Bottle thrown at Vaiko’s convoy

THOOTHUKUDI

An empty bottle was thrown at the convoy of MDMK general secretary Vaiko at Kulathur near Vilathikulam on Tuesday night when he was campaigning against Sterlite Copper. But nobody was injured.

He launched the campaign in Kovilpatti on Tuesday evening, saying that the unit was causing environmental pollution and appealed to the government to close down the plant to protect the people, who had been protesting against its expansion.

The campaign passed through Ettayapuram, Pudur, Nagalapuram, Surangudi, Vembar and Kulathur. According to party sources, the campaign against Sterlite would continue in other parts of the district this week.

Superintendent of Police P. Mahendran said on Wednesday that investigation was on to check whether the bottle was dropped accidentally or was it a deliberate attempt. However, no complaint had been received in this regard so far.

Vilathikulam Deputy Superintendent of Police M. Dharmalingam said the incident occurred around 9.15 p.m. A group of BJP cadre waved black flags when Mr. Vaiko arrived near Kovilpatti old bus stand, condemning his speech against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Cauvery issue.

Police sources said 54 cadre, including two women, were taken into custody by Kovilpatti West police and released later.