Activist death bolsters prohibition call

CHENNAI: The death of Gandhian activist Sasi Perumal during a protest seeking closure of a Tasmac liquor outlet near Marthandam in Kanyakumari district on Friday has triggered protests across the state with many political parties raising the pitch for total prohibition. DMK demanded a judicial inquiry into Perumal’s death.
Stepping up their campaign against the state government's liquor policy, many parties including MDMK, VCK and MMK called for a statewide bandh on August 4."In a bid to safeguard the future of Tamil Nadu, and to fulfil the wishes of Gandhian activist Sasi Perumal, we request all sections of people to extend cooperation to the bandh call," said a joint statement issued by the parties.Kanyakumari traders had earlier called for a bandh on August 4. Later in the evening, CPI and CPM issued a joint statement supporting the bandh.
Union minister of state Pon Radhakrishnan said the state government should not delay implementation of total prohibition."It will make women happy," he told reporters in Coimbatore.
MDMK leader Vaiko joined a protest at Kalingapatti, his native village in Tirunelveli district on Saturday night, where the locals have been demanding closure of a Tasmac outlet. His mother, 94-year-old Mariammal, had been part of the protest since morning.
In Trichy, police arrested seven from various organisations when they attempted to begin an indefinite hunger strike seeking prohibition. Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad, students' wing of the Sangh Parivar, made an abortive bid to close down a Tasmac outlet near Rock Fort.
Virtually holding the AIADMK government responsible for Perumal's death, DMK president M Karunanidhi demanded a judicial probe by a sitting judge to bring out the truth. In a statement, the DMK leader said police and government officials mishandled the issue."Sasi Perumal died due to state's indifference. The government should take responsibility for the death," he said.
Karunanidhi wondered what police were up to when the 59-year-old activist remained on a mobile tower for nearly five hours."If it were a suicide as claimed by police, why didn't they prevent it?" he asked. Echoing his views, TNCC president EVKS Elangovan demanded action against Kanyakumari district collector, SP and district fire officer for their lapses.
Announcing a financial assistance of Rs 1 lakh to Perumal's family, DMDK leader Vijayakanth said the state should announce total prohibition as a mark of respect to the activist.
PMK leader Ramadoss condemned police for filing an FIR saying the activist had committed suicide."This is defaming the sacrifices of Sasi Perumal. The government should announce a compensation of Rs 50 lakh and also offer government job to a family member," he said. His son, former Union minister Anbumani Ramadoss, visited Perumal's residence in Salem on Saturday.