VEHICLE FROM TN GUV CONVOY RAMS INTO CROWD, 3 DEAD

CHENNAI: A security vehicle used as an advance pilot in the convoy of Tamil Nadu governor, Banwarilal Purohit, on Friday plunged into a crowd of bystanders, killing two persons on the spot. Another person later succumbed to injuries, taking the toll to three.

The incident happened on the main road near New Kalpakkam Road when Purohit was returning to Chennai after holding a review meeting with officials in Cuddalore district, 190km from the state capital.

In a press release, the Raj Bhavan, however, said that no vehicle of the governor’s convoy was involved in an accident. It said that a separate security vehicle, a Bolero being used as an advance pilot, was involved in an accident on its way back after leaving the convoy within Kancheepuram limits. “It is clear that the vehicle that met with an accident was entirely on its own and was not part of the convoy of the Honourable governor,” it said.

Karthi, 12, and Suresh, 35, died on the spot while 62-year-old Kausalya lost both her legs in the accident. Along with another person, she was rushed to the local government hospital for treatment, where she succumbed to injuries.

Mahabalipuram police have registered a case and investigation is on.

Incidentally, the DMK held protests against Purohit’s meetings, saying this was not the work of the governor. Instead, he should order a floor test so that chief minister K Palaniswami can prove his majority, said MK Stalin, DMK working president.