Fasting MLA arrested;shifted to hospital

NAGAPATTINAM: Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam MLA, R Arulselvan, who is an on indefinite fast since Tuesday, was today arrested and admitted to the Government hospital here as his health condition worsened, police said.

The MLA is demanding, among other things, that Mayiladuthurai be bifurcated from Nagapattinam district and made a separate district.

Arulselvan, who represents the Mayiladuthurai assembly constituency, was earlier arrested on Tuesday after he tried to observe the fast without obtaining police permission. He was released later but began the protest in the evening.

The MLA's health condition worsened last night, but he refused to suspend his agitation. Early morning today, police arrested him and admitted him to the Government Hospital, police said.

Earlier on wednesday, several shops in Mayiladuthurai downed shutters in support of the MLA and the demands raised by him.