The battle for the coveted positions in the South Indian Film Artistes' Association (SIFAA), known as Nadigar Sangam, took an ugly turn on Sunday after actor Vishal was reportedly attacked by the supporters of actor Sarath Kumar inside the polling booth.
Reports said that actress Sangeetha who was standing in the queue to cast her vote for the association election was attacked by Sarath Kumar, the president of Nadigar Sangam. In a statement to Pudhiya Thalamurai TV, she said that Vishal and Vikranth came to her rescue when Sarath Kumar used foul language and tried to hit her. Sarath Kumar's supporters attacked Vishal and injured him, she added.
"I never expected the leader to behave like this... I feel very ashamed," DNA quoted Sangeetha.
Vishal who was allegedly hit by a close aide of Sarath Kumar fainted at the polling booth. However, the actor regained his consciousness after a while and was given first aid at his caravan.
Later, Vishal told the media that he would reveal the name of his attacker after the election. "Let them attack me but please don't attack the actresses who have come to vote. The police is now giving extra protection to the actresses who have come to vote. I know who attacked me and I will give all the details after 5pm once the voting is over," the actor told DNA.
Meanwhile, Sarath Kumar denied the charges. "Vishal's team members entered a restricted area inside the voting booth. They were questioned. They have blown this up into an issue," The Hindu quoted the president of Nadigar Sangam as saying.
Supporters of Vishal and Sarath Kumar had exchanged heated words during the campaigning for Nadigar Sangam election. While such incidents shocked many in the industry and the film goers, it was expected that the election will end it.
