Bank of Ceylon branch in Tamil Nadu vandalised

A group of unidentified persons, suspected to be one of the several pro-Lankan Tamil outfits in the state, attacked the Bank of Ceylon branch in Chennai on Thursday, a day ahead of Sri Lankan president Mahinda Rajapaksa's visit to India. The gang broke the glass panes, windows and furniture in the bank and assaulted two employees, both incidentally Tamilians.

The gang staged the surprise attack on the bank branch around 1.30 pm, stunning the police personnel who have been stationed at the premises in Egmore. They assaulted some of the employees injuring one, said police. Police are yet to find the culprits.

President Rajapaksa's visit to Tirupati Friday has led to protests in the state with political parties including UPA ally DMK opposing it.

DMK president M Karunanidhi had urged the Centre not to encourage the visit, and had issued a statement severely criticising Rajapakse for going back on his assurance to devolve power to provisional councils.

The bank has been attacked twice before- in January 2009, and again two years ago.

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