Engineer’s suicide: ex-Minister’s former aide records statement

Five more likely to give statements in court: CB-CID sources

Poovaiya, one-time PA to Ex-Minister 'Agri' S.S. Krishnamoorthy, arriving at court in Sankarankovil on Friday .Photo: A. SHAIKMOHIDEEN

The on-going investigation into the suicide of Agricultural Engineering Department Executive Engineer S. Muthukumarasamy took an interesting turn on Friday when Poovaiah, a one-time personal assistant of former Minister ‘Agri’ S.S. Krishnamoorthy, recorded his statement before the Judicial Magistrate, Sankarankovil.

Appearing before Judge Muralidhara Kannan at 12.10 p.m, Mr. Poovaiah gave an in-camera statement under Section 164 of Criminal Procedure Code. His 75-minute statement assumes significance as Mr. Poovaiah is considered to be “very close” to Mr. Krishnamoorthy.

Interrogation

The CB-CID police had grilled him three weeks ago. Hence, the statement might strengthen the CB-CID claim that Muthukumarasamy committed suicide as he could not give the bribe demanded by Mr. Krishnamoorthy for appointment of drivers.

Sources in the CB-CID claimed that five more persons, who had “some information” about this case, would also appear before the Judicial Magistrate “very shortly” to give “similar” statements.