In recent days, a distressing incident emerged from the tranquil regions of Shenkottai in Tenkasi, shaking the spiritual ethos that grips the region, especially during the festive season of Ganesh Chaturthi. A heart-wrenching narrative has come to light, unraveling through a video that swiftly claimed a spot in the viral corridors of social media platforms. The focal point of this saga is Murugan, a seasoned BJP functionary and a revered figure in the community for his craftsmanship in creating murtis, Hindu religious idols.

A native of Shenkottai, Murugan has dedicated decades to the artistry of sculpting murtis using environmentally friendly materials. Working alongside his father, Thirumalai, the duo has nurtured their family-run venture, Sri Murugan Handcrafts, into a haven where spirituality meets craftsmanship. Their expertise lies predominantly in the crafting of Ganesha murtis, with sizes ranging from a modest 2 feet to towering figures of 12 feet, catering to a wide array of devout customers from across the state and even extending their reach to neighboring Kerala.

As the joyous and spiritually charged festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is on the horizon, orders at Sri Murugan Handcrafts have skyrocketed, with customers flocking to procure murtis that resonate with spiritual vibes and ecological consciousness. However, this flourishing season has been marred by a dark cloud of controversy, which descended upon them unexpectedly on the morning of September 7th.

On that day, a deeply unsettling incident unfolded at the peaceful precincts of Sri Murugan Handcrafts. A squad of police officers, led by Shenkottai DSP Nagashankar, arrived at the premises, levelling a serious accusation against Murugan. The police alleged that Murugan was employing the prohibited Plaster of Paris compound in his creations, an assertion that seemed to target not only his long-standing business but his political affiliations as well.

Faced with these grave allegations, a resilient Murugan stood his ground, vehemently denying the claims. With utmost transparency, he welcomed the officers to scrutinize his methods, which solely incorporated eco-friendly materials such as tapioca flour, sago, and liquified paper in the making of murtis. In an attempt to vindicate himself, Murugan even undertook the step of demonstrating the complete dissolution of a murti, laying bare the truth of his eco-conscious approach before the accusing eyes.

In the viral video, a distraught yet defiant Murugan is seen narrating his ordeal, with his voice echoing the sentiments of an artist wronged. He emphasizes, “I don’t mix anything else. I have been in this business for 20 years.” Yet, his sincere pleas and demonstrative evidence seemingly fell on deaf ears, with the DSP retorting callously, “Will you dissolve all the idols?”.

As the saga unfolds, it becomes a testament to Murugan's unwavering commitment to his craft and the ecological ethos he upholds. In the face of adversity, Murugan remains steadfast, embodying the spirit of an artist who refuses to bow down to false allegations and prejudice. This incident, now spotlighted in the virtual sphere, beckons society to stand united against injustice and to rally in support of truth and righteousness.

In a subsequent section of the heart-wrenching video, Murugan recounts the moments when DSP Nagashankar questioned him about his political affiliations. In response to Murugan's admittance of his association with the BJP, the DSP allegedly retorted with a demeaning query, “You think you are a bigshot if you are in some party?”. As per Murugan, what ensued was a verbal onslaught, characterized by a series of derogatory remarks and an aggressive demeanor, escalating to physical violence. A deeply anguished Murugan narrated how the conversation turned physically abusive, where he was not even permitted the basic courtesy to defend himself against the raised allegations.

The distressing dialogue did not end there. The DSP reportedly threatened to orchestrate a downfall of Murugan's well-established business within a span of a year, instructing a subordinate to “file some case on him and get him on the van”. This threat, perceived as a direct attack on his livelihood and reputation, has cast a long shadow on Murugan's spirits and determination to carry forward his family legacy.

Despite the grave nature of this incident, Murugan maintains a stance of respect for the police force as an institution, pointing out that the actions of a few individuals, like DSP Nagashankar, should not bring disrepute to the entire department. However, the apparent adversity has taken its toll, leaving him contemplating shutting down his cherished business, a venture nurtured over decades with love and dedication. He expressed his intention to fulfill the existing orders and then immerse the remaining murtis, before possibly closing his venture for good.

At this critical juncture, the anguish and despair of a beleaguered craftsman have resonated deeply with netizens and BJP functionaries alike. Prominent personalities like State Secretary SG Suryah and Legal Wing functionary Asuvathaman have publicly pledged their support, promising assistance and legal help to navigate the tumultuous waters of this ordeal.

In an effort to shed more light on the incident, the Tamil media outlet Vikatan reached out to Murugan. Through their conversation, a detailed chronicle of a family deeply entrenched in the artistry of murti-making unfolded. Murugan recounted, “My family has been in the murti-making business for 40 years. We have been casting Vinayagar murtis for the past 20 years. We started it with five murtis and have expanded to make up to 600 murtis now. People come to us from as far as Thiruvananthapuram. We have never had any trouble all these years. But this year they are pressuring us a lot. They insist that we should cast murtis only if people ordering them bring the order allowing them to install them.”

