Paramakudi firing result of police excess: BJP

Chennai, Sep 17: A BJP team that visited Paramakudi, the scene of the September 11 police firing in which seven persons were killed, today (Sept 17) said the incident was a result of "police excess" and could have been avoided.

The team, which included BJP national spokesperson Nirmala Seetharaman and Lok Sabha MPs Arjun Ram Meghwal and Dr Kirit Solanki, condemned the firing and said even after the incident, people were being targeted by police during the night time.

"We condemn the incident. Police action was not desirable. Knowing pretty well that it (Dalit leader Immanuel Sekaran's death anniversary) is an annual event, police should have made proper arrangements," Meghwal told reporters here.

Alleging "complete mismanagement," on part of the police, Meghwal, citing his interaction with the people, alleged that the force did not use other measures such as lobbing teargas, using lathicharge or warning the people before firing the shots.

"This is a clear-cut case of police excess which could have been avoided," he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa should visit the area where the firing took pace, he demanded. Meghwal also claimed that the team's request to meet the Tamil Nadu Chief Secretary and DGP were turned down.

Seven persons were killed on September 11 when police fired on rampaging crowds -- mostly Dalits -- which set ablaze vehicles and blocked traffic following the arrest of Dalit leader John Pandian at Vallanadu in Tuticorin district.

PTI