An inspector investigating the controversial assault case against DMK strongman and Union minister M.K. Alagiri and his loyalists has been given armed protection.
Melur circle inspector K. Madasamy has been given two gunmen for his personal safety since his life is alleged to be under threat. Mr Madasamy had filed the First Information Report (FIR) against Mr Alagiri, Madurai corporation deputy mayor P.M. Mannan and other DMK functionaries relating to an incident that happened at Valladikkara Swamy Temple in Melur on April 1 wherein the minister’s loyalists roughed up assistant returning officer and tehsildar M. Kalimuthu in his presence.
Mr Kalimuthu and the flying squad members went to the temple to monitor the activities of Mr Alagiri who had planned to meet the leaders and elders of the ambalam caste there to canvas for votes in the run-up to the Assembly polls.
Mr M.K. Alagiri is said to have got irritated when the videographer recorded him during worship following which his men chased him and he ran away placing the video camera in the hands of the tehsildar who was then bashed up by them.
The police registered an assault case against on Mr Kalimuthu’s complaint but the official retracted his stand through press statements.