CHENNAI: It was a chilling visual. A student on the prowl with a dagger in his hand at Dr Ambedkar Government Law College on Wednesday. A few hours later he ended up in hospital with injuries, with three others.
In college circles, Bharathi kannan, a third year student, is identified as a DMK party member.
His party loyalty was evident from the two rings he wore - one with the picture of DMK youth wing chief MK Stalin and the other with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi. He is also a member of Thevar Peravai, a citybased association set up for the welfare of the community.
His collegemates considered him powerful, as he stayed in MLA’s hostel and reportedly wielded influence in the ruling party. His father, K Karrupiah, was a three-time panchayat president of Palamkulam in Sivaganga district. His mother, KR Prema, now holds the post.
Karrupiah denied everything.
He said he and his wife contested as independent candidates in the panchayat elections and that his family had traditionally supported the AIADMK.
Thiruvadanai Congress MLA KR Ramsamy visited Bharathi kannan in hospital on Thursday and enquired about his health.
He was only one among the many who made a beeline for the hospital over the last two days.
Others included PMK president G K Mani and an AIADMK youth wing leader. Several caste Hindu leaders promised help.
This show of power was ample proof to the other students present that his family wielded much power back in Devakottai.
Karuppiah said there was no caste consciousness among the villagers. Asked how he managed to create a peaceful ambience, he said they (Dalits) were left alone. Bharathikannan was proud of his caste, his friends said, adding that trouble started when he responded to calls for help from other non-SC students.