Jallikattu protest: Justice Rajeswaran begins probe

COIMBATORE / SALEM: The one man inquiry commission headed by Justice S. Rajeswaran, retired judge of the Madras High court, began on Thursday, a probe into the causes and circumstances that lead to the outbreak of violence during the pro-jallikattu protests at VOC Park Grounds, the epicenter of youth protest in Coimbatore. The commission appointed by state government also inspected Codissia Grounds, Gandhipuram bus stand, Meenakshi marriage hall, CIT College and other places here in the presence of the district collector T N Hariharan, deputy commissioner of police Lakshmi and other senior police and government officials.

Justice Rajeswaran said that he had already inspected violence-hit Chennai and held enquiries with police officials there. “Following Chennai, I am visiting Coimbatore and Salem. The probe will next be in Madurai on Friday,” he said. The commission will also ascertain whether there were any excesses on the part of police officers, and if so, suggest the action to be taken. Damage to public property during the last phase of the pro-jallikattu agitation will also be investigated, he said.

“Information on the commission’s visit will be published in English and Tamil dailies for people and students to depose. They should come forward to depose without fear,” said Justice Rajeswaran. In Salem district, the judge visited the spot where a train was held hostage by pro- jallikattu protestors for five days. He will also assess the damage caused to the train that was attacked by protestors and the death of a youth due to electrocution while protesting atop the train.