Southern States - Tamil Nadu   

We will fight it out, says Vaiko

By R.K. Radhakrishnan

CHENNAI AUG. 7. The judicial remand of the MDMK general secretary, Vaiko, and six others, arrested under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act for pro-LTTE speeches, was extended till September 4 by the Poonamallee special court today.

``We will continue to fight. This is the forum to fight the case. We have a strong case,'' Mr. Vaiko said after the designated POTA court judge, L. Rajendran, conceded the prosecution demand for remand extension. The `Q' Branch police, which is investigating the case, also sought five days police custody of two of those held — Nagarajan and Madurai Ganesan ``to make further enquiries.'' The judge granted three days police custody.

Making a case for remand extension, the SPP, Jayakumar, said that the `Q' Branch had found new facts and would need a 30-day extension to pursue these. Under section 49 of POTA, bail cannot be considered for one year. Appearing for the other MDMK leaders, counsel Devadas, asked what the new facts could be when the FIR mentions the speeches made as reason for the leaders being held under POTA. Police had submitted that they were in possession of material evidence and the plea for extension of remand was not ``mechanical.''

Mr. Vaiko, who appeared as party in person, contended that his very remand was wrong as per POTA. He was remanded by a magistrate, who had no powers to do so. He was being held illegally from July 11 and extension of remand would only perpetuate that illegality. Even as Mr. Vaiko began his defence, the SPP was on his feet and said that the court should not be converted into a political platform.

``The Tamil Nadu Government is misusing POTA to create a fear psychosis and scare among people,'' Mr. Vaiko said and added that it was for the people of the State to take a final decision on the manner of functioning of the AIADMK Government.

``In Sri Lanka, we support the role of the LTTE. There is no change in stance. We have consistently said this,'' he explained. He would not seek Central intervention in his case, he added.

In jail, Mr. Vaiko said that he read for about 16 to 18 hours each day. He declined an electric fan since this was not given to the other A-class prisoners. The course of his defence would be made known after police filed a chargesheet, he said.

A crowd of MDMK supporters gathered outside the court premises from early morning to catch a glimpse of their leader. At around 10 a.m., the police parties from Salem, Tiruchi and Madurai arrived, bringing with them the eight MDMK functionaries — Bhoominathan, Veera Ilangovan (held in Salem), Alagusundaram, P.S.Maniam, Madurai Ganesan and Nagarajan (all in Tiruchi) and Sivanthiappan and Ganesamurthy (in Madurai).

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Southern States

News: Front Page | National | Southern States | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Obituary |

Stories in this Section

• Plea in HC against Stalin ouster
• Disease eradication campaign in the offing
• Jungle bandit keeps everyone guessing
• Sangam period potteries unearthed
• MCI nod for IIIrd year MBBS in Tuticorin College
• Hunt for elephant killers intensifies
• Strategy after merger: Cong.
• Finland to donate hi-tech equipment to Govt. medical colleges
• We will fight it out, says Vaiko
• Court nod for searches

Copyright © 2002, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu