Madurai: Supporters of Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam and sidelined AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran came close to fisticuff, but they were separated by the police at the Madurai airport on Thursday evening.
As Panneerselvam and Dhinakaran were scheduled to arrive at the airport on different flights in the evening hours, their supporters had gathered to welcome them. To prevent untoward incident, the police allotted outside arrival gate to Panneerselvam supporters and the departure gate to the rival group to welcome their leaders.
Meanwhile, when minister of cooperation Sellur K. Raju entered through departure gate to welcome Panneerselvam, they raised slogan against him.
Within next few minutes, when Dhinkaran supporters saw the Deputy Chief Minister come out from the arrival gate, they raised slogan against him and moved towards the place.
In retaliation, Panneerselvam supporters also raised slogan against them and they almost came close to a fight. However the police used mild force and brought the situation under control.
One Dhinakaran loyalist Sakthi sustained injuries and police took him to the hospital.
The police sent Deputy Chief Minister Panneerselvam safely from the airport. A few minutes later, Dhinkaran arrived at the airport and he left with his supporters.
