Shoe-garlanded effigy of Karnataka CM found in Coimbatore; police probe underway

Coimbatore City Police have launched an investigation after an effigy of Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar was found garlanded with footwear on Sunday (August 16) at Vilankurichi, a locality on the city's outskirts. The effigy was tied to a warning board of the Coimbatore City Traffic Police, with a poster that read: “Don’t the three Tamils have the value that a deer has?”

The display is believed to be a protest against the deaths of three Tamils, which reportedly occurred on August 15 in the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary in Karnataka. According to available reports, the deaths took place during an operation by the Karnataka Forest Department. The exact circumstances of the incident have not been officially confirmed, and details remain awaited.

Photos and videos of the effigy were widely circulated on WhatsApp late on Sunday, drawing attention to the symbolic protest. Garlanding an effigy or a person with footwear is considered a form of disrespect in many parts of India, and is often used in demonstrations to express anger or condemnation.

Officials attached to the intelligence wing of the Coimbatore City Police said they were working to identify the location where the effigy was placed and the persons responsible. “We are examining the visuals and conducting a thorough investigation,” a police officer told PTI, requesting anonymity. Further inquiries are ongoing.

The effigy was found at the Vilankurichi signal, a busy junction known for heavy traffic. Police are collecting evidence and scanning footage from nearby CCTV cameras. The area has been secured, and patrolling has been intensified to avoid any law and order issues.

The incident comes amid heightened sensitivities following the reported deaths in the wildlife sanctuary. The Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary, located along the banks of the Cauvery River, is spread across parts of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Interactions between forest departments and locals, particularly those engaged in activities such as fishing or grazing, have occasionally led to confrontations. However, no official statement has been issued yet by either the Karnataka or Tamil Nadu governments regarding the specific incident.

The use of an effigy of a political leader in a protest is not uncommon in the region. Such acts are often intended to draw attention to grievances. While some may see the display as a legitimate form of dissent, others have urged restraint, calling for a thorough inquiry into the deaths to establish the facts.

The Coimbatore police have not registered a case yet, as the identity of those behind the effigy is still unknown. The investigation is focused on tracing the origins of the act. Authorities have also appealed to the public to refrain from sharing provocative content on social media, as such actions may disturb communal harmony.

As the inquiry continues, the families of the three deceased and the broader Tamil community await clarity on the circumstances that led to the tragic deaths. The Karnataka Forest Department has not yet issued a public statement. Officials on both sides have maintained silence, leaving room for speculation. The police have urged patience, assuring that the investigation will be completed in a transparent manner.

This is a developing story. More details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.