When five DMK men were killed in a police firing at the Marina 25 years ago
This article recounts the 2001 violent clash between DMK cadres and police in Chennai, which resulted in the deaths of five party members. The incident followed the controversial midnight arrest of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi and led to widespread political unrest.
Why it matters
The event remains a significant historical touchstone in Tamil Nadu politics, highlighting the volatile relationship between the DMK and AIADMK parties.
On July 29, 2001, a month after former Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi was arrested at midnight by police, who forcibly entered his Oliver Road house (since sold) in Chennai, the DMK general council passed a resolution to take out a rally on August 12, to condemn the police atrocities during the operation.
On the appointed day, the rally commenced at Little Mount in Saidapet. It was to proceed via Cathedral Road to Kamaraj Salai and end on the sands of the Marina beach where Karunanidhi was to address a meeting at the Seerani Arangam (since demolished).
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