I'am innocent, Ramesh tells police

By Our Staff Reporter

CHENNAI, JULY 18. In another twist to the mystery surrounding the mass suicide by the civil contractor,Ramesh and four of his family members, his advocate today released a seven-page letter purported to have been written by him on July 13 to the City Police Commissioner. In the ``letter'', Ramesh has denied any involvement in the episode of ``kidnap and extortion of a contractor'' in which he was named an accused along with the Mayor, Mr. M.K. Stalin.

Ramesh, stated to be close to Mr. Stalin, and four of his family members were found dead in their Anna Nagar house on July 15. A note found in the house said they were committing suicide fearing police harassment. This note has been forwarded to experts to ascertain whether the handwriting was that of Ramesh.

Even as the police were probing the case, Mr. Kalyanasundaram today released to the media a letter, ``the last written by Ramesh.''

Ramesh claims he never knew Mr. Parasuraman, former MP (who, the police said, had introduced Ramesh to Mr. Deivasigamani). Nor had Mr. Deivasigamani approached him (Ramesh) for obtaining a government contract. Even if approached, ``I was in no position to secure a contract,'' the letter adds.

Ramesh also raises doubts why Mr. Deivasigamani needed to approach politicians if he had obtained the contract as a successful bidder. For the bids finalised in 1998-99, why should Mr. Parasuraman seek a commission now; or why the contractor failed to inform the police of the alleged reports of his being repeatedly harassed by the former MP for commission. Ramesh also claims he helped many AIADMK men in the past.

The letter alleges that the car used in the `contractor kidnap episode' belonged to a person close to the ruling party. It ends with a note that the family is committing suicide ``fully knowing that he would not be able to challenge the case in a just manner in the present circumstances,'' and with a plea to the courts that he is innocent in the entire case.

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Section  : Southern States
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