Tension prevailed in Kumarasamipatti area in Salem city when some unidentified miscreants set fire to the car and a moped parked in the portico of the residence of former Minister and Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) leader T. M. Selvaganapathy on Saturday.
Both the vehicles were gutted, but no one was injured. Police said that preliminary investigations revealed that miscreants scaled the wall of the house at 12.30 a.m., cut the petrol tube of the two-wheeler and set fire. The car too caught fire.
Arvind Selvaganapathy, son of Mr. Selvaganapathy, who was staying on the first floor of the house, informed the Hasthampatti police and fire service personnel. Firefighting units from Shevvaipet rushed to the spot and put out the blaze.
Meanwhile, supporters of Mr. Selvaganapathy gathered in front of the house. They dispersed after police rushed to the spot and pacified them.
Senior police officials and forensic experts visited the spot. Heavy police pickets have been posted in the area. The police have registered a case under Section 436 IPC (mischief by fire or explosive).
Mr. Selvaganapathy, who had left for Chennai on Friday evening, rushed back on Saturday morning. Coincidentally, the incident has taken place following a clash between two groups of DMK men led by R. Rajendran, MLA and secretary of the Salem Central district of the party, and Mr. Selvaganapathy, over enrolment drive on Friday. Four DMK men belonging to the rival groups suffered stab injuries in the incident.
Meanwhile, Mr. Selvaganapathy said that he has been working for enrolling members into the party. Some people who could not digest this were indulging in violent acts. He, however, would not be cowed down by threats and would work more vigorously for strengthening the party unit in the district.
