'Cash for Votes': AIADMK and DMK workers clash

Madurai, Oct 5 (UNI) Tension gripped Madurai Central Assembly constituency after workers of the ruling DMK and opposition AIADMK clashed over alleged cash distribution by the former among voters for the October 11 by-election.

AIADMK nominee and District Secretary V Rajan Chellappa, who came to a spot near the South Gate of the Meenakshi temple, had a narrow escape when his vehicle was attacked by a mob. In the melee, five AIADMK supporters suffered injuries.

According to AIADMK functionaries, party workers and leaders gathered following reports that cash was being given to voters in envelopes in denominations Rs 500 and Rs 1000 since early morning.

When Vilakkuthoon police allegedly refused to register a complaint, they resorted to road blockade for a while and went to the City Police Commissioner's office. On being assured of action, they dispersed.

The complaint by Mr Chellappa said DMK workers led by Mubarak Manthiri and Essar Gopi launched a murderous attack on him and his party supporters.

Countering this version, the DMK lodged a complaint with police charging the AIADMK candidate and his supporters with ransacking its election office in the area without provocation.

Police registered cases against both DMK and AIADMK workers.

UNI CR AA AK KN2010