Violent Clash in Tamil Nadu: PMK MLA R Arul's Vehicle Attacked Amid Growing Party Factionalism

A video captured two groups engaged in stone throwing confrontation

Chennai:

In a concerning episode of suspected internal party conflict, a vehicle reportedly belonging to PMK MLA R Arul was attacked in Vazhappadi, located in Tamil Nadu's Salem district.

Unverified footage viewed by NDTV depicts two hostile groups hurling stones at each other, wielding wooden logs, and exchanging verbal abuse. The apparent target in this confrontation was an SUV in which the legislator was traveling.

Several police officers were visible in the recorded footage, seemingly overwhelmed and unable to contain the violence while pleading with participants to retreat from the scene.

A senior police official indicated that investigators believe the incident stemmed from significant factional divisions within the Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK), with early reports suggesting "an attack resulting from party division."

The officer further noted that "the attackers specifically targeted Arul's vehicle, though no injuries were reported."

Arul, known to support party founder S Ramadoss, characterized the incident as "an attempt on my life" and placed blame on PMK's Anbumani Ramadoss for orchestrating the attack. Representatives from Anbumani's faction have denied involvement in the incident.

"It was Arul's team that provoked the situation by parking their vehicles on the farmland of our supporter whose family he visited," senior party leader Balu explained to NDTV.

This violent confrontation occurs amid escalating tensions within the PMK, where factions led by father-son duo Ramadoss and Anbumani compete for party leadership. The PMK currently holds five MLA positions in the state assembly.

The incident also unfolds against a backdrop of persistent criticism from opposition parties regarding law and order management under the governing Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) administration.