: At a time when government is seeking to give a push to 'Swachh Bharat Abhiyan' campaign,the alleged action of a top police officer in locking Municipality run toilets and bathrooms near the bus stand and seashore in this pilgrim town has led to people defecating in open areas.
Municipality chairman A Arjunan told reporters here that Deputy Superintendent of Police Vijayakumar had locked all the 16 odd toilets/bathrooms run by the municipality, claiming he had received orders from higher ups, whom he did not name.
"People who arrive in buses use Municipal toilets at the bus stand. Now people defecate everywhere around it.This is an important pilgrim town and thousands of Ayappa devotees arrive here,apart from regular pilgrims all over India.This is not the appropriate time for police to display their high-handed behaviour", he told reporters who were taken around the areas.
The Chairman alleged the DSP was very curt in his response telling them to do what they liked when asked if it was within his jurisdiction to close them.
He said officials of the Ramanathaswamy temple had also complained about the closure of toilets/bathroom near the holy Agni theertham and had taken up the issue withhigher officials.
