Residents of Salem woke up to a jarring sight: the 16-foot bronze statue of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi had been defaced with black paint across its chest and legs. Strong in front of Anna Park, the damage shocked locals and portrayed swift police action.

The defacement occurred in the early hours, and city authorities have launched a full investigation. Officers are scrutinizing nearby CCTV cameras to identify the perpetrators, seeking clues in every frame.

Karunanidhi, often called 'Kalaignar', was a towering figure in Tamil politics, having served five terms as Chief Minister and leaving a lasting cultural legacy. So, when his statue is attacked, it's more than vandalism; it feels like an attack on a community’s identity and memory.

Local DMK supporters expressed dismay and disappointment. “This is a disrespect to his life’s work and to those of us who deeply respect him,” said one visitor at the site, standing before the paint-splattered statue.

Authorities say they're treating this as a politically charged act and hope to make an arrest soon. Meanwhile, community members are rallying to clean and protect the statue.

Such incidents, though isolated, can ignite larger divides. Tamil Nadu has seen similar acts in the past, raising fears of symbolic violence. But the public response today has been unity. People from across social strata have offered photographs, cleaned the area, and demanded justice.

As Salem’s police race against time to bring the culprits to light, the incident stands as a reminder the line between expression and provocation is fragile, particularly when symbols of public memory are touched.