DMK leader M. Karunanidhi on Thursday demanded a CBI inquiry into red sanders smuggling case, saying that the central agency alone could conduct a fair investigation, especially when DSP Thangavel was making contradictory statements.
In a statement here, he said the DMK had been pressing for a probe by the CBI into the killing of 20 Tamils for their alleged involvement in red sanders smuggling since the issue involved both Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh.
“Since DSP Thanagavel, attached to the Prohibition Enforcement Wing, has been arrested in connection with the case, only a CBI inquiry will bring out the truth and ensure that the real culprits are not allowed to escape,” he said.
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Recalling Mr. Thangavel’s statement on June 10 that a total of 37 persons, including ruling AIADMK partymen and police officials, had links with red sander smugglers, Mr. Karunanidhi said Andhra Pradesh DSP Venkateswaran also alleged that there was an attempt to save Mr. Thangavel.
“Mr. Venkateswaran during his interaction with the media had said lakhs changed hands to save from Thangavel. I have already demanded an explanation on this issue since what Mr. Venkateswaran said was no ordinary allegation,” Mr. Karunanidhi said.
He said Mr. Thangavel had gone back on his statement saying that neither the police nor politicians had anything to do with red sanders smuggling. “His new claim goes to show officials and politicians had a role in smuggling and the government is trying to save them,” he said.
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