Days after the murder of two VCK cadre in Arakkonam, a DMDK functionary was attacked in Viruddhachalam on Friday in a similar incident raising concern among leaders over the trend of cadre settling scores over poll time disputes.
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Chennai:
Following the two incidents, political leaders have condemned the incidents and appealed to the cadre to maintain restraint.
“I condemn the attack on DMDK functionary Thanga Pon Dhanasekar and his family members. I urge the state government to take immediate action on those who attacked Dhanasekar,” said Vijayakant, in a tweet.
According to DMDK sources, Dhanasekar a resident of Agaram village near Viruddhachalam and Kammapuram North Union Secretary of DMDK, actively worked for DMDK treasurer Premalatha Vijayakant during the elections.
As it was her maiden poll, DMDK functionaries were travelling across the constituency canvassing votes for the party candidate and during the campaign there was fight between Dhanasekar and Pattukumar from the DMK.
As the elections were over, Pattukumar along with his sons barged into Dhanasekar’s house and attacked him with logs and weapons on Thursday night. When family members tried to protect Dhanasekar they too were attacked.
Addressing the media, Dhanasekar, who was admitted to the hospital, said that the attack was planned for three days.
Premalatha called Dhanasekar over phone and consoled him. She assured that steps would be taken to initiate immediate action on those who attacked Dhanasekar.
This is one of the many attacks that happened after the April 6 elections. One of the major incidents that hit headlines was the murder of two VCK cadre - Arjunan and Suriya - in Soganur village near Arakkonam. According to VCK leader Thol Thirumavalavan the Dalit youth tried to prevent illegal mining of sand so they were murdered by the smugglers.
Thirumavalavan alleged that Palani, Kaveripakkam union secretary, was involved in sand smuggling and when the sand-laden lorries were passing through Dalit habitations, the youth protested and so they were murdered. Moreover, the Dalit youth worked for VCK in the elections, which was also a reason for the killing.
Thirumavalavan said that Dalits were attacked in several places in Tamil Nadu after the election, including Kattumannarkoil, Vaanur, Thiruporur, Krishnagiri and Ariyalur constituencies.
Maintain L&O till new govt formation: Stalin
Condemning the twin-murder in Arakkonam constituency, DMK president MK Stalin urged the state to maintain law and order till the formation of the new government.
The two victims Arjunan (26) from Soghanur village and Suriya (26) from Sembedu were stabbed to death while three of their friends were injured allegedly in connection with a poll-related clash.
Extending his condolences to the kin of the deceased, the DMK leader claimed it would be democratic when there was a valid exchange of opinions especially during elections, which will also add strength to the general peace.
“As the state Assembly elections were over, the law and order should be maintained by the police till the new government was formed,” he said adding “they should also ensure that no one disturb the peace of the people.”
Echoing similar views, Tamil Nadu Congress Committee (TNCC) president KS Alagiri also condemned the murder at Arakkonam constituency that had created panic among the people.
He alleged only a few of them were arrested and police should bring all the culprits to the books. “The government should also constitute a separate investigation team,” he said adding “it should also extend assistance of Rs 50 lakh each for kin of the victims.”
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