This alarming tale thus beckons a close inspection and reflection on the escalating pressures faced by Murugan, bringing to the fore questions on the protection of artisans and their craft, and the role of governance in fostering a safe and encouraging environment for entrepreneurs. It calls upon society to stand vigil against injustices that threaten the fabric of community harmony and individual livelihoods. The unfolding narrative is a testament to the resilience and spirit of artisans like Murugan, who brave adversities in the pursuit of preserving their familial and cultural legacies.

In this unfolding drama that has riveted the community both offline and online, Murugan narrates an experience laden with perceived intimidation and deep psychological distress. The situation, as described, paints a picture of an entrepreneurial spirit caught in a vice grip of intrusive scrutiny and undue pressure. According to Murugan, authorities have allegedly been stationed outside his shop, subjecting potential customers to an intimidating inquisition about their personal details and the specifics of their purchases, fostering a palpable atmosphere of fear and suspicion.

With an unmistakable tremor of despair in his voice, Murugan revealed, “However, they grant permission to those who want to put up pandals at the last minute only. They sit outside the shop and allow customers inside only after inquiring them about their whereabouts, specifications of the murti, etc., which has frightened the customers. After exerting so much pressure, they came inside the shop and threatened us as well. We are honest people doing legal business.”

The narrative takes a darker turn as Murugan equates the treatment meted out to him and his father to that typically reserved for criminal elements. In a fervent demonstration to establish the legality of his business, he took the drastic step of breaking a 2-ft murti in the presence of the police, yet found himself under further threats and duress. His voice laden with anguish, he states, “We were threatened and treated like ganja peddlers. I broke a 2 ft murti in their presence to show them. Yet, they threatened me that they wouldn’t allow me to do business. Not only did they hit me, they also insulted and spoke disrespectfully to my dad. He is in mental turmoil. I’m not going to sell murtis due to the police pressure. I have decided to immerse them on the day of Ganesh Chaturthi. After all this, they have also filed cases against me. I will bear everything for god. I hope justice will prevail”.

When confronted for a response, DSP Nagashankar maintained that the raid on Murugan's establishment was predicated upon received complaints accusing the latter of utilizing Plaster of Paris in his creations. This was echoed in his statement to the media outlet Dinamalar, where he refuted allegations of any religious bias influencing the actions of SP Samson, a focal point of criticisms spearheaded by BJP members.

Adding another layer to this complex narrative is the recent statement by DMK scion and Sports Minister, Udayanidhi Stalin, urging for the "eradication of Sanatana Dharma". This comment cannot be viewed in isolation, as whispers grow louder regarding the infiltration of missionary-minded individuals within the police force, a development that allegedly took root since the DMK came to power.

As this troubling narrative finds its place in the public discourse, it holds a mirror to the pressing issues of the day: the necessity of safeguarding the sanctity of artistry and entrepreneurial spirit, the importance of religious harmony, and the indispensable value of justice and fair play. One can only hope that justice prevails, casting a beacon of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, potentially fostering an environment where craftsmanship and tradition can flourish unhindered, respected and protected in its deserving glory.

Another similar incident

In an incident that reflects an alarming pattern, a video has emerged where the distress of a Hindu woman and her children is palpable. Through tears and fear, they beg the officials of the Tamil Nadu pollution control board to reconsider the closure of their workshop. Their heartrending pleas, fuelled by the dread of losing their only source of income, seemingly found no sympathy with the authorities. This episode adds yet another disheartening chapter to the escalating series of events that hint at an apparent targeted assault on Hindu artisans within the state.

Sadly, these are not isolated occurrences. A grim shadow seems to be descending over the once vibrant and culturally rich canvas of Tamil Nadu. The stories emanating from the region suggest that the poor Hindu community is becoming a collateral damage in a larger political narrative. Under the garb of enforcing legal and environmental regulations, it seems like the Tamil Nadu government has been systematically choking the lifeblood of these humble artisans who depend heavily on the festive season to sustain their livelihoods.

The circumstances under which these workshops have been sealed and shut down raise serious questions. Many of these artisans initiated their ventures by securing loans, and the abrupt closure threatens not only their sustenance but also plunges them into a whirlpool of debt and despair.

The growing perception is that the Hindu community is being unfairly targeted as a part of a wider political scheme orchestrated by Stalin's regime, which allegedly harbours anti-Sanatan ideologies. This campaign, perceived as an onslaught on the livelihoods of the poor Hindus of Tamil Nadu, is being seen as a blatant example of religious discrimination and a breach of the secular principles that govern the nation.

As the darkness deepens, the affected communities clutch onto slivers of hope and faith, their only beacon in these turbulent times. Echoing Murugan's stoic resolve in the face of adversity, they unify in their cry, "I hope justice will prevail," an embodiment of their unwavering belief in the sanctity of justice, perhaps a last bastion in their fight against the oppressive forces they find themselves up against.