Kallakurichi hooch tragedy: TN govt moves SC against Madras high court order for CBI probe

CHENNAI: Law minister S Regupathy on Thursday said the Tamil Nadu govt has moved the Supreme Court against the Madras high court order referring the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy case to the CBI.

In a statement, Regupathy said the state govt’s move was to ensure that the victims get justice quickly. “Twenty four people were arrested in connection with the crime and the Goondas Act was slapped on 17 people. Investigation is going on swiftly and the final charge sheet is to be filed. In this situation, the high court's call for a CBI probe will delay the pace of the case,” the minister said.

The investigation by a central agency would further delay the delivery of justice to the victims and there was much proof to this, he added.

AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami alleged that the govt filed the petition with an intent to delay and stall the probe.

Taking to X, the former chief minister said the AIADMK would continue to fight for justice for the 67 lives lost. “Is the DMK govt afraid of the CBI investigating the case? When the deaths are due to the negligence of Stalin’s incompetent govt, how can it be appropriate for the police under his control to investigate?” he said.

Responding to the charges, Regupathy charged Palaniswami with indulging in “disgusting politics.” It was ridiculous that the former chief minister, who was afraid of the corruption charges against him and obtained an injunction from the Supreme Court not to conduct the CBI probe, was demanding a CBI probe, he alleged.



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