Inquiry into cop action at Jallikattu stir, guilty will be punished: TN CM

Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on Tuesday announced a judicial probe headed by a retired high court judge into the alleged incidents of excess violence by police during the Jallikattu protests at Marina Beach.

The decision came after videos of the Chennai Police allegedly torching vehicles and using excessive force to disperse protesters went viral on social media.

Making a suo moto statement in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, the Chief Minister said the probe will look into whether police personnel indulged in any excess violence while dispersing the protesters.

The committee will also ascertain if police were deployed appropriately and will suggest measures to ensure such incidents do not recur in the future.

“If the allegations of police men and police women torching vehicles are proven true, strict action will be taken against them,” the Chief Minister said, adding that the Commission will submit its inquiry report within three months.

During the course of his speech, the CM also said steps were being taken to ensure the release of 21 students arrested during the protests across the state.

Panneerselvam’s statement came after repeated demands from political parties, especially Opposition Leader M K Stalin, for a detailed probe by a sitting High Court judge.

The opposition parties alleged police used excessive force and indulged in violence while dispersing protesters from the Marina Beach on January 23.

The incidents of arson have been blamed on rowdy elements at Marina beach and other places last Monday, while the cops have also alleged the hand of anti-national and far-left radical elements in the arson.

Panneerselvam had earlier on Saturday admitted that “anti-social, anti-national and extremist elements” had infiltrated Jallikattu protests at Marina beach. He also claimed that posters of terrorist Osama bin Laden had been displayed during the protests.