Subramanian Swamy’s office ransacked

— Photo: G. Moorthy Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy’s office in Madurai, which was targeted by a mob on Friday. MADURAI: A mob, claiming to represent Tamil Vazhakkaringar Koottamaippu (Federation of Tamil Advocates) and Puratchigara Ilaignar Munnani (Revolutionary Youth Front), on Friday ransacked the office of Janata Party president Subramanian Swamy on Lal Bahadur Shastri Road here.

According to eyewitnesses, the mob, carrying placards and sticks, came in a procession to the office and raised slogans against Dr. Swamy for his stand on the Sri Lankan issue. While a few entered the twin-building office premises through the gate, others scaled the wall. They stoned the building and damaged the lights, nameplate and flag mast. On entering the office, they pulled down the chairs, almirah and telephone, and attacked the Madurai rural district president of the party, S. Purushothaman.

“They were carrying footwear and broomsticks. I was attacked with sticks. Some of them were wearing white shirt and black trousers,” said Mr. Purushothaman. The mob also damaged a two-wheeler parked outside the office. A mobile phone and Rs.3000 kept at the office were missing.
One of the two buildings is used as residence by Dr. Swamy. This building, on the left side, was not targeted. Two persons, including the watchman, sustained injuries in the attack.

The police said the mob had earlier participated in a demonstration at Tallakulam where slogans were shouted against those who opposed the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam. The demonstration was organised by Tamil groups in protest against the military action in Sri Lanka.
The Tallakulam police arrested Pandi (58) of Tamil Desiya Iyakkam, Velmurugan and Mayalagu, students of law, in connection with the incident. Cases were filed under Sections 147 (rioting), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapons), 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), 355 (assault), 379 (theft), 452 (trespass) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code along with provisions of Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act.

Dr. Swamy said he would file a petition in the Madras High Court on Saturday seeking attachment of properties of the Dravidar Kazhagam till the damage was recovered. “I will also demand dismissal of the State government,” he said, while calling his office from New Delhi over phone.
http://www.hindu.com/2008/10/25/stories/2008102561260800.htm