The anti-Tamil stand of the Sri Lankan government on Tuesday saw some supporters of the MDMK and Nam TamizharIyakkam venting their anger on a close relative of the Island nation’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa, when he was about to perform a ‘pooja’ in Rameshwaram.
According to reports, the mob barged into house of the Ramanathaswamy Temple priest and pelted stones and slippers, when they learnt that Tirukumaran Natesan, husband of Sri Lankan MP Nirupama Rajapaksa, was going to perform a ritual.
Priest RC Anandha Dikshithar told reporters that the mob also damaged the gate and door of the house and shouted slogans against the Sri Lankan President when Natesan was about to perform a "parikara pooja" (prayer seeking to remedy ill- effects of some sins).
Both, priest of the temple and Natesan were injured in the incident as they suffered minor bruises.
According to the priest, the attackers were under impression that the pooja was being performed for the good and continuance of the Rajapaksa government in Sri Lanka.
The attackers also hurled abuses at Tirukumaran, who has been a frequent visitor to the Ramanathaswamy Temple for the past three years.
Tirukumaran later told reporters that he had come to do some shanthi/parikara pooja for his son, but things turn awry when somebody spread rumours that it was being done for the good of the Sri Lankan government.
Taking action on the complaint filed by the Rameswaram Priests’ Association, the local administration has deployed additional police force in and around the priest’s house and two MDMK workers have also been detained in connection with the incident.
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