An attempt to murder Pattali Makkal Katchi founder S. Ramadoss was made on Friday night, when he was returning after campaigning in Dharmapuri district, T. Velmurugan, Pennagaram election in-charge and Panruti M.L.A, alleged on Saturday.
He told reporters that unidentified miscreants hurled petrol bombs at Mr. Ramadoss, who had a narrow escape as they were off target. The assailants then threw an iron rod, which hit his personal security staff Saravanan.
The incident took place near Thimmapatti near Sogathur village around 10.30 p.m. when Dr. Ramadoss was returning to the hotel.
Stating that Dr. Ramadoss faced a threat to his life, the PMK appealed to District Superintendent of Police R. Sudhakar to provide him additional pilot security in addition to escort security.
On a tip-off by PMK workers, the police intercepted a vehicle at Kettur checkpost and found dhotis, sari bundles and cash in three suitcases and a leather bag. The car is said to belong to Kamatchi Kannan, Chairperson, Tiruvannamalai Panchayat Union.
Two held for attack on Thangkabalu
Two persons were arrested in connection with the attack on TNCC president K.V. Thangkabalu near Sogathur Koot Road here when he was returning after an election meeting in Pennagaram on Friday night, according to Mr. Sudhakar.
He told reporters that the two persons arrested had also thrown stones at Dr. Ramadoss' car. They were indentified as R. Jeeva (19) of Sogathur and P. Kumar (19) of Anchetti. The third person Sankar of Sogathur was at large. They confessed that they had hurled the stones under the influence of liquor and had no other motive.
Three cases have been registered under Sections 334, 506 (ii), 324 of IPC and 354, 3 and 4 of Prevention of Public Properties Damages Act.
Mr. Sudhakar denied allegations of the PMK that petrol bombs were hurled at Dr. Ramadoss near Thimmampatti.
Additional forces
Mr. Sudhakar said five companies of paramilitary forces had been sought from the government. They were expected to arrive in a day or two. They would be deployed in the 30 villages identified as hyper sensitive. In addition to these, two companies of the Tamil Nadu Special Police force (300 personnel) would also be arriving shortly.
37 cases filed
Mr. Sudhakar said so far 37 cases were filed against political parties for violation of the model code of conduct. Of this 16 cases each were against the DMK and the PMK, 3 against the AIADMK and two other cases. Most of them were filed for using vehicles without a valid pass in the constituency. The cases were filed on the basis of the complaints given by the Village Administrative Officers.
