Unidentified persons on Monday desecrated a statue of former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi [Images] in Puducherry, leading to tension in the city.

The police said an effigy of Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa garlanded with footwear was found hanging around the hand of Rajiv Gandhi statue at the Tahattavam junction.

Welfare Minister M Kandasamy, Health Minister A Namassivayam and various Congress leaders reached the spot and demanded that the culprits be arrested immediately. Congress workers also held demonstrations.

At Orleanpet area, a clash broke out between workers of the Congress and Vidhuthalai Siruthaikal Katchi when some of the Congress workers, who suspected the hand of VCK in the incident, raised slogans against that party during a demonstration.

The police rushed to the spot and dispersed the clashing groups. Ten activists of VCK were arrested in connection with the clash, police said.

Six Congressmen, including Municipal Councillor D Rajan, sustained injuries in the clash, police said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayanasamay told PTI from Delhi [Images]: "The desecration of the statue was highly objectionable and obnoxious. Police should act immediately and bring the culprits to book."

Narayanasamy said he had spoken to the Puducherry police chief and asked him to ensure that there was no disturbance in the law and order following the incident.

A large number of police personnel have been deployed at vulnerable points here in the wake of the incident.