Dalits’ houses burnt in Ariyalur poll clash

Eight people suffered injuries and over 20 houses were ransacked by the clashing groups. On information additional police force was deputed to avert escalation of the situation in the region.

According to sources, a group of PMK cadre broke earthen pots, which is the election symbol of VCK chief Thol Thirumavalavan, who is contesting in the Chidambaram segment, near the polling booth in Ponparappi village. 

Following this, VCK cadre picked up an altercation with the PMK cadre. Suddenly, the PMK men stormed into nearby Dalit colonies and ransacked nearly 20 houses. Soon, VCK cadre came to the spot and tried to retaliate. The whole area turned into a battle zone with both the groups attacking each other with wooden logs and stones. On information, police rushed to the spot and dispersed the clashing groups.

Meanwhile, five BJP men were allegedly attacked by a group of AMMK cadre in Kanniyakumari. aAccording to the police, Satheesh Kumar (28) a BJP cadre of Veeravanallur, came to a polling booth at Arumanallur Government Higher Secondary School with his friends to cast vote. When BJP cadre came out, Simson (42) and a few others, belonging to AMMK, verbally abused them and this led to a heated argument. Later Satheesh Kumar and others left the spot.

Around 4.30 pm, the group led by Simson went to Veeravanallur and assaulted the BJP cadre. The injured were identified as S Satheesh Kumar (28) of Veeravanallur, S Manikandan (22), S Saravanan (27), T Parameswaran (25) and K Pazhaniappan (38). Among the injured, Manikandan who was stabbed, sustained injuries to his back.