TNCC chief in hospital after being stabbed

Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president N Krishnaswamy sustained serious stab injuries on Monday when he was proceeding towards Keezhakanniseri near Paramakudi in Ramanathapuram district here to hoist the Congress flag in a Dalit colony. The incident occurred at around 7.30 pm and Krishnaswamy was taken to a private hospital in Madurai. He is said to be out of danger.

The incident occurred on the eve of the birth anniversary celebrations of Muthuramalinga Thevar, a Thevar leader, at Pasumpon in Ramanathapuram district, in which Chief Minister M Karunanidhi is scheduled to participate. According to the Ramanathapuram police, the TNCC president was going towards Keezhakanniseri when his car was stopped by some men belonging to the Thevar caste, who are higher than the Dalit in the caste hierarchy. They tried to prevent Krishnaswamy from going to the Harijan community to hoist the party flag. When he insisted on going ahead, one of the men stabbed him in the abdomen. Three cars in the convoy were also damaged. The convoy immediately turned back and rushed to Madurai and he was admitted to the Apollo Hospital there. Police are yet to make any arrest.