Madurai: TNCC chief EVKS Elangovan's convoy faced the wrath of AIADMK workers on Thursday, who allegedly hurled eggs and dung at him, as he reached a police station here to present himself as per bail conditions imposed by Madras High Court in a criminal intimidation case.
Tension prevailed near the Tallakulam police station as a large number of AIADMK men and women carrying broom sticks, eggs and dung gathered there. The incident had its echo in the principal bench of the high court in Chennai where Elangovan's counsel made a mention about it and sought relaxation of bail conditions. Elangovan was granted anticipatory bail by the court in a case filed against him for allegedly harassing a former woman staff of a Congress-run trust.
The TNCC leader was directed to stay in Madurai and sign before the inspector in the station for 15 days. The state unit Congress chief had faced protests for several days earlier this month over his controversial remarks about a recent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa in Chennai.
The AIADMK supremo has recently asked the party workers to stop the protests. However, Elangovan encountered protest today with the AIADMK members raising slogans against him and allegedly pelted eggs and dung at his convoy and left the scene.
Though Police had put barricades to prevent any untoward incident, the AIADMK workers gathered behind them and raised slogan demanding an unconditional apology from Elangovan for making "derogatory" remarks against their leader.
Congressmen also raised counter-slogan in support of Elangovan. Earlier, the workers of the two parties clashed near the hotel where Elangovan stayed. Stones were pelted at the hotel, causing minor damage to its properties, police said.
In the high court, Elangovan's counsel R C Paul Kanagaraj mentioned the matter before Justice S Vadiyanathan and said a mob of 500 raised slogans against his client and pelted eggs at him. He also said as the investigating officer in the case was present in Chennai, it would be better to direct Elangovan to appear before him.
The Judge said he would pass a detailed order if a petition is filed (for relaxation of bail norms). Justice Vaidyanathan then questioned the need of 11 cars to accompany Elangovan for signing in the police station and insisting on the police personnel to allow all those who came with him into the premises.
When Kanagaraj said Elangovan being a political person he had to be accompanied by advocates and party members, the Judge said he can allow two persons and would pass a detailed order tomorrow with regard to protection.
