Why not CBI probe Thoothukudi firing: Madras HC

Chennai: The Madras high court has directed the police to produce all documents relating to the May 22 police shooting at Thoothukudi. The court wanted to know why the investigation should not be transferred to the CBI.

While hearing pleas seeking court monitored probe in the police firing, in which 13 persons were killed and several others injured, on Monday, first bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice P T Asha observed that why cannot CBI conduct the probe.

Challenging the plea, Thoothukudi district superintendent of police Murali Rambha filed a 11-page counter affidavit claiming that the investigation in the hands of the CB-CID and probe is going on in a fair and impartial manner. Hence there is no necessity to transfer the probe to CBI.

Besides, the CB-CID probe, a one-man commission of enquiry by former high court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan is seized of the issue. In addition to this National Human Rights Commission, State Human Rights Commission and SC/ST Commission are also probing the matter.

The SP said the police officers and revenue officials acted pursuant to the lawful orders issued by the competent authority.

They had acted in good faith for upholding public order. Hence police or revenue official cannot be charged with the offence of murder.