T. Ramachandran, the Communist Party of India (CPI), MLA representing the Thalli constituency in Krishnagiri district, and four others surrendered before a court here on Monday in connection a murder case.
T. Palani alias Palanisamy, district convener of the Periyar Dravidar Kazhagam, was shot at and his head chopped by a gang in Balepuram village in Krishnagiri district on July 5. The Uthanapalli police have registered a case against Mr. Ramachandran and several others who were absconding.
An anticipatory bail petition was moved in the Madras High Court on their behalf. It was rejected a few days ago. Mr. Ramachandran, his brother Varadarajan (48), father-in-law Lahumaiah (64), T. Kesavamurthi (28) and Sitharaj alias Raja (28), all accused in the murder case, came to Tiruvannamalai Judicial Magistrate Court and surrendered before Judicial Magistrate I N.K. Vijaya.
All five were remanded to judicial custody and taken to Salem Central Prison.
While being taken out of the court by the police, Mr. Ramachandran told reporters that he had no connection with the murder and had been implicated owing to political animosity.
“Police registered a false case due to pressure given by a powerful person in the ruling party from Krishnagiri. I’ll prove my innocence,” he said.
