Madurai: All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) nominee for Sivakasi parliamentary constituency P Kannan and Tamil Nadu Minister Inbatamizhan were injured, when two groups attacked them in separate incidents at Virudhunagar district today (May 10, 2004), police said.

Police said seven persons had been arrested in connection with the incident in which a TV crew member was also injured.

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Police said an escort of the Minister fired in the air to disperse a group, which pelted stones at Inbatamizhan's car. The Minister was proceeding to the spot where a clash had earlier taken place between Kannan's supporters and some Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) and DMK volunteers at Sitthuparai.

While the Minister was hospitalised, the candidate was treated and discharged.

Referring to the incident in which the candidate was injured, police said a clash broke out between the two groups after a heated exchange over a "poll survey". In the clash, Kannan was injured. His supporters escorted him to safety.

In yet another incident at Tiruparankunram, fans of actor Rajnikanth and DMK volunteers clashed after the former found the volunteers reportedly pinning badges having the actor's picture on their shirts and doing election work. A police officer rushed to the spot and dispersed the crowd.