The Salem district police late Monday evening arrested social activist Piyush Manush on the charge of instigating people against the Salem airport expansion project and the eight-lane green corridor project.
Police sources said Mr. Piyush had launched a ‘Saleme Kural Kodu’ movement and was coordinating with the people of villages surrounding the airport to raise their voice against the airport expansion project. He had organised a few meetings of the local people in this connection.
Police said actor Mansoor Ali Khan made a provocative speech in Thumbipadi, Pottiyapuram and Sikkanampatti villages on May 3, threatening to attack officials if they took steps for acquiring farm lands for the eight-lane project. Since Mr. Piyush had taken the actor to these villages, the Theevattipatti police registered case against him as well as against the actor.
Mr. Piyush is accused No. 1 in the case and the actor is accused No. 2, police sources said.
Sources said Mr. Piyush was arrested under Sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation with intent to cause riot); 189 (threat of injury to public servant); 506 (ii) (criminal intimidation) IPC and 7 (1) Criminal Law Amendment Act.
Senior police officials questioned Mr. Piyush at the Omalur police station, the sources added.