‘Who killed Raghu’ campaign gathers pace

The kin of the deceased software engineer on Tuesday said they have sought an appointment with the rural administration minister S P Velumani, even as social media campaign titled ‘who killed Raghu’ gained momentum across the country with thousands of people supporting it.

Pointing out that Velumani’s statement contradicted with that of the police and corporation commissioner, they said it was evident that permission was not obtained for setting up the arch.

“I have asked for an appointment. People are making all types of statements and even questioning my nephew’s character. We will not accept it. If the minister says they have permission, I want him to furnish the documents,” said Devaraj, Raghu’s uncle. Raghu, he said, was the sole bread winner of the family.

Asked if they would lodge a complaint against the people who erected the arch and the authorities who did not take any action when it was set up, the family members said they would take a call on this later. “It is evident who killed Raghu. We appeal the political parties to put an end to the flag and hoarding culture at least after this episode. Laws have been made for a purpose and we should respect it and abide by it,” said Raghu’s younger brother.

Devaraj said instead of threatening people and covering up the case, the police should investigate and arrest the people who erected the arch. “There is no doubt that the people who set up the arch and the lorry driver were equally responsible for his death. While the driver has been arrested, no action has been taken against AIADMK cadre. We know that this is a failed cause and nothing will change. Before more people die, we hope the political parties will learn a lesson,” he said.

Raghu had been working with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) at Charlotte in North Carolina in the US for the past six years. Recalling the unfortunate night, his elder brother Shanmugavel said, “I was 20km away from the city when i got a call from a commuter saying Raghu has died in an accident. He called me as my number was the first in contact stored as Anna. I immediately informed the family.”

When we reached, his face was beyond recognition and we realised that he had hit the pole. “The driver’s carelessness and the political show of power cost us our family member,” Shanmugavel said.