Molotov cocktails (petrol bombs) were hurled at the office of Sivaganga MP Karti P. Chidambaram in Subramaniyapuram, Karaikudi, in the early hours of Wednesday (11 March 2026), police said.
The incident came to light on Wednesday morning when the damage was noticed at the premises. The office was locked at the time of the attack and no one was present inside. As a result, no injuries were reported.
As reported in The New Indian Express, police officials said the exact time of the incident remains unclear as the office does not have CCTV surveillance. Investigators are attempting to determine the timing through other means. Two Molotov cocktails were believed to have been thrown at the building, and their impact marks were visible on the premises. However, the attack did not cause significant structural damage.
Following the incident, Karaikudi Congress MLA S. Mangudi visited the site as the MP was not in the locality. Sivaganga Superintendent of Police R. Shiva Prasad also inspected the venue and announced that special teams had been formed to identify and apprehend those responsible.
The attack comes in the backdrop of his remarks made earlier this month about developments in Iran.
On 2 March 2026, shortly after the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Karti Chidambaram spoke about the political situation in Iran.
Addressing the issue, he said that he was not defending the Ayatollah regime and described it as oppressive toward its own people. He said, “Khamenei’s regime was a cruel/brutal regime (கொடூர ஆட்சி) – I will not defend it”
The backlash was immediate and escalated quickly on the ground. As reported in Dinamalar and Getlokalapp, his remarks drew criticism from some Muslim organisations, which accused him of making offensive comments. Protests were subsequently held near the Sivaganga Palace area, where demonstrators raised slogans against the Congress MP.
In Karaikudi and surrounding areas, several Islamic organisations also condemned the remarks through social media posts and posters. Some of these posters were reported to contain controversial messages targeting the MP.
Speaking to the press about the backlash, he said, “I condemn the Taliban and Ayatollahs. That does not mean I am against Muslims. Those who oppose my views must read and understand the atrocities committed by the Ayatollahs in Iran.”
Reiterating his comments, at another press conference he said, “Those criticising my comments should read about Iran. Let me say it again: if I condemn the Taliban, does it mean I am condemning Muslims? I condemn the Ayatollahs. People must read about the atrocities committed by the Ayatollahs in Iran.”
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