PMK knocks Madras HC doors over 'MLAs payout' allegations

The PMK has approached the Madras High Court seeking a CBI probe into alleged inducements offered to some AIADMK and its supporting legislators ahead of the February 18 trust vote.
Claiming that "money and gold" was paid to "ruling party and its supporting MLAs" for swaying votes in favour of the trust vote, PMK president G K Mani in his petition prayed for a CBI probe and said its report should be filed before the court.
Recalling a recent "sting operation" by a TV channel in which MLA S S Saravanan spoke of inducements, the petitioner said action should be taken against the "illegalities".

"Therefore, the illegality done for securing the trust vote in the Assembly is liable to be investigated by the CBI."
Referring to the Koovathur resort episode ahead of the trust vote when ruling party MLAs were lodged there, the petition claimed that "all the 130 MLAs were detained against their will."
Alleging coercion and "offer (of) substantial money and gold to influence" the trust vote in favour of the K Palaniswami regime, the petition said the allegations have to be probed by the CBI.

PMK youth wing chief Anbumani Ramadoss had petitioned the authorities to register a case in this regard. However, no action was taken, the petitioner claimed.

Contending that "public interest has been involved," Mani said "to protect the democratic rights it is necessary to approach this court."
"The investigation has to be done by the Central Bureau of Investigation for proper, impartial investigation and substantiate justice to the people of Tamil Nadu."
The High Court had yesterday dismissed a plea by the DMK seeking a probe by the CBI and the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
In its plea, DMK had sought probe into the alleged sting operation by two television channels in which two MLAs belonging to rival AIADMK factions claimed money was offered to legislators to buy their support in February this year.