Raja denies DMK role in Kodanadu murder and heist case

Former Union Minister and DMK leader A Raja Monday denied Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswamy's charge that DMK was involved in the Kodanad murder and heist case.

Replying to a question from reporters after filing his nomination for Nilgiris Lok Sabha constituency, he said it was totally false to link DMK with the case.

"This was only to divert attention from the Pollachi sexual harassment case, which pointed the needle of suspicion on the government," he said.

Palaniswami had Sunday taken a swipe at DMK on the case and claimed that people have raised doubts over whether those involved belonged to that party.

"..It is the DMK which is taking steps to get those arrested released and this has led people to doubt whether that party was involved in it," the Chief Minister had said.

In April 2017, the security guard of Kodanad estate, former chief minister J Jayalalithaa's retreat-home in the hilly district of Nilgiris, was found dead.

Ten people have been arrested in connection with the robbery attempt at the estate-bungalow.

Two key accused had recently alleged Palaniswami's involvement in the case in a video released by a journalist in Delhi.

Palaniswami had rejected the charges, dismissing it as a "lie" and filed a defmation case in Madras High Court.

Asked whether the Rafale fighter jet deal issue would have the same impact on the NDA and the prime Minister in the coming polls as the 2G scam had for the UPA and DMK, which was its constituent, he said "I have personally fought the 2G case and got acquitted.

But Modi is remaining silent on the (Rafale) issue.

Both DMK president M K Stalin and Trinamool Congress chief and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee were of the same opinion to defeat BJP-led government at the centre, he said.