After SC order, Opposition demands dismissal of Vijaya Baskar, DGP

Stalin in a statement on Friday, said, “I welcome the apex Court’s order that gutkha scam should be investigated by the CBI. I believe that the inquiry will expose many politicians, top police officers and other higher-ups involved in the scandal.”

Further, noting that the government should not delay the transfer of the case to the CBI, the DMK leader sought the CBI to register a fresh FIR based on the ‘Gutkha diary’ that was handed over to the state government by the Income Tax department.

Stalin also insisted that if the probe ought to be held in a transparent manner, the CBI should write a letter to Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami seeking to remove both the Health Minister and the DGP, since utilising their position they would make all attempts to thwart the investigations.

Later, addressing reporters, the Leader of the Opposition hailed the Supreme Court verdict on Karnataka politics as salvaging of democracy. “(Vajubhai) Vala (Karnataka Governor) should immediately resign or Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi or President (Ram Nath Kovind) should remove him from the post,” Stalin added.

Meanwhile, PMK founder S Ramadoss in a statement said, “Even after Supreme Court had upheld the Madras High Court order directing a CBI probe in the gutkha scam it is a shame that the minister and other officials, involved in the scam are holding on to their position.” Vijaya Baskar should resign immediately on moral grounds paving way for a transparent investigation, Ramadoss added.