Four persons were killed in the riot-torn Ramanathapuram district today, one in the clash and three in the police firing that was resorted to quell the clash between two warring communities at Soorankottai, taking the toll to six since last night, according to official sources. Unofficial sources however put the toll higher. Seven persons have been admitted to Government Rajaji Hospital with serious injuries. Of them the condition of five is said to be critical. Violence was said to be continuing when reports last came in.
Numerous persons including policemen sustained severe injuries following the clashes, it is said.
State presidentShanmugiah Pandiah continued with their plan for a rally and meeting which was reportedly attended by over 6,000 persons. Over 2,000 policemen have been deployed in the district. The entire district has been cut off from the rest of the State with hooligans belonging to both the communities blocking the road at vantage points in the peripheries of the district including Paramakudi, Mudukalathoor, Sikkal and Chattirakudi and causing heavy damage to numerous vehicles. One person was killed in a clash between two groups belonging to the two communities at Tandhai area. Additional police reinforcements were being rushed from Madurai and Coimbatore.