CPI(M) demands judicial probe into May 29 police firing

Chennai, June 5 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) today demanded that the state government should order a judicial probe into the May 29 police firing at Vilampatti village in Dindigul district after a temple hundi theft.

In a letter to Chief Minister M Karunanidhi, a copy of which was released to the press, CPI(M) state unit secretary N Varadarajan said to bring out the truth, the government should order a judicial probe, headed by a district judge.

He also demanded the government to pay adequate compensation and arrange for proper medical treatment to those who were injured in the police firing and take immediate steps to put an end to police ''oppressiveness''.

To ensure return of peace in the affected village, the Left party leader suggested that the government constitute a peace committee, comprising Revenue Minister I Periyasamy, hailing from the area, District Collector and representatives of all political parties.

Recalling the May 29 incident, he said when a five-member gang broke open the local temple hundi and looted the cash and jewellery, the villagers caught and handed them over to the police.

The police, however, instead of taking action against the gang members, lathicharged the agitating villagers and opened fire at them, injuring many, he added.

UNI