PMK condemns arrest of P Ramadoss

PMK today condemned the arrest of its founder leader P Ramadoss when he tried to lead a protest demanding that police should book the "true culprits" behind the recent Marakkanam violence for which the party had come under flak.
The party also insisted on a judicial inquiry into the April 25 violence leading to police firing in the air at Marakkanam.
PMK men heading for a party organised festival at the sea shore town of Mamallapuram, about 80 km from here, have been accused of involvement in the violence allegedly targeting Dalits, a charge denied by the party.
"While those who are responsible for the violence are wandering around freely, we on the other hand are being arrested for organising a non-violent protest in Villupuram," party leader and Ramadoss' son Anbumani told reporters here.

Ramadoss was arrested in Villupuram yesterday when he tried to lead the protest without police permission. He was later remanded to judicial custody.
Anbumani claimed that the Marakkanam violence was a well planned one by Dalit-based Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, headed by Tol Tirumavalavan, MP.

He, however, said PMK was not against Dalits and only opposed the VCK.
"Two of our partymen died. Four have been admitted to hospital. We want a retired High Court judge to go into the incident," Anbumani, a former Union Minister, said.
He said the party cadres would hoist black flags in front of their houses until an inquiry was ordered.

Asked about PMK cadres clambering on to the shore temple at Mamallapuram, which is a protected monument under the Archaeological Survey of India, he said, "It is wrong. I'm sorry for that."
The seventh century monument is also one of the 32 World Heritage sites in the country.
PMK had alleged pro-Dalit Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) was behind the violence.
Meanwhile in Kumbakonam, several PMK activists, including party Deputy General Secretary Alayamani, were taken into preventive custody during the last two days.
In Cuddalore, protesting Ramadoss' arrest, PMK workers set on fire two state-owned liquor shops, besides damaging several Tamil Nadu Transport Corporation buses.