Police disperse clashing DMK, AIADMK groups

Police today resorted to cane charge to disperse two warring groups belonging to AIADMK and DMK which had come to file nomination papers for a Housing Cooperative society in nearby Tirupur.

Trouble started when police reportedly closed the doors after AIADMK men led by former minister MSM Anandan entered the hall, while former DMK Mayor Selvaraj and his supporters were not allowed, police sources said.

As an argument broke out over this, some DMK men were seen barging into the hall where nominations have to be filed, which was prevented by AIADMK men.

This resulted in a melee forcing police to resort to "mild" cane charge and also pushing some workers out, they said.

Returning officer Shoba postponed the date of filing nominations following the violence, police said.

A few DMK men were hurt in the melee and were admitted to hospital with minor injuries, they added.