Farmer's Suicide Sparks Highway Protest

Tension erupted in Ramanathapuram on Monday evening following the death of a 35-year-old farmer. His relatives staged a road blockade on the Madurai-Rameswaram Highway, demanding the swift arrest of individuals allegedly responsible for his suicide.

The victim, Katheeswaran, reportedly faced assault and sexual harassment approximately ten days prior to his death. The incident, which occurred at his farm, allegedly involved local youths. Severely affected by the ordeal, Katheeswaran attempted suicide at his residence four days ago.

He was admitted to Ramanathapuram Government Medical College Hospital, but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries without responding to treatment. Following his passing, his family and relatives gathered, blocking the busy highway for an hour and disrupting traffic. While a case was already filed concerning the assault, protesters sought immediate arrests, which were made after police intervention and talks with the agitators.