CHENNAI: A mob in sanitary workers’ uniforms barged on Monday into the Chennai residence of YouTuber Savukku Shankar, dumping buckets of slush, filth, and human faeces into the rooms, kitchen, and hall. The attack seemed to be in retaliation for his remarks about sanitation workers.
Shankar’s mother Kamala was alone at their home when nearly 20 people broke in through the rear door, ransacked the house, and allegedly threatened her with dire consequences if her son continued speaking out. The men then grabbed her phone, made a video call to Shankar, and hurled abuses before fleeing. “If there is an issue with my son, then legal action should be taken,” Kamala added.
Police arrived after the attack but made no immediate arrests. Cops are scanning CCTVs to identify the culprits.
Shankar denied making any defamatory remarks against sanitation workers. “I only highlighted that an MLA took the funds rightfully owed to them,” he said. Shankar’s video of the attack has gone viral and fuelled public outrage, with pressure mounting on the Tamil Nadu govt to bring the assailants to justice.
AIADMK’s Edappadi Palaniswami termed the attack unacceptable. “Those believing in democracy can’t tolerate this. This happened under CM Stalin, who claims his govt follows the law,” he said. BJP state chief K Annamalai accused DMK of silencing critics.