Pappapatti candidate dies

The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News: "Narasingam (52), candidate for the by-election to the Pappapatti panchayat president post, died today at Karaiyanpatti, near here.

Initial reports, sparked rumours of foul play as the blood stained body was found near a tank. According to official sources, Mr. Narasingam went to bathe in the tank situated near his house around 7.10 a.m. But while returning home he developed uneasiness, vomited blood and swooned. He died thereafter. Preliminary enquiries by revenue and police authorities indicated that Mr. Narasingam was a chronic TB patient. However, a detailed report on the circumstances leading to his death would be made available soon.

V. K. M. Ganesan, organising secretary of Moovendar Munnani Kazhagam, said Mr.Narasingam enjoyed the support of the Dalits, the Dalit Panthers of India and the prospects of he winning the by-election were bright but fate had willed otherwise. Mr. Narasingam had remitted the deposit money with the help of proceeds of kerosene sale.

Mr. Tirumavalavan condemning the ``recurring murder of democracy'' in Pappapatti and Keeripatti village panchayats said none of the political parties had taken any effort to restore democracy. He told reporters here that his party suspected foul play in the death of Mr. Narasingam. He sought police protection to the DPI-supported candidate for Keeripatti, P. Poonkodi."