In a new political synergy as it were, both DMK president M. Karunanidhi and PMK founder S. Ramadoss on Friday demanded a CBI probe into the collapse of an 11-storey building at Moulivakkam here, saying only a neutral agency could bring out the truth.
Mr. Karunanidhi alleged that the appointment of Justice R. Reghupathy as the one-man commission of inquiry was eyewash, as the retired judge had already headed many panels. Justice Reghupathy replaced Justice Thangaraj, appointed to probe the alleged violations in the construction of the new Secretariat. Further, Justice Reghupathy is president of the Tamil Nadu Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission and member of the Advisory Board, constituted under the National Security Act, 1980, and the Goondas Act, he said.
Recalling Union Minister for Urban Development M. Venkaiah Naidu’s statement that the Centre would push for key reforms to make officials accountable for illegal constructions or unauthorised development, Mr. Karunanidhi said the appointment of Justice Reghupathy should be viewed in this background.
“The permission for the building was granted by the Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA), which comes under the control of the State government. We should think whether it is appropriate on the part of the government to appoint a panel of inquiry as there are allegations about grant of permission for the building,” Mr. Karunanidhi said.
Dr. Ramadoss said that when it was proved beyond doubt that the permission was granted by CMDA officials, a probe by a judicial commission would only “bury the truth.” “While talking to reporters, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa denied any irregularities in the grant of approval. How could the commission be able to arrive at the truth after she has given a clean chit to officials,” he asked.
