Gutka scam: DMK walks out of Tamil Nadu Assembly, calls EPS' reply inconclusive
DMK claimed that the anwer given by Chief Minister E Palaniswami was inconclusive.
In Short
- DMK staged a walkout in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today.
- DMK protested against the ongoing Gutka scam.
- Senior Congress leader has demanded a CBI probe.
Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) today staged a walkout from Tamil Nadu Assembly for the second time in connection with the gutka scam. DMK claimed that the answer given by Chief Minister E Palaniswami was inconclusive.
DMK leader MK Stalin had raised the gutka scam issue in the Assembly for the second time after submitting a copy of evidence with the Speaker. In a discussion at the Assembly, the Congress party's legislative leader Ramasamy asked for a CBI probe into the matter.
In response to the ongoing discussion, CM Palaniswami said that there were various statistics but he did not say anything conclusive about the demand for an investigation.
"Based on a letter written by Chennai Commissioner to the Principal Secretary on the illegal production/sale/distribution of banned tobacco products an order was given to the director of Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption on 27 January 2017 and a probe has been initiated," claimed Palaniswami.
"A person called Vincent also filed a case with Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe in the case which was heard by Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice Sundar was on 27 January 2017 and the Commissioner of police was asked to conduct a separate probe," added Palaniswami.
Palaniswami, while quoting the judge, said that the court itself has claimed that they do not need to interfere when the officials are investigating the matter. Stalin and other opposition MLAs termed this as an inconclusive answer and pressed further details.
QUESTION OF FAIR PROBE
While quoting the leaked documents, Stalin once again questioned how a fair probe can be expected when Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption falls under the DGP who is also named in the scam. As Speaker didn't allow anymore discussion into the matter, DMK staged a walkout.
The gutka scam which was raised by MK Stalin on Wednesday with the help of a leaked report claimed that top police officials were paid hefty amount to allow the sale of banned tobacco products in Tamil Nadu.
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Chennai: DMK leader MK Stalin raises gutka scam in Assembly, slams Health Minister Vijayabhaskar