A statue of rationalist leader E V Ramasamy 'Periyar' was found vandalised in neighbouring Kancheepuram district on Friday with political leaders in Tamil Nadu condemning it and demanding stern action against the culprits.
The statue at Salavakkam was found damaged on Friday morning, causing a flutter in the locality, police said.
The state police warned of "strong action" against anti-social elements involving in vandalising statues of Periyar or other leaders.
The incident comes in the backdrop of a renewed debate on Periyar in Tamil Nadu, after superstar Rajinikanth last week had made some remarks about a 1971 rally taken out by the Dravidian stalwart.
Taking part at an event held by Tamil magazine 'Thuglak' on Jannuary 14, Rajinikanth had alleged: "In 1971, at Salem, Periyar took out a rally in which the undressed images of Lord Sriramachandramoorthy and Sita -with a garland of sandal- (were) featured...."
Condemning the vandalisation, DMK President M K Stalin on Friday said damaging the statue of Periyar who had "strived for Tamils and Tamil Nadu for 95 years was shameful and regrettable."