Kin of man who died at TVK meeting in Salem stage protest demanding solatium

Relatives of S. Suraj, 37, who died during the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam meeting at Seelanaickenpatti in Salem on Friday, staged a protest in front of the Collectorate on Saturday, demanding solatium and financial assistance for his family.

Suraj, a native of Maharashtra who had lived in Salem for over 20 years with his family, reportedly collapsed at the meeting addressed by TVK founder Vijay. He died on the way to the hospital. He is survived by his wife, Priya, a 11-year-old daughter, and a seven-year-old son.

On Saturday, relatives, workers, and members of the Communist Party of India (CPI) gathered at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital and refused to collect the body, insisting that adequate solatium be provided to the bereaved family., who had lost their sole breadwinner. They alleged that no TVK functionary had met the family or offered condolences. They also sought arrangements to transport the body to his native place in Maharashtra.

Later, the protesters took out a rally to the Collectorate and staged a sit-in protest outside the premises. TVK functionaries promised the protesters that they would take up the issue with party high command. Later, the protesters received the body and left.