Thousands of AIADMK workers and supporters took part in religious rituals organised by the party here on Sunday for the early release of general secretary Jayalalithaa, jailed in a corruption case.
Cooperation Minister Sellur K. Raju said nearly 8,000 people took part in the rituals held from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. “We are performing the rituals for the good health of Amma and her early release. We had also performed a special yagam at the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple [on October 6],” he said.
A special puja for Lord Vinayagar and Lord Muruga was performed on the banks of the Vaigai. Thereafter, 3,000 women took out a ‘palkudam’ (milkpot) procession to the Baladhandayuthapani Temple on Nethaji Road, passing through Yanaikkal, Masi Streets and Town Hall Road.
Several men also joined the procession, their cheeks pierced with spears as long as 13 feet. A worker took out ‘Paravai kavadi’ and several others took out ‘Panneer Kavadi.’ Many children accompanied the women.
Mr. Raju presided over the rituals and procession, which was attended by Madurai Mayor V.V. Rajan Chellappa, Deputy Mayor K. Thiraviam, R. Gopalakrishnan, MP, and Madurai Central MLA R. Sundarraajan.
Traffic diversions were made in view of the procession, the police said.
AIADMK functionary held in Chidambaram Special Correspondent reports from Cuddalore:
The Chidambaram police on Sunday arrested Thillai Sekar, 55, an AIADMK podium speaker, on the charge of keeping explosive substances beyond the permissible limits.
On information that Sekar was stocking up a large quantity of explosives in his house on Vanakkara Theru, the police raided the place and arrested him.
