Panel on YC chief attack commences probe

Chennai, Nov 14 (UNI) The three-member Committee, constituted by the Congress High Command to probe into the stabbing of Tamil Nadu Youth Congress President Mayura S Jayakumar at the TNCC headquarters here on November 11, began its inquiry today.

The panel, comprising Congress Legislature Party deputy leader D Yasoda, former TNCC President Kumari Anandan and senior party leader G V Vadivelu, commenced the probe by seeking details of the incident from Mr Jayakumar, undergoing treatment at a hospital here.

Mr Jayakumar told the panel that a 15-member armed group, led by party Councillor 'Saidai' Williams, had attacked him with deadly weapons in his room.

In a desperate bid to escape, he had pleaded with Williams to sort out the issues after taking up the matter with Dr Vishnu Prasad, party MLA and son of TNCC President M Krishnaswamy. But Williams had told him that he was carrying out the attack only at the instance of Dr Prasad, he said.

On earlier occasions also, Mr Williams had attempted an attack on him and when he wanted to take up the matter with the Party High Command, Dr Prasad had come to Mr William's rescue and saved him from any disciplinary action.

The panel, constituted by Congress MP V Arun Kumar, would identify those behind the attack and submit its report within a week to the High Command. Based on the findings, further action would be taken, Mr Kumar had said.

A meeting of senior party leaders, through an unanimous resolution, had expelled Mr Williams from the party.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and former TNCC President G K Vasan appealed to partymen to shed politics of vengeance and hatred and work for the growth of the party in the State.

The culture of violence was alien to the Congress as no one, right from the AICC President to the last cadre, believed in violence, he said, exhorting partymen to shun violence and take to the path of growth.

UNI