
This act of vandalism was not limited to just one farmer. Subramaniam, a lawyer from the same area, had 200 gourd trees and 250 banana trees in his agricultural garden, all of which were mercilessly felled by the miscreants. Dharmalingam immediately filed a complaint at the Jedarpalayam police station, hoping to find clues at the scene and bring the culprits to justice.
The police investigation revealed that the miscreants had entered the farm garden in the early morning and carried out their heinous act. However, their identity remains unknown. The Namakkal District Superintendent of Police, Ch. Rajesh Kannan, and Thiruchengode Kotaksiar Sukanti have taken charge of the investigation. To prevent any further incidents, police security has been heightened in the villages of Konthalam district.
Dharmalingam, the affected farmer, has requested the authorities to provide appropriate compensation for the losses incurred. This incident comes in the wake of various acts of violence, including the sexual assault and murder of Nitya from Karappalayam on March 11. To maintain law and order, over 600 policemen have been deployed from the districts of Salem, Namakkal, and Erode.
Security measures have been increased over the past six months, with the installation of surveillance cameras and constant monitoring of suspicious activities. In addition, 11 individuals were arrested last month in connection with the series of violent incidents and have been lodged in the Salem Central Jail.
As investigations continue, the incident of the cut-down banana and betel nut trees has left the community in a state of shock and excitement. The authorities are determined to put an end to such acts of violence and vandalism and ensure the safety and security of the residents in the area.