Stalin decries inquiry panel as ‘deceptive drama’

Speaking to reporters at the airport here on Saturday, he said “the inquiry commission, headed by retired judge, has been formed to make attempts to prevent the public from discovering information relating to the firing incidents and it is a calculated plan by the government to coverup the facts.”

Stalin recounted that even Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami has already justified the firing that police acted in self-defense. “Then, where is the need for setting up an inquiry commission,” the DMK leader asked, calling it ‘deceptive drama.’

To a question, Stalin said, “The official, who get ‘cut’ (mamul) from the Sterlite has ordered shooting at the agitators. Even as we urged the government to place Thoothukudi Collector and SP under suspension, the government turned a deaf ear and it did not even put them on waiting list and instead, they were merely transferred.” The cabinet should convene and take a policy decision to thrash out the issues regarding closure of Sterlite unit and people of the entire state were expecting only such a decision, he said.

Meanwhile, Stalin provided solatium for Thoothukudi firing victims. Accordingly, Rs 2 lakh each was given to the kin of 13 deceased persons.