The villagers of the Muttathuvayal village have sought the release of the 32- year-old man from Pothanur who was accused of cheating a tribal woman on October 15th.

In a petition handed over to the District Collector T.N. Hariharan the villagers have sought action against the police personnel who had allegedly booked M. Siva “under false charges”.

The petition stated that Siva was helping the villagers get education, procure patta for their lands and helped them avail other basic needs.

“However, he was arrested by the Alandur police under sections 294 b (using obscene language, gesture), 323 (causing hurt) and 420 (cheating) of Indian Penal Code besides provisions of Prevention of Atrocities on SC and ST Act based on a false complaint by V. Maheshwari, a tribal women,” the petition read.

Claiming that Siva was booked for working against the Isha Foundation, the villagers also claimed that action was not initiated against Isha members despite complaints.

“We request the district administration to protect us from Isha Foundation members who are threatening us,” the petition further stated.