Farm house case takesnew turn

Chennai, July 24 (UNI) The controversy sorrounding the Sirudhavur farmhouse, where AIADMK leader J Jayalalithaa used to stay, took a new turn today with Chief Minister M Karunanidhi asking whether she would face the case legally or allow the law to take its course.

Hours after Ms Jayalalithaa issued a statement, reiterating that the farmhouse was not owned by her and dared him to give details of assets owned by him and his relatives, Mr Karunanidhi, in a statement here said he had openly declared his assets when he filed nominations for election from Chepauck in the May assembly elections.

Whether it was his son M K Azhagiri or nephew late Murasoli Maran, they had properly paid income tax for whatever they had earned and continue to pay tax, he said.

Having a dig at Ms Jayalalithaa for trying to take over the TANSI lands, he said, ''We have not tried to take over the TANSI lands, belonging to the government and offered to return, surrendering in the Supreme court.'' He said now the question was who owned the bungalow and whether the dalits lands in the area were taken over. Ms Jayalalithaa, in her first statement, had declared that she would face the case legally, he said and wanted to know whether she was going to face the case legally or pave the way for the law to take its own course.

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