COIMBATORE: A clash broke out between DMK and AIADMK members in the Ramanathapuram area of Coimbatore city late on Sunday night over allegations of cash distribution to voters. The clash, which broke out at the 80 Feet Road junction, left a vehicle damaged and triggered a flash protest by AIADMK. AIADMK members reportedly received a tip-off that DMK members had been distributing cash to voters in the locality. Acting on the information, AIADMK members intercepted a car bearing a Krishnagiri district registration number.They searched the car and allegedly found several voter ID cards, leading to a heated verbal exchange. The situation quickly spiraled out of control as a mob gathered and vandalized the vehicle, shattering its windshield. AIADMK supporters allegedly surrounded and assaulted a few DMK functionaries who arrived at the spot.AIADMK Coimbatore South candidate Amman K Arjunan and BJP members led by party district president Ramesh Kumar arrived at the scene. DMK candidate for the Coimbatore North constituency Senthamil Selvan also reached the spot, leading to a fresh round of sloganeering and tension between the rival groups.On being alerted, deputy commissioner of police G Karthikeyan and Ramanathapuram police rushed to the scene. When police attempted to rescue the occupants of the car and secure the vehicle, AIADMK and BJP supporters staged a road roko, demanding immediate action against DMK members for alleged electoral malpractice.Police held peace talks and dispersed the crowd. Subsequently, both parties lodged complaints with the Ramanathapuram police on Monday regarding the incident.Amman K Arjunan met Coimbatore district collector and district election officer Pavankumar G Giriyappanavar and submitted a petition regarding the issue. Arjunan alleged that individuals from Karur, acting as “goons” with the support of DMK leader V Senthil Balaji, had entered the constituency to carry out illegal cash distribution. Expressing concern over possible violence on polling day, the AIADMK candidate said there was a high likelihood of booth capturing and large-scale irregularities at various polling stations in the Coimbatore South segment.“We have information that attempts will be made to disrupt peace and manipulate the voting process. We urge the administration to deploy paramilitary forces at all polling booths in the constituency to ensure a free and fair election,” the petition stated.
