Jaya condemns attack on Minister, killing of AIADMK cadre

Chennai, May 9 (UNI) Strongly condemning the attack on State Education Minister C Ve Shanmugham and the murder of a AIADMK cadre by ''political rivals,'' Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa today said strong action would be taken against the guilty.

In a statement here, she alleged that supporters of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) had carried out the brutal attack due to fear of defeat as the AIADMK was all set to register a landslide victory at the hustings.

'' Though such attacks on AIADMK men by opposition parties were nothing new, no one who had faith in democracy could condone such a heinous act at a time when the Assembly elections were conducted peacefully,'' she said.

Expressing her grief at the death of party cadre, Muruganandam, Ms Jayalalithaa announced a solatium of Rs 50,000 to the bereaved family on behalf of the party.

She also announced that Rs 15,000 would be given to another cadre, Mari, who was admitted to a hospital with serious injuries.

A 15-member mob, reported allegedly PMK supporters, stormed into Mr Shanmugham's residence in Tindivanam in Villupuram district last night and attacked the inmates with lethal weapons.

While the Minister and a few others managed to escape to safety, Muruganandam was hacked to death by the gang.

Police have registered a criminal case against PMK founder S Ramadoss and his son and Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss, among others, in connection with the incident.

Ms Jayalalithaa also condemned the attack on AIADMK men allegedly by DMK cadres in Morappur Assembly constituency in Dharmapuri. She announced that a sum of Rs 6,000 each would be given to eight AIADMK cadres who were admitted to a hospital.

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