DMK slaps defamation suit on Vijayakanth

Chennai, Feb 1 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Electricity Minister Arcot N Veerasamy today filed a defamation case against Actor-Politician and Desiya Murpokku Dravidar Kazhagam (DMDK) Leader Vijayakanth for allegedly making insinuatory remarks against Chief Minister M Karunanidhi in connection with the recent IT raids on the actor's premises.

Mr Veerasamy, who is also the Treasurer of the DMK, appeared before Egmore Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Bhoominathan and filed the case seeking action for the actor's alleged remarks that the recent Income-Tax raids at his residence and office premises were carried out due to political vendetta 'at the instance of Mr Karunanidhi.' A suit was also against an evening Tamil daily for publishing reports of Mr Vijayakanth, who had described the raids as ''politically motivated.'' Later, talking to reporters, Mr Veerasamy said Mr Vijayakanth's remarks not only hurt Mr Karunanidhi but also scores of party workers.

''The remarks are aimed at tarnishing the image of our party leader,'' he said.

On January 23, Income Tax officials raided homes and offices belonging to Mr Vijaykanth, in various parts of the State, sparking protests from his party workers who had damaged a vehicle belonging to the IT Department and pelted stones in front his house.

UNI