Pro-Deepa lawyers allegedly beaten up by rival group

Though the lawyers injured in the violence claimed to have informed police officially about their stay, the attacks took place in the afternoon even as police personnel were present at the spot. “The cops did not prevent the attackers, who were armed with clubs, from thrashing us,” said Vellore-based lawyer V Palani who was also a victim. 

“Trouble started after the rival group, who were members of the local unit of the party, came to know that we were at supporters of Deepa. As Deepa deferred her big announcement to February 24, we were planning to return home, when the local group barged into the hall and attacked us.” 

Though the Deepa and Sasikala factions have argued face to face in many districts including Vellore, this is the first time that attack has taken place.  With prominent leaders expressing their support for late CM Jayalalithaa’s niece every second day, party insiders claim that more clashes and exodus of leaders are bound to happen following former Coimbatore mayor T Malaravan, who quit AIADMK, expressing his support for Deepa Jayakumar. 

“Similarly, former MLAs VB Chandrasekar (Pollachi), Sundaravel (Tirupatthur, Vellore district) and Durai Anbarasu (Cuddalore) also openly expressed their support to Deepa,” said a party insider.  “Some sitting MLAs too have sent feelers to see what would be the response in case they switch allegiances,” sources added. 

Asked about this, AIADMK spokesperson CR Saraswathi said “We prefer not to react to the Deepa issue as she has not yet entered politics. She had deferred her political entry to February 24 and only after she enters the political arena, can we comment on these developments.”