Advocate moves HC over lapse in security to Congress prez

An advocate has approached the Madras High Court seeking a direction to the Tamil Nadu government to punish police officials for the alleged security lapse during Congress president Rahul Gandhis visit to Rajaji Hall to pay homage to late former Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

"There was a serious security lapse...at the hall on August 8. Rahul was literally isolated and made to go through a huge crowd of emotionally charged people on the overcrowded staircase to the hall, the advocate AP Suryaprakasam said.

Video-clipping shows that only one security officer was in front of the Congress leader and another security officer was precariously clinging to the railing of the staircase, both exposing their pistols and other arms they were carrying, the advocate said.

This apart, three people were killed, and scores others sustained serious injury because of the stampede, he added.