DMK-AIADMK Clash in Coimbatore Over Alleged Cash Distribution to Voters
A violent confrontation erupted between members of the DMK and AIADMK in the Ramanathapuram area of Coimbatore city late on Sunday night. The clash was triggered by allegations of cash distribution to voters, resulting in significant property damage and a flash protest by AIADMK supporters.
Incident Details and Escalation
The incident unfolded at the 80 Feet Road junction, where AIADMK members reportedly received a tip-off about DMK members distributing cash to voters in the locality. Acting on this information, AIADMK members intercepted a car with a Krishnagiri district registration number.
Upon searching the vehicle, they allegedly discovered several voter ID cards, which led to a heated verbal exchange. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as a mob gathered and vandalized the car, shattering its windshield. AIADMK supporters also reportedly surrounded and assaulted a few DMK functionaries who arrived at the scene.
Political Leaders Arrive and Tensions Rise
AIADMK Coimbatore South candidate Amman K Arjunan and BJP members, led by party district president Ramesh Kumar, arrived at the location. DMK candidate for the Coimbatore North constituency, Senthamil Selvan, also reached the spot, leading to a fresh round of sloganeering and heightened tensions between the rival groups.
Police Intervention and Road Blockade
Deputy Commissioner of Police G Karthikeyan and Ramanathapuram police rushed to the scene after being alerted. When police attempted to rescue the occupants of the car and secure the vehicle, AIADMK and BJP supporters staged a road roko, demanding immediate action against DMK members for alleged electoral malpractice.
Police held peace talks and successfully dispersed the crowd. Subsequently, both parties lodged formal complaints with the Ramanathapuram police on Monday regarding the incident.
Petition to Election Authorities
Amman K Arjunan met with Coimbatore District Collector and District Election Officer Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar to submit a petition concerning the issue. In the petition, Arjunan alleged that individuals from Karur, acting as "goons" with the support of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, had entered the constituency to carry out illegal cash distribution.
Expressing concern over potential violence on polling day, the AIADMK candidate warned of a high likelihood of booth capturing and large-scale irregularities at various polling stations in the Coimbatore South segment.
The petition stated: "We have information that attempts will be made to disrupt peace and manipulate the voting process. We urge the administration to deploy paramilitary forces at all polling booths in the constituency to ensure a free and fair election."
