Munnani man returning from CAA demo attacked, Coimbatore tense

A Hindu Munnani functionary has been attacked by some unidentified men here. Police said M Anand, district secretary of the Hindu Munnani, was returning home in a two-wheeler after participating in a pro-CAA protest in Gandhipuram around 10 pm on Wednesday, when men in two motor bikes followed and attacked him on his head with an iron rod.

The attack happened while Anand was riding through Nanjundapuram Road. As he collapsed on the spot, local people rushed him to Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital (CMCH) for treatment.

As the news of the attack spread, a large number of people from the Hindu outfit gathered at the hospital. Tense situation prevailed at the hospital, when they attacked an auto driver from other community following a heated quarrel with him. The auto driver suffered injuries and was admitted in a private hospital for treatment.

The police said Anand has been shifted to a private hospital for further treatment and is said to be recovering fast. Based on a complaint, the Podanur police registered a case for attempt to murder and three special teams have been formed to nab the culprits.

The police are scanning the images recorded on the CCTV camera fixed on the road stretch to track down the accused. The police said the suspects had followed Anand from Anna Statue signal before targeting him on the isolated flyover area on Nanjundapuram road.

Condemning the attack, the Hindu Munnani called for a day’s bandh on Friday. Hindu Munnani functionary Kadeswara Subramanian described it as an organised attack to incite violence. He accused the DMK, the Congress and the Left parties of instigating the members of the Muslim community to take political advantage and indulge in violence.

Meanwhile, Muslim outfits too called for a bandh in the district on Friday against the attack on a mosque.

More than 1,500 cops have been deployed in bus stands, railway station, religious institutions and people gathering spots as a precaution. Also vehicle patrol has been enhanced across the city. Two ADGP’s K Jayanth Murali and Shankar Jiwal are in Coimbatore to inspect the security arrangements in view of the communal tension.

City Police Commissioner Sumit Sharan on Thursday issued an order prohibiting processions, demonstrations and distribution of pamphlets by political and communal organisations. “Organising assemblies, meetings and processions may to lead to acts of violence, mischief and rioting while causing law and order problems. The situation may also be exploited by anti-social elements,” he said, adding, “I hereby prohibit all assemblies, processions, fasts, demonstrations, assembling for distribution of pamphlets, pasting of wall posters, wall writings, erection of flex boards on any street, road, thoroughfares or other public places within Coimbatore City for a period of 15 days. However, applicants are advised to apply for permission at least five days in advance.” The order comes in the wake of prevailing communal tension following the attack on a Hindu Munnani functionary and hurling of petrol bomb on a place of worship in Coimbatore.