Petition seeking arrest of Thally MLA in murder case

The brother of slain Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) leader L. Baskar of Denkanikottai in Krishnagiri petitioned Inspector General of Police (IG), West Zone, K. Shankar here on Monday seeking the arrest of Thally MLA T. Ramachandran (CPI) for allegedly conspiring the murder of Baskar in March 2013.

The petitioner, L. Viswanathan (57) of Kelamangalam village in Denkanikottai taluk, Krishnagiri district, claimed that a few of the accused were in prison but those who were still at large were trying to dilute witnesses in the case by using their “money and muscle power”.

Mr. Viswanathan and social activist K. Vediappan, who accompanied him, said there were cases of murder and attempts to murder against the accused. “Not arresting them will weaken the case and deny justice to Baskar, who was kidnapped, murdered and burnt by the accused,” Mr. Vediappan said.

Mr. Shankar told

The Hindu that investigation of the case was nearing completion and that it would soon be charge sheeted. The IG said that they recorded the statements of the witnesses in the case and also obtained expert opinion on the case. “Police officers have been asked to ensure that witnesses are not disturbed or tampered,” he added.