COIMBATORE: An AIADMK functionary was arrested for opening fire with his gun over a family feud in Erode.

According to police, Gopinath (43), a deputy coordinator of the AIADMK’s students' wing in Erode West district and a farmer from Andavarmalai, is married to Brindha, and they have two daughters, aged 12 and 5.

Police said Brindha’s brother Dinesh Kumar, 28, from S Alambalai, had borrowed Rs 14 lakh from Gopinath. A quarrel broke out between Gopinath and Brindha on Sunday night regarding the money given to her brother.

Following a heated exchange of words, Gopinath had assaulted his wife, who then informed her parents. Subsequently, her parents, along with Dinesh Kumar, arrived and reportedly questioned him for assaulting Brindha.

This led to further escalation of the issue, and in a fit of rage, Gopinath took out his gun and threatened to shoot them all. He also fired three rounds into the air inside the house. The frightened family members immediately rushed into a room and locked themselves inside.

Police said Gopinath also took a log and damaged the car by breaking its front and rear windshields. On receiving information, the Nambiyur police arrived and rescued the family members and took Gopinath into custody. A case has been registered, and further inquiries are underway.