MLA’s aides attacked as TV debate turns sour in Coimbatore 

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore Rural Police have registered a case against eight unidentified men for throwing stones on Friday night at cars of Kangayam MLA U Thaniyarsu’s supporters, near Sulur, on the city’s outskirts. The men, who came on motorcycles and blocked the cars, also brandished machetes, according to the Sulur police.

The incident followed the shooting of a TV debate, in which Thaniyarasu and BJP State secretary Tamilisai Soundararajan were participants. The show’s director, Ameer, reportedly referred to the riots in Coimbatore after the murder of Hindu Munnani functionary C Sasikumar — when the police did not open fire — and asked why the police opened fire at the anti-Sterlite protestors in Thoothukudi.

Angered, BJP supporters who created an uproar and gathered near the stage. Thaniyarasu’s supporters also barged in, resulting in an altercation between the two groups. The show had to be stopped.

Suspecting that BJP cadre might attack Ameer, he was sent with Thaniyarasu. Meanwhile, when the MLA’s supporters were returning to Tirupur, eight persons blocked their cars and threw stones at them.

Based on a complaint from S Rajan Manickem of Perumanallur, the Sulur police registered a case against the eight persons under various IPC sections, and based on a complaint from the management of the private auditorium, the police booked Ameer, a TV reporter, and the channel under three sections, including TN Prevention of Public Property Damage and Loss Act.

“The filing of cases against the channel and Amir is an attempt to crush press freedom. These false cases must be withdrawn”, said VCK general secretary D Ravikumar. The MMK and the Chennai Press Club also condemned the attack.