Netizens in Coimbatore are launched a campaign demanding that officials take action against the illegally hoisted banners. The campaign with a trending hastag in social networking sites #WhoKilledRagu was launched after a motorist Ragu alias Ragupathi died after his vehicle hit a flex banner and was overrun by the tripper lorry on the one-way on Friday night.

A large number of social activists petitioned the District Collector on Monday seeking action against the illegal flex banners put up as part of the MGR Centenary celebrations in the city on December3.

Activist RM Selvaraj alleged that the Peelamedu police had been alerted about the flex banner near Coimbatore Medical College signal which caused Ragu’s death. “Since it belongs to the ruling party function, there was no action from the police and the corporation,” he said.

After the accident, the city corporation removed just that one banner while others stay. “We are not against to the centenary function. But the administration should not give permission for any function near schools and areas prone to traffic congestion in the city,” he added.

Another activist A Manoj said that the WhatsApp mobile app provided by the police for registering complaints was not functioning properly. Even after registering many complaints relating to banners, there has been no action, he says.

Coimbatore City police claims today that K Raghupathi died in the accident as the result of a which came from the wrong side. In a statement, the police also made a request to people that they should ‘not spread wrong information based on speculation’.

“Based on speculation, wrong information is getting spread about the accident, and this will only help such law-breakers to escape from the eyes of the society,” it said. People should come forward to help such accident victims and inform the police immediately.

Police said private firm UPL truck driver Mohan M (31) was arrested based on scientific evidence like forensic reports, CCTV footages and an eye witness. He had “no social responsibility and was inhuman,” the statement added. Mohan, who caused the accident driving on the wrong side, did not bother to stop and check what happened to the victim, it said.

A senior police officer said the CCTV footage from the accident site showed Mohan driving away after the accident. It will be released after due consultation and legal confirmation since the matter is pending in the High Court, according to the statement.