TNCC chief stabbed; condition stable

Madurai, Oct 29 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Congress Committee President M Krishnasamy suffered injuries in an attack by an unidentified gang at Keezha Kannicherry at Muthukulathur in Ramanathapuram district here tonight.

His condition was stated to be stable.

Talking to newspersons after examining the Congress leader, Dr Jagadeesa Pandyian senior surgeon of the Apollo Hospitals, where Mr Krishnasamy is admitted, said his condition was ''stable.'' ''He suffered deep injuries in the abdomen. An emergency operation would be performed,'' he added.

A senior police official said, Mr Krishnaswamy and his supporters were on their way to Muthukulathur from Paramakudi to attend a function, when their car was waylaid by a gang at a deserted area at Keezha Kannicherry at 2025 hours.

The gang in the age group of 25 to 35 years, armed with sickles and spades, pelted stones at the vehicle and surrounded it.

When the Congress men pleaded with them that the TNCC President was inside the car, they attacked the occupants indiscriminately.

Krishnasamy suffered stab injuries in his stomach. All occupants of the car were injured in the attack. He was admitted to Paramakudy Government Hospital and later shifted to the Apollo Hospital here.

Police suspect the attack on Mr Krishnasamy as ''a case of mistaken identity.'' A massive man hunt was underway to nab the gang members.

Meanwhile, Dravida Vizhi Punarchi Kazhagam founder president B T Kumar told reporters here that he (Kumar himself) was the target of the gang. '' I escaped unhurt as I was travelling in another car.

A community had targeted me. The attack was not aimed at Mr Krishnasamy,'' he added.

UNI