AIADMK MP dies in road mishap in Villupuram district

Chennai: AIADMK MP , elected from Villupuram Lok Sabha constituency, died in a freak mishap when the car in which he was travelling hit the median on the road near Tindivanam in Villupuram district on Saturday, police said.

Rajendran died of severe head injuries. Two others, including the driver, who were injured are being treated.

The Lok Sabha member was 62. Rajendran, who was Villupuram north district AIADMK secretary of the farmers’ wing, is survived by wife, two daughters and a son.

The injured were taken to a local hospital and later shifted to Government Medical College Hospital at Mundiyampakkam in the district.

According to sources the accident occurred after the driver lost control of the vehicle and rammed the car into a road median under construction at Tindivanam about 40 km from here. A probe is on.

Sources said Rajendran, who stayed at the government circuit house last night at Tindivanam and was coming to Chennai when the accident happened. Though he was rushed to a government hospital, he succumbed said police.

Chief Minister Edappadi K. Palaniswami who condoled Rajendran’s death said it was a great loss for the party and the people of Villuppuram.

Mr Palaniswami said he was anguished to learn about the death. He lauded Rajendran for his efficient work as a MP, long service to the people and for his commitment to the AIADMK's principles. "Rajendran has been in public life for a long time and worked for the people's welfare. He was affable and held many responsibilities in the party. His death is a huge loss for the AIADMK and the people," he said in a statement here.

 Mr Palaniswami conveyed his condolences to Rajendran's family members, party colleagues and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace. The Chief Minister and his deputy O. Panneerselvam, Law Minister C. Ve. Shanmugam, Social welfare minister V. Saroja, senior AIADMK leaders including K. P. Munusamy visited Tindivanam and placed wreaths on the MP's body as a mark of respect. Later, Rajendran's body was taken to his native village near here for burial.

 Expressing deep shock and grief over the sudden death of S. Rajendran, Governor Banwarilal Purohit said his death is a great loss to the people of Villupuram constituency and to the AIADMK cadres. "I convey my deep condolences to the bereaved members of the family and pray to god to rest his soul in peace," the Governor said.

 DMK president M. K. Stalin and PMK founder Dr. S. Ramadoss were among those who condoled the death of the Lok Sabha MP.