 "Periyar statue vandalised in Tamil Nadu's Kancheepuram amid row over rationalist leader's views on Hindu gods")
Chennai: A statue of rationalist leader EV Ramasamy Periyar was found vandalised in neighbouring Kancheepuram district on Friday morning, police said.
The statue at Salavakkam in the district was found damaged this morning causing a flutter in the locality. Political leaders condemned the vandalism.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a renewed debate on Periyar in Tamil Nadu, after superstar Rajinikanth had made some remarks about the Dravidian stalwart at an event in Chennai last week.
On 14 January, taking part at the event held by Tamil magazine Thuglak, Rajinikanth had alleged: “In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which the undressed images of Lord Sriramachandramoorthy and Sita -with a garland of sandal-featured….” drawing the ire of pro-Periyar outfits and political parties.
DMK President MK Stalin and PMK founder S Ramadoss lashed out at the vandalism incident and demanded strict action against those involved in damaging the statue of the rational leader.
 "Superstar Rajinikanth ditches first-class flight to travel in economy, fans can’t keep calm")
 "Rajinikanth's Annaatthe costar Kushboo Sundar reacts to Ranbir Kapoor's Animal box office success: 'If a misogynistic film like this continues to...'")
 "Baba Indrajith Exclusive: In-form batter says thoughts of India selection 'definitely crossed his mind’")
 "Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant pre-wedding festivities: Shah Rukh Khan, Rajinikanth, Amitabh Bachchan & others to attend")