Tamil Nadu Minister Raghupathi has dismissed allegations made by the head of the Madurai Aadheenam, Sri La Sri Harihara Sri Gnanasambanda Desika Swamigal, regarding a purported assassination attempt. The pontiff had claimed that a recent road accident was a deliberate attack on his life.
Minister Raghupathi stated that there is no threat to the Aadheenam and criticized the pontiff for politicizing a routine traffic incident. He emphasized that the accident resulted from the Aadheenam’s vehicle speeding on the wrong road, leading to a collision. Raghupathi questioned the necessity of targeting the Aadheenam based on religious identity, suggesting that the pontiff’s allegations might be politically motivated.
The incident occurred on May 2, when the Aadheenam’s SUV collided with another vehicle in Ajees Nagar, Ulundurpet. CCTV footage released by the police showed the Aadheenam’s vehicle speeding and taking a service road instead of a flyover, leading to the collision. The police have registered a case against the Aadheenam’s driver for gross negligence.
Despite the police findings, the Aadheenam maintained that the crash was a planned attack, hinting at a conspiracy to kill him. He alleged that the other vehicle lacked a number plate and its occupants “appeared to be Muslims,” without providing further details. The Aadheenam also claimed that he had alerted the police immediately after the accident, contradicting the police’s statement that no complaint was filed.
The controversy has sparked political reactions, with the Hindu Makkal Katchi condemning the Aadheenam for spreading false information and accusing him of attempting to create communal disharmony. The Democratic Youth Federation of India (DYFI) also petitioned for action against the Aadheenam and his associates.