Kumar alleged that the MLA used abusive language and physically assaulted him. (Credit-Social Media)
Karthik Kumar, a resident of Kannan Biran Colony in Thuraiyur, his locality had been facing a drinking water shortage for the past week, while garbage had piled up in the area, according to the complainant. He alleged that despite approaching municipal authorities, no action was taken to resolve the issues. Kumar alleged that the MLA verbally abused and physically assaulted him, including kicking him, before chasing him away. A video purportedly showing the incident went viral on social media, triggering criticism and raising questions about the conduct of an elected representative towards a constituent seeking redressal of civic grievances. The incident sparked a debate on social media, with users questioning the alleged behaviour of the legislator towards a constituent who had approached him over basic civic amenities. Meanwhile, allegations have also emerged that police personnel asked Kumar to leave the hospital and warned him against filing a complaint against the MLA. These claims have not been independently verified. However, in a subsequent video recorded alongside Ravi Shankar, Kumar denied that the legislator had assaulted him and claimed that the incident was being misrepresented on social media. The contradictory claims have added another dimension to the controversy, with the incident drawing considerable attention across social media platforms.