Tension high after Madras deaths

The rally was called by the opposition DMK party

Tension remains high in the southern Indian city of Madras after six people died and as many as 100 were injured after clashes at a political rally on Sunday night.

Following the incident, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu, J Jayalalitha, has set up a commission of inquiry headed by a retired judge.

The rally was called by the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party to protest against the recent arrest of its leader and former state chief minister, M Karunanidhi.

The arrest of Mr Karunanidhi at the end of June on corruption charges led to a crisis in relations between Tamil Nadu and the central government because the DMK is an influential partner in the BJP-led coalition in Delhi.

Live fire

Thousands gathered in Madras on Sunday evening to protest at the rough treatment that Mr Karunanidhi had received at the hands of the police.

Chief Minister Jayalalitha: Accused of vendetta

The rally grew in numbers and as the crowd approached the police HQ in Madras, some people started throwing stones and other missiles.

The police responded with a baton charge, running at the crowd wielding bamboo sticks or lathis.

Several media persons were said to have been attacked as well.

Police also used water cannon and teargas to try to bring the situation under control, resulting in a pitched battle that lasted almost an hour.

As the violence grew worse, eyewitnesses say the police opened fire on the crowd. Parliament protest

Parliament in Delhi was adjourned on Monday as DMK members there disrupted proceedings in protest at the rally deaths.

The party has also accused the ruling AIADMK party in Tamil Nadu of being behind Sunday night's violence.

"The police took advantage of the fading light and supported by the AIADMK hoodlums, brutally attacked our party brothers and even women members," said DMK leader M Karunanidhi.

Chief Minister Jayalalitha apologised for the attack on the media persons and promised to take steps to avoid such incidents in the future.

Pictures of Mr Karunanidhi's dramatic night-time arrest at the end of June led to serious disturbances in the state and strained relations with Delhi.

Ms Jayalalitha was accused of pursuing a political vendetta because she herself had faced corruption charges while in opposition.

The 78-year-old politician was eventually released by Ms Jayalalitha on humanitarian grounds after concern was expressed about his health.