A day after Chennai witnessed peaceful protests on Jallikattu turning violent, a video has emerged that purportedly shows policemen committing arson.
Tweeted several times, the video shows a police constable inserting a bundle of burning newspapers into the back of an auto.
Actor Kamal Haasan, who has been a vocal supporter of Jallikattu, tweeted the video seeking an explanation.
The authenticity of the video, that also did the rounds on WhatsApp, could not be verified.
According to a report in News18, the video was allegedly telecast on News18 Tamil after it was sent in by a viewer. The report also says that the area where the video is taken seemed to be Mylapore, that is close Marina Beach where the initial protests were taking place.
However, the Chennai police has denied reports of arson against its officers.
When the video was brought to the notice of police officers, one K Shankar told NDTV that action would be taken if found guilty.
Meanwhile Mylapore deputy commissioner told News18, "We are looking into the veracity of the video. We are shocked... We will take action against the policeman if it's true."
However later, during a press conference the police alleged that the video had been morphed.
Police commissioner S George, according to The News Minute, said that, "We must look into the hidden motive behind this video. The video will be probed by the multimedia department."
George, had in a news conference also said that the police did not use force on protesters:
Thousands of police personnel were deployed across Chennai on Monday, a majority invading the beach and dragging away young men who had been camping there demanding legalization of Jallikattu. Many of the protesters, after being ousted from the beach, took over neighbouring streets and hurled bricks and stones at police.
A large group torched several vehicles parked at the Ice House police station, sending thick clouds of black smoke rising in the sky. As fire tenders battled the flames, police used tear gas and batons to battle the mobs. This only triggered more violence. The trouble was intense in Triplicane area near the beach.
Nearly 60 people, including policemen, were injured in the violence. Around 40 people were arrested for indulging in violence.
Amid vocal criticism from opposition parties and film personalities, including noted actor Kamal Haasan, that police should not have forcibly broken a peaceful protest, many protesters crawled back to the beach.
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