A car carrying PMK’s Salem West MLA R. Arul was attacked on Tuesday near Vadugampatti in Attur, Salem district. A gang of over 50 people allegedly ambushed the vehicle and smashed its windows.The attack took place amid rising tensions between the factions led by PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss and his son Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss. MLA Arul, who is with the senior Ramadoss’s camp, claimed it was an attempt on his life and accused Anbumani’s supporters of being behind the assault.
“We were returning from a condolence meeting when a group hiding inside a maize field suddenly blocked our car and attacked us. More than 50 people were involved, and six vehicles were damaged,” Arul told the media.
Dr. S. Ramadoss also condemned the attack and blamed Anbumani’s followers for the violence. Arul was recently made joint general secretary of the founder’s faction.