Tinnevely riot of 1908

The Tinnevely riot is an outbreak of violence which occurred in the town of Tinnevely in then Madras Presidency of British India on March 17, 1908. The outbreak was in response to the arrest and subsequent conviction of Indian nationalists Subramania Siva and V. O. Chidambaram Pillai.

Events

V. O. Chidambaram Pillai and Subramania Siva were arrested in Tuticorin on March 12, 1908 for delivering inflammatory speeches. Following their arrest, a serious riot broke out in the neighbouring Tinnevely in protest. All the public buildings except the town office were attacked and furniture destroyed though there was no loss to life. Twenty-seven persons were convicted for participation in the riot.

References

• D. Sadasivan (1974). Growth of public opinion in the Madras Presidency (1858-1909). University of Madras. p. 52.