A clash that broke out between supporters of two rival groups in the Vadipatti unit of the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam resulted in the public running helter-skelter on Saturday.
Before police personnel rushed to the spot, at least 10 vehicles, including a few private cars, were damaged and 10 persons suffered multiple injuries. Shops downed shutters and vehicular traffic on the Sholavandan-Vadipatti stretch was disrupted for at least 45 minutes.
It is said that when the newly elected DMK district secretaries Moorthy and Manimaran, among others, came to Vadipatti on Friday to garland a statue, there was a huge turnout of cadre, which ended up in a melee.
As a sequel to this, on Saturday, a group of men owing allegiance to Balarajendran (DMK union chairman) went to a tea stall owned by Palpandi (former DMK union chairman) in Sholavandan and pelted stones. In retaliation, the rivals chased them with clubs, knives and stones. In the ‘free-for-all,’ an elderly man was beaten up and he fainted in the middle of the road.
Many others also suffered head injuries.
Shocked over the violence, the public in the vicinity ran to safety, but their vehicles were damaged by miscreants. When news of violence reached the police, a large posse arrived at the scene and chased away the mob.
At least 10 persons were admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital and some others in private hospitals for treatment.
Though no one was arrested, the police said that they had booked cases under the Tamil Nadu Prevention of Public Properties Damages Act based on complaints from the vehicle owners. Further investigation is on.
