Seven held for attacking PMK MLA Arul’s supporters in Salem

Seven supporters of Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) leader Anbumani Ramadoss, who were part of the group that allegedly attacked the supporters of Salem West MLA R. Arul — a loyalist of party founder S. Ramadoss — at Pethanaickenpalayam in Salem district on Tuesday (November 4, 2025), were arrested by the Yethapur police on Wednesday (November 5).

The accused were identified as Tamilselvan, Arulmani, Saravanan, Venkatesh, Vignesh, Poovizhiraja, and Vimalraj. A case was registered against 20 persons, and seven of them were arrested. Nine supporters of Mr. Arul are undergoing treatment at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital in Salem.

A violent clash had broken out around 11 a.m. on Tuesday when Mr. Arul was returning from the house of the PMK Pethanaickenpalayam union secretary. Mr. Arul said a group began pelting stones at his car and convoy, allegedly led by Mr. Anbumani’s supporters Jayaprakash and Sadaiyappan. He said the group attacked his supporters with stones, wooden logs, and iron rods, leaving several of them seriously injured.

Arrest Arul under Goonda’s Act: K. Balu

K. Balu, a spokesperson of the PMK and supporter of Mr. Anbumani, on Tuesday accused Mr. Arul of leading a group to attack Mr. Anbumani’s supporters and “attempting to murder” a person. He sought Mr. Arul’s detention under the Goondas Act.

In a statement, Mr. Balu alleged that the police did not act against Mr. Arul despite the “brutality” taking place in full view of the police in Salem district.

“Mr. Arul and his group, without permission, parked a vehicle on a land belonging to Rajesh Kumar, who is a member of the PMK, where betel nut sacks were being dried. When Mr. Rajesh Kumar objected, Mr. Arul incited his supporters to attack him. The police, instead of stopping them, detained Mr. Rajesh Kumar,” he claimed.

“Local PMK functionaries rushed to rescue Mr. Rajesh Kumar and took him for medical treatment. At that time, as Mr. Arul and his group were leaving Salem, they attempted to run down and kill another functionary Mr. Senthil Kumar at Vadukathampatti Tharaipalam with a vehicle. Mr. Senthil Kumar, who was grievously injured, has been admitted to hospital,” he alleged.

Mr. Balu claimed Mr. Arul has been involved in attacking PMK members and posting inciteful content on social media ever since he was “expelled” from the PMK last July. He urged the police to take action against him.