Pondy grinds to halt after attack on Ramadoss

Pondy grinds to halt after attack on Ramadoss
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

Pondicherry, Sept 18: The PMK-sponsored bandh in the Union Territory of Pondicherry, to protest against the attack on their leader Dr S Ramadoss at Abhisegapakkam on Sunday night, was almost total with normal life badly affected as shops and business establishments remained closed and vehicular traffic off the roads.

The administration had also declared a holiday for all educational institutions,

According to police, PMK volunteers indulged in stone-pelting at passing vehicles at Vanniar dominated areas of Abhisegapakkam and Karikalampakkam but timely intervention of the police brought the situation under control.

Police said though the situation was tense, police forces in strength had been posted at several areas to prevent any untoward incident. Top police officials were also camping in trouble-prone areas, police said.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister P Shanmugham has ordered an inquiry into the attack on Ramadoss.

Stating that law and order would be maintained at all cost, Shanmugham told reporters here that he had also sought a report about the incident from the police.

He said action would be taken against whoever was responsible for the attack.

Referring to Monday's bandh call given by PMK in the Union Territory, he said it was `politically motivated.'

Dismissing a question on the demand for resignation made by former Chief Minister R V Janakiraman, he said security had been provided to all the political leaders irrespective of their party affiliation.

Ramdoss, who was on his way to attend a party function on Sunday night was attacked when his vehicle was passing through Abishegapakkam. A group of persons pelted stones at his vehicle. Though Ramdoss escaped unhurt, some of his partymen and one sub-inspector and two constables suffered injuries.