---
title: "25 Years Ago: Police Firing at Marina Beach Kills Five DMK Cadres"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/chennai-marina-beach-police-firing-dmk-rally-2001-07kbz
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: India
published: 2026-08-12T01:30:25.173Z
modified: 2026-08-12T04:23:53.050Z
language: en-IN
---

# 25 Years Ago: Police Firing at Marina Beach Kills Five DMK Cadres

On August 12, 2001, a DMK rally in Chennai turned violent, leading to police firing that killed five party members. An inquiry later deemed the police action justified.

## Key takeaways

- On August 12, 2001, a DMK rally in Chennai turned violent, leading to police firing.
- Five DMK cadres were killed in the police firing, with six total fatalities reported.
- DMK cadres set fire to four police vehicles and other property.
- An inquiry commission later deemed the police firing justified.
- The events followed the arrest of DMK leader M. Karunanidhi.

## What Happened

On August 12, 2001, a rally organized by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in Chennai to protest the earlier arrest of party president M. Karunanidhi escalated into violence, resulting in police firing that killed five DMK cadres. The rally, which began at Little Mount in Saidapet, was intended to proceed to Marina beach for a meeting. Trouble began as cadres chanted slogans against then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa and Chennai Police Commissioner K. Muthukaruppan. Near the DGP’s Office, the procession became violent, prompting a lathicharge by the police. Reports indicate that four police vehicles, a bus, a jeep, and two motorcycles were set ablaze by DMK cadres. Five journalists, eight policemen, and approximately 15 DMK volunteers were hospitalized due to injuries. In the ensuing chaos, police opened fire on the crowd, leading to the deaths of five DMK members, with a total of six fatalities reported.

## Background

The rally was a response to the midnight arrest of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi a month prior. His arrest involved police forcibly entering his Chennai residence. The DMK's general council passed a resolution to hold the rally on August 12 to condemn what they termed police atrocities during the operation.

## Key Facts

- On July 29, 2001, the DMK general council resolved to hold a rally on August 12 to condemn police actions.

- The rally was scheduled to end at the Marina beach where M. Karunanidhi was to address a meeting.

- Trouble began near the DGP’s Office, where police used a lathicharge and journalists were attacked.

- Four police vehicles, a bus, a jeep, and two motorcycles were set ablaze by DMK cadres.

- Five journalists, eight policemen, and about 15 DMK volunteers were hospitalized.

- Police opened fire, resulting in the deaths of five DMK cadres; six people died in total.

- M. Karunanidhi addressed the rally and appealed to cadres to leave safely.

- Andhra Pradesh Governor C. Ranagarajan, also the acting Tamil Nadu Governor, met Karunanidhi the following day.

- Karunanidhi submitted a memorandum alleging a “reign of terror” and the use of “all forms of force” on DMK members and the media.

- Video footage showed clashes between DMK cadres and inhabitants of Ayodhyakuppam, with some individuals holding sickles.

- Karunanidhi alleged that AIADMK elements from Ayodhyakuppam attacked DMK men, causing stab injuries.

- Jayalalithaa formed a one-man Commission of Inquiry headed by retired Madras High Court judge Justice Bhaktavatsalam.

- The Commission's report, tabled in the Assembly a year later, found the police firing justified.

- The Commission stated the use of force was the minimum required and justified, citing attempts by processionists to forcibly enter the DGP’s office complex and commit arson.

## Why It Matters

The incident and subsequent police action triggered widespread political outrage. The official inquiry, while clearing the police, highlighted the volatile nature of the events, including clashes and arson. The differing accounts of the events, with Karunanidhi alleging external instigation and the official inquiry focusing on the actions of the processionists, underscore the contentious political environment of the time.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/chennai-marina-beach-police-firing-dmk-rally-2001-07kbz
Reported from: Multiple Sources