Tension prevailed in Salem district as the head part of social reformer ‘Periyar’ E.V. Ramasamy’s statue was covered by a plastic bag on Tuesday (June 16, 2026).

Local resident noticed that the statue, located near the Salem Collectorate, was covered with plastic bags. On information, members of Dravidar Kazhagam (DK) and Dravidar Viduthalai Kazhagam (DVK) gathered on the spot. The town police who came to the spot, verified the CCTV surveillance near the statue. It was found that a woman who appeared to be mentally disturbed, covered her head with a plastic bag and also covered the statue’s head. The DK and DVK members dispersed after the footage was showcased to them.