Aruppukkottai DSP hurt as cadre clash in Narikudi

Aruppukkottai Deputy Superintendent of Police G Venkatesan was hurt in the melee, when he attempted to prevent cadres of the rival parties from entering the union office. The DSP suffered injury on his right arm allegedly after one of the cadres assaulted him with a machete. While the DSP suffered mild injuries, scenes of unrest prevailed with the cadres hurling stones and causing damage to machinery and tools inside the union office. Computers and laptops were thrown to the floor and windowpanes smashed. Earlier, when scores of cadres tried to trespass into the union office, some four unidentified men brandished weapons with an intent to threaten the police.

Block Development Officer M Subramanian said seven candidates each emerged victorious from both the sides. Subramanian, who lodged a complaint with Narikudi police, said though the election commenced at 11 a.m. with adequate security, a gang of over ten, carrying weapons, broke into the East gate of the office and hurled stones at the union office before attacking the DSP. The crowd subsequently entered the common service centre on the office premises and damaged two computers and a printer. While holding talks with victorious candidates from both sides to bring about an amicable solution, Ravichandran, the member of 14th ward tore up the vote sheet, leading to the melee.

Virudhunagar Collector and District Election Officer R Kannan said the election for the post of Narikudi panchayat union got postponed owing to the violent incidents. Narikudi Inspector Jesu said a case has been filed against Ravichandran and more than ten unidentified persons under Sections 147, 148, 427, 448, 324 and 353 of IPC read with 3(i) of TNPPDL Act.