Periyar statue vandalised in Chennai

Chennai:Even as controversy over actor Rajinikanth's critical remarks on the anti-superstition rally organised by Periyar at Salem in 1971 refused to die down, the statue of the Rationalist

leader and social reformer was vandalised in Kaliyapettai, near Uthiramer in Kancheepuram district, today.

Police sources said the face and hand of the statue were found damaged and it was later covered with a white cloth.Tension prevailed in the area following the incident and police pickets were posted to prevent any untoward incident. 

Locals suspect that supporters of Rajinikanth might have been involved in the act, perhaps to condemn the protests organised by pro-Dravidaroutfits demanding an apology from the actor for his remarks criticalof Periyar.

Rajini, while speaking at the 50th anniversary of Thuglaq magazineevent, said in the 1971 rally taken out by Periyar in Salem unclothed idols of Lord Ram and Sita were taken and were garlanded with chappals.

This triggered protest from pro-Periyarist organisations, who havefiled a case in the High court demanding action against Rajini and also staging protests demanding an apology.

However, the actor said he would neither express regret nor tenderan apology as he had spoken only what had appeared in the media.While various political parties condemned his remarks, leaders of BJP supported his view.(UNI)