VCK functionary opens fire in Erode lodge, hHeld

ERODE: The Erode Police on Friday arrested a VCK functionary for opening fire in a lodge here. Three of his supporters were also arrested.Gurusamy (53), the owner of a newly-constructed lodge near Erode Central bus stand, sought a loan of Rs1 crore from VCK district deputy secretary and financier Vairavel Goundar (45) nearly two months ago. Vairavel also runs a lodge near the bus stand.  After getting the power of attorney for Gurusamy’s lodge, Vairavel offered only Rs 5 lakh. Though Gurusamy sought rest of the money from him to settle his loan — obtained through the State Bank of India (SBI) for constructing the lodge nearly two years ago — Vairavel did not give it. On Thursday, Vairavel came to the lodge and asked Gurusamy to vacate the place claiming that he was the owner of the lodge as per the deed. A quarrel ensued.Vairavel came to the lodge again on Friday afternoon, this time in an inebriated condition and accompanied by three workers of his lodge. Soon a quarrel erupted between Vairavel and Gurusamy.  After a while, Gurusamy went outside and informed the police. At that time, Vairavel fired twice from his licensed revolver at the ceiling in the reception area of the lodge. Luckily, no one was injured in the incident. After opening fire, Vairavel fell flat on the spot. Meanwhile, police rushed to the spot and arrested Vairavel and seized the revolver from him. The lodge workers, Jeevanandam, Murugan and Gobi, who accompanied him were also arrested.Later, Town Inspector Velumani held inquiries with the workers and with Gurusamy’s son Sriprakash.“I got Rs 1 crore loan from the SBI and settled Rs 56 lakh. Due to sudden illness, I could not remit the dues for a few months.” “At that time, one of my friends introduced me to Vairavel who assured to give `1 crore loan after getting the power of attorney for my lodge,” Gurusamy said.“So I decided to get Rs 1 crore to settle the State Bank of India loan. As per the norms of the deed, I have two years’ time to settle the dues. But within 63 days of giving Rs 5 lakh, Vairavel sought rights over the lodge,” he added.