March 13, 2017
Over 2,500 workers of DMK were arrested today when they attempted to picket ration shops over non-availability of PDS items in Coimbatore, Tirupur and Nilgiris districts. Those arrested included Singanallur MLA N. Karthik, former Minister, Pongalur N. Palanisamy and district secretaries and scores of local leaders.
In Coimbatore city alone, nearly 1,050 party men were arrested, police said.
Arrests were also made in Pollachi, Mettupalayam, Sulur in the district.
Tirupur, having 200 rations shops, also witnessed protests by workers, women in large number. The DMK young wing secretary, S Swaminathan led the picketing in Vellakoil in the district. About 1,000 workers were arrested in that district, they said.
With more than 200 shops in Nilgiris district, protests were held in front of about 75 shops, where nearly 600 party men were arrested, police said.