Pattali Makkal Katchi’s (PMK) Salem West MLA R. Arul, a loyalist of party founder S. Ramadoss, and his supporters faced a violent assault by a rival faction backing party leader Anbumani Ramadoss in Salem on Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
Mr. Arul, accompanied by party functionaries, was returning from Pethanaickenpalayam when a group near Vazhapadi attacked their convoy with stones. In response, Arul’s supporters also engaged in stone-pelting against the assailants.
MLA Arul Claims Life Was at Risk
According to Mr. Arul, he had been visiting the PMK Pethanaickenpalayam union secretary’s residence. He stated that on their return journey to Salem, approximately 20 supporters of Anbumani began shouting slogans and then violently attacked his car. “They assaulted the vehicle with stones, wooden logs, and iron rods,” Arul claimed, adding, “If I had stepped out of the car, they would have killed me.” He noted the presence of police personnel who attempted to control the mob.
The legislator questioned the nature of the attack, especially given Mr. Anbumani’s public stance on practicing ‘decent and developmental politics’. He mentioned that while roughly 50 cadres accompanied him in several vehicles, he had specifically instructed them to remain inside. “We have filed a complaint with the police and expect appropriate action against those responsible,” he concluded.
Five Individuals, Including a Policeman, Injured
Mr. Arul confirmed that five of his party workers were injured and received treatment at Salem Government Hospital. A police officer also sustained injuries during the stone-pelting incident. Expressing faith in police protection, Mr. Arul stated that Mr. Ramadoss and the party’s honorary president, G.K. Mani, had contacted him regarding the attack. He urged Mr. Anbumani to refrain from inciting party youth in such a manner.