Tension mounted near Toovipuram in Thoothukudi after a clash between some cadres of CPI (M) and police personnel during the party’s State conference rally here. Four men of the party suffered head injuries in a lathi charge by the police personnel after a wordy quarrel between the cadres over allowing two bikers into the crowd. Subsequently, scenes of unrest prevailed as the angered cadres hurled stones at the police personnel in retaliation. Four police personnel were also hurt in the melee.
Trouble erupted when the cadres objected to letting two bikers into the crowd. Condemning the police attack and seeking action against them, the cadres staged a road roko at Toovipuram Fifth Street-Anna Nagar Main Road junction. Vehicular traffic was affected for about half an hour, sources said.
The injured victims were identified as S. Solaikumar, 35, of Tiruparankunram, Madurai; R. Vimal, 23, of Tirupur; R. Vishnuvardhan, 30, of Dindigul; and N. Akilesh, 5, of Velampalayam, Tirupur. While the victims Solaikumar and Akilesh were admitted to a private hospital here, the other two were under treatment in the Thoothukudi Government Medical College Hospital. Besides, the injured police personnel were admitted to the Government Hospital here, sources said. Superintendent of Police P. Mahendran said a case was yet to be filed as inquiries were on.
