AIADMK writes to Kovind, Modi and CJI seeking probe into black flag protest

Chennai: Keeping up the heat on the ruling DMK over the black flag protest against Tamil Nadu Governor RN Ravi, alleging he was attacked, the opposition AIADMK has written to President Ram Nath Kovind and Prime Minister Narendra Modi among others, seeking an "appropriate enquiry" to ascertain if it was pre-planned or there was a failure to provide protection to the state's constitutional head.

In his letter also marked to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Chief Justice of India, N V Ramana, AIADMK leader R M Babu Murugavel wanted the enquiry to be headed "befittingly" by retired Supreme Court Judge.

Murugavel is the AIADMK's Joint secretary, State Legal Wing and also its official spokesperson.

In his letter dated April 20, released to the media on Thursday, Murugavel alleged the Governor "was attacked by certain anti-social elements belonging to DMK and its affliated parties."

On April 19, a black flag demo was held against Ravi during his visit to a Saivite mutt in Mayiladuthurai district, with the agitators opposing him over the pendency of the state's anti-NEET Assembly bill.

Opposition AIADMK and BJP have alleged his convoy was then attacked using stones and flagpoles, an accusation that has been outrightly rejected by the state government, with Chief Minister M K Stalin asserting not even a "speck of dust" fell on Ravi during the protest and that there will be no compromise with his security.

In his letter, Murugavel said the incident has "negatively affected the reputation" of Tamilnadu.

The state governor "was attacked by certain anti-social elements belonging to DMK and its affiliated parties," he claimed in the letter.

"His convoy was intercepted and assaulted by blocking the way and by protesting using black flags and the unlawful mob broke the police cordon and hurled stones and sticks at the convoy vehicle. According to information available, it has been apparent that the vehicles in-charge of Governor's security were attacked using slippers, stones and black flags. Fortunately, our Hon'ble Governor and his convoy passed unharmed," he said.

With the governor's schedule having been notified much prior and well informed, the Tamil Nadu police had the bounden duty to take note of such circumstances that has created hindrance to the travel through the Intelligence Department and should have taken necessary steps to protect him, he said.

It "expressly denotes the failure of Tamil Nadu police along with its ancillary wing and the Intelligence Department too. There should be an appropriate enquiry to verify whether the incident is a well-planned activity or a failure towards providing protection to the Hon'ble Governor," Murugavel said.

He claimed ruling DMK's allies-- Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) and the Left parties "have also been involved along with DMK in these anti-social activities that has created a breach to the security of the Governor of Tamil Nadu."

"...necessary enquiry befittingly to be headed by any retired Hon'ble Judge of Supreme Court of India should be held and stringent and rigorous action should be taken against the perpetrators, accused persons, accomplices and conspirators along with DMK state government and its affiliated parties who had involved in the incident and also for their inaction as mentioned above," he urged.