Tamil Nadu’s government disclosed on October 2 that two highways engineers had been suspended over Hindi lettering on a direction signboard in Thoothukudi district. It said the lettering was removed and departmental proceedings had begun because the board conflicted with its Tamil-English language policy.
The signboard was on the Sathankulam–Nazareth section of State Highway 93. DT Next reported that it carried place names and directions in Tamil, Hindi and English. The government identified the suspended officials as an assistant divisional engineer and an assistant engineer.
Highways Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the suspensions occurred on October 1 and a Tamil-English replacement board was installed, The News Minute reported. That specific account differs from early reports describing Friday suspensions. The sources establish a fresh public explanation on October 2, while differing over when the suspension orders took effect.
DMK and PMK leaders criticised the Hindi text, while the minister reaffirmed the government’s two-language policy. Their accusations about political intent are not established findings. Suspension and an ongoing departmental inquiry also do not amount to a completed disciplinary judgment against the engineers.