Violence and rioting erupted in different parts of Tamil Nadu as news about Jayalalithaa’s conviction poured in even as three AIADMK cadres attempted self-immolation. Party workers pelted stones at the residence of senior BJP leader Subramanian Swamy and burnt his effigies and posters as he was the one who filed the disproportionate assets case against Jayalalithaa in 1996.
A group of AIADMK workers, marching to the Gopalapuram residence of DMK chief Karunanidhi, was blocked mid-way by the police. But they clashed with the DMK workers who had gathered in large numbers to “celebrate” the conviction by bursting fire crackers and distributing sweets.
As report about the conviction of their leader poured in, three AIADMK workers tried self-immolation in Chennai, one right in front of Jayalalithaa’s Poes Garden residence. But intervention by the police and fire brigade saved the victims. Hundreds of AIADMK workers had gathered in front of Jayalalithaa’s residence since Saturday morning. By noon, a pall of gloom fell over the area as news of her conviction trickled in. Many women activists were seen weeping and sobbing uncontrollably.
Elsewhere in the State AIADMK cadre burnt public vehicles. Kancheepuram near Chennai saw burning of four State Transport Buses. As reports poured in from other cities in the State about rioting and vandalism, the State transport and MTC buses were taken off the road and business establishments downed the shutters.
Since all the Ministers in the Jayalalithaa Cabinet were in Bangalore, Governor K Rosaiah summoned the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to review the law and order situation in the State.
Most of the AIADMK cadre in the State were out on the streets since morning. leaders like Rama Ramanathan, who has dedicated their lives to Jayalalithaa were hopeful that their Amma would come out with flying colours at the end of the day. “Gross injustice has been done to Amma,” a weeping Ramanathan told The Pioneer from Bangalore where he has gone to greet his leader.