India's Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (524715.BY) sent a letter to shareholders of Israel-based Taro Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. (TAROF) on Friday, asking them to vote against the election of directors at Taro's annual general meeting.

The two companies have been at loggerheads since Sun originally struck a deal to buy Taro in May 2007 for about $454 million. After an equity infusion from Sun, Taro terminated the agreement.

In 2008, Sun launched a share tender offer in the U.S. to acquire a controlling stake in Taro, which was challenged by Taro's management.

Earlier this month, Taro told its shareholders that Sun was attempting to seize control of the company and gain control of Taro's board.

"We urge you to vote against the election and re-election of directors," Dilip Shanghvi, chairman and managing director of Sun Pharmaceuticals wrote.

"As Taro's largest shareholder, it is difficult to accept abuse of shareholders' money and being left in the dark about the true state of Taro's financial affairs," Shanghvi said.

Sun has a stake of about 39% in Taro, according to regulatory filings in the U.S.

 
   -By Eric Yep, Dow Jones Newswires; 91-22-6145-6110; eric.yep@dowjones.com