Forward Bloc chief dies in accident

CHENNAI, Oct 30 (PTI) — Mr Ayyanambalam, president of the All-India Forward Bloc (AIFB), and two others were killed on the spot when their car collided with a lorry in Madurai city in the early hours today.

The two others killed were Mr Muthuramalingam, general secretary of the Tamil Nadu State AIFB unit and Mr Usilai Rajan, president of the AIFB’s Madurai unit.

Three of the injured, including the AIFB general secretary, Mr Devendra Biswas, MP, and Mr L. Santhanam, MLA, were hospitalised, the police said.

Mr Ayyanambalam and the two others were proceeding to Madurai from Pasumpon village after attending the Guru Pooja celebrations of the late freedom fighter Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar when the mishap occurred.

The driver of the lorry was absconding, the police said.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi has expressed shock over the death of the AIFB leader.

In a condolence message, Mr Karunanidhi said the late leader was a symbol of tolerance and a man of principles.

His appeal at the recent all-party meeting here to all communities not to treat the late Pasumpon Muthuramalinga Thevar and B.R. Ambedkar as caste leaders, was still fresh in the minds of all those who participated in the meeting.

The best tribute to him by people would be to uphold communal harmony, a principle very dear to his heart, Mr Karunanidhi added.

State Electricity Minister Arcot N. Veerasamy has been deputed by Mr Karunanidhi to participate in the funeral of Mr Ayyanambalam.