A mob posing as ‘sanitation workers’ attacked the home of popular YouTuber A Shankar, also known as ‘Savukku’ Shankar, in Kilpauk on Monday.
The attackers, who were angry over Shankar’s criticism of the ruling DMK government, vandalised his house by dumping human excreta and drainage waste inside.
At the time, Shankar was not at home, and his mother, A Kamala, was the only one present.
The mob, dressed in conservancy workers' uniforms, threatened Kamala before they poured waste around the house. They also snatched her mobile phone and made a video call. Shankar later shared images of the damage and the video call, which was taken by one of the trespassers. According to the police, the attackers were offended by remarks Shankar made in a recent YouTube video.
To prevent further incidents, police were stationed at the residence. Shankar posted on ‘X’ that the police had advised him not to return home due to the ongoing situation.
Kamala described the ordeal to the media, saying the attackers broke open the back door, hurled abuse, and threatened her. They poured drainage water and threw flower pots around the house. She explained that she tried to reason with them, stating that her son had supported them, but they refused to listen.
Although they were abusive, Kamala said the attackers did not harm her. The police later recovered her mobile phone from the trespassers.
Shankar, a former constable with the Vigilance Department, is a well-known whistle-blower and critic of the DMK government. He has been arrested multiple times, facing several charges, including derogatory remarks about female police officers. He was granted bail by the Supreme Court.
The incident has sparked outrage. Opposition leaders, including AIADMK’s Edappadi K Palaniswamy, BJP’s K Annamalai, and actor Vijay, have expressed support for Shankar. Congress MP Karti P Chidambaram has urged the police to arrest those responsible.
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