Judicial probe ordered, relatives agree to accept body

Chennai, Nov 21 (UNI) The Tamil Nadu government has ordered a judicial inquiry into the alleged custodial death of a PMK functionary and the subsequent violent incidents that culminated in a police lathicharge at Kullanchavady in Cuddalore district yesterday.

According to an official release here today, the probe would be conducted by a retired Madras High Court Judge M S Janardhanam.

The probe would also go into the reasons for the death of PMK functionary Ramalingam, who was brought to the police station on the night of November 19, following an altercation with the bus crew, and whether the police were justified in resorting to a lathicharge, the release added.

Meanwhile, a report from Cuddalore said the relatives of the deceased, who refused to accept the body till the police officer concerned was arrested and murder charges filed against him, relent after state Minister M R K Panneerselvam held talks with them.

The Minister also assured the relatives an appointment with the Chief Minister tomorrow at Chennai to express their grievances and demand.

(Eds: Here pick up suitably from earlier related series) UNI GV/XR AJ MS RN2020