Hindu activist's murder: After riots, calm in Coimbatore

An autorickshaw and two-wheelers which were vandalised by prote­s­ters on Friday. Pics/PTI

Coimbatore: The situation in Coimbatore, which witnessed sporadic violence following the murder of a Hindu Munnani functionary, is limping back to normalcy.

Hindu Munnani leader Sasikumar

Shops and other establishments pulled up their shutters, even as government buses and other modes of transport like autorickshaws and taxis were seen plying.

Sasikumar (36), the district spokesperson of the Hindu Munnani, was returning home in Subramaniam Palayam, on the outskirts, on a two-wheeler when four unidentified assailants chased him on motorcycles and attacked him with sickles on September 22 night.

The trouble started during the funeral procession of the activist on Friday, as supporters targeted roadside shops and pelted stones following which the Hindu Munnani had called for a state-wide bandh. Crude bombs were also hurled at places of worship in Kembatty Colony and RS Puram. At least 12 policemen were injured, 20 government buses damaged, one police jeep and an autorickshaw burnt and some shops damaged in the violence.

One hundred and eight persons were arrested in connection with the violence in 12 police station limits, police said on Saturday.

Six special police teams have been formed to nab all the assailants.