Jaya "lying" about bail to functionary and LTTE threat: VCK

Chennai, Dec 13 (UNI) Viduthalai Chirithaigal Katchi (VCK) General Secretary Thol Thirumalavan today described as ''blatant'' lie, AIADMK Supremo J Jayalalithaa's charge that his party functionary was released on bail immediately after his arrest following Chief Minister M Karunanidhi's intervention.

It may be recalled that VCK functionary Vanniyarasu was arrested by the police recently for his alleged support to the banned LTTE after he received a parcel containing some materials meant for the banned outfit. He was released on bail by the court the same day.

In a statement here, Mr Thirumavalavan denied her charge and said that he had not met the Chief Minister that day.

He had only met Mr Karunanidhi a few days later to submit a memorandum and not on the day Vanniyarasu was arrested.

Describing her charges as baseless, he said ''if we wanted the Chief Minister's help, we could have secured his release even before he was arrested''.

''The arrest of Vanniyarasu is ample proof to show that the Police force has been functioning without political intervention'', he added.

He was released on bail the same day because the case was foisted against him, the VCK leader said.

Asserting that the LTTE would not work against the interests of India or Tamil Nadu, Mr Thirumavalavan said ''it's (LTTE) main aim is to fight against the Sri Lankan government. It always favoured friendly relations with India and will not develop a sense of hatred towards India,'' he added.

Ridiculing Ms Jayalalithaa's charge that Mr Karunanidhi was supporting the banned outfit and the State was becoming a haven for the LTTE activities, he recalled a senior Army official's remark that there was no threat to the State from the LTTE.

''Her claim of LTTE threat to the state was aimed at creating a crisis for the ruling DMK,'' he said.

Her remarks linking VCK functionary's arrest to the recent arrest of LTTE men was politically motivated, he said.

UNI