Raman panel may begin hearing soon

By Our Special Correspondent

CHENNAI, AUG. 7 The Justice Raman Commission of Inquiry, set up to probe the alleged police excesses during the former Chief Minister, Mr. M. Karunanidhi's arrest, is likely to begin its hearing next week at the Cooum Illam here.

The Commission issued a notification on July 20, calling for affidavits from the public within three weeks. The deadline ends on August 10, after which the Commission will commence its hearing.

According to sources, the Commission has received ``several'' affidavits from members of the public besides police officers. Mr. Karunanidhi has already announced the boycott of the proceedings, and hence no affidavit is expected to be filed on behalf of the DMK.

The Commission office functions with bare minimum furniture borrowed from the office of the Chairman, Advisory Board, Tamil Nadu Preventive Detention and National Securities Act, located on the ground floor of the Cooum Illam. It still sports the name board of the K. S. Bakthavatsalam Commission of Inquiry which was functioning at the premises till recently.

Nonetheless, the sources said the State-owned TANSI was expected to provide the required infrastructural facilities before the Commission begins its hearing.

The Commission was set up last month following the Centre's warning and the DMK outcry over the alleged police excesses.

The commission would also look into whether the Union Ministers prevented the police from performing their duty.

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Section  : Southern States
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