COIMBATORE: Tension gripped in Coimbatore after a Hindu Munnani functionary was assaulted with an iron rod by two unidentified men on Saturday night.
The injured man has been identified as S Ramakrishnan, 36, of Thayammal Layout at Podanur. He is the vice-president of Hindu Munnani unit in Ukkadam. Ramakrishnan, who suffered injuries on his head, was admitted to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH).
Police said Ramakrishnan, who was engaged in catering work, was returning home from Kempatti Colony on his motorcycle around 10.30pm. When he reached Sundarapuram Junction, two men waylaid him and assaulted him with an iron rod.
Some hopkeepers in the area came to his rescue, and the assailants escaped from the spot. Ramakrishnan was rushed to CMCH where he received six stitches on his head.
The Podanur police registered a case under Section 307 (attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code and formed a special team to nab the duo.
Several of Hindu Munnani members gathered at the CMCH on Saturday night demanding that the police arrest the accused. Police personnel were deployed on the CMCH premises.
They assaulted a man belonging to a particular community. Later, they attacked three men travelling on a motorcycle. The motorcycle was damaged. Following the incidents, more than 300 police personnel were deployed at various parts of the city to prevent untoward incidents.
On Sunday, Hindu Munnani announced that its members would besiege the district collectorate to demand the arrest of the accused.
More than 50 police personnel from Coimbatore city police and a team of Rapid Action Force (RAF) were deployed in front of the collectorate. The RAF brought a vehicle to use teargas shells.
BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan visited the injured Hindu Munnani functionary in CMCH.