77-Year-Old Specialist Booked for Vandalising Public Property at Anna Park
Salem — A 77-year-old ENT specialist from Salem was arrested on Wednesday for allegedly defacing a 16-foot bronze statue of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi at Anna Park by pouring black paint over it.
According to the Hastampatti Police, the act was reportedly committed while the doctor was grappling with severe mental distress due to ongoing family issues. CCTV footage from the area showed the doctor approaching the statue with a container of black paint, confirming his involvement in the incident.
Doctor Confesses, Cites Mental Health Struggles
The accused, who runs Arunagiri ENT Nursing Home in Salem’s Four Roads area and is known locally for his decades of service in the medical field, admitted to the act when questioned by the authorities.
Speaking to the Times of India, Assistant Commissioner K.M. Aswini stated, “He admitted to defacing the statue when we approached him for questioning.” She further confirmed that the doctor had been experiencing prolonged mental distress, a factor now being considered in the broader context of the case.
Legal Action Under Multiple Sections
The police have booked the doctor under:
- Section 196 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): Promoting enmity and disturbing public tranquillity
- Section 352 of the BNS: Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace
- Relevant provisions of the Tamil Nadu Public Property (Prevention of Destruction and Loss) Act, 1982
He has since been remanded to judicial custody.
Raises Concerns Over Mental Health Among Seniors
While the act itself is being treated as a criminal offence, the case has also raised serious concerns about the mental health challenges faced by elderly professionals. Authorities are expected to consult medical experts regarding the doctor’s psychological condition as investigations continue.
This incident adds to a growing list of public disturbances involving healthcare professionals, highlighting the pressing need for mental health support systems—even within the medical community.
