A tattoo artist from Trichy and his associate have been arrested for operating an unlicensed tattoo parlour and performing a dangerous tongue-splitting procedure without the necessary medical training or safety precautions. The arrests follow the viral circulation of a video showing the unauthorized procedure being carried out on the associate.
The two men, identified as Hariharan from Chintamani, Trichy, and Jayaraman from Koothappar, were operating the tattoo parlour in the Melachinthamani area of Trichy. The shop, which had been running for more than a month, advertised extreme body modification services such as tongue splitting and eyeball piercing. However, it was later revealed that the parlour lacked the necessary operating license and was not in compliance with health and safety regulations.
Hariharan, who has a history of pursuing unusual body modifications, reportedly underwent a tongue-splitting procedure in January and later underwent surgery. He also spent a significant amount of money — Rs 2 lakh — for an eye tattoo in Mumbai. Known for his passion for unique and extreme tattoos, Hariharan regularly shared images of his body art on social media.
In a shocking development, Hariharan allegedly performed the dangerous tongue-splitting operation on his associate, Jayaraman, without any medical preparation or supervision. The procedure was captured on video and shared across social media platforms, drawing the attention of authorities. In response, the police arrested both men, with a case being filed against Hariharan for performing the surgery without the requisite medical qualifications or licensing.
In addition to the arrests, the Trichy Corporation took swift action, shutting down the parlour and sealing the premises on Sunday night. During a subsequent inspection, the corporation’s health team discovered a range of surgical equipment, including medical-grade needles and sutures, which raised concerns about the unregulated and potentially unsafe nature of the business.
The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for stricter regulation of body modification practices, particularly those involving high-risk procedures. Authorities have reiterated the importance of ensuring that such procedures are carried out only by qualified professionals in licensed establishments to protect public health and safety.
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