The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday questioned Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S. Ramadoss in connection with a 2006 murder case. His son and former Union Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss was also examined by the agency a couple of days ago, sources in the intelligence agencies told this newspaper on Sunday.
The case pertains to the murder of Muruganandham, a close associate of C.Ve. Shanmugam, presently the Minister for Commercial Taxes. On the night of the polling day - May 8 - in the 2006 State Assembly election, a gang armed with weapons allegedly barged into the house of Mr. Shanmugam and tried to attack him.
However, he escaped from the scene. Muruganandham who was present at the scene suffered grievous injuries and died later. The accused persons also caused damage to property.
The attack was consequent to simmering differences between Mr. Shanmugam and M. Karunanithi of the PMK who contested from the Tindivanam Assembly constituency in the 2006 Assembly elections.
Mr. Shanmugam lodged a complaint with the Roshanai police against 15 persons including Dr. Ramadoss, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss, Mr.Karunanithi and others. But the names of the PMK founder and his son were removed from the case later, the sources said.
In October 2011, Mr. Shanmugam moved the Madras High Court, seeking a probe by the CBI into the case. The Special Crimes Branch of the agency which took up investigation apprehended eight persons in connection with the case.
On January 25, Dr. Ramadoss's brother Srinivasan and Mr. Karunanithi were arrested.
Summons
The CBI issued summons to Dr. Ramadoss and Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss to appear before the investigation officer for questioning.
While the former Union Health Minister was questioned last week, Dr. Ramadoss came to a place fixed by the Special Crimes Branch and answered the queries of investigators, the sources added.
