SALEM: DMK’s senior leader and Salem strongman Veerapandi S Arumugam surrendered before the central crime branch (CCB) on Monday for a three-day custodial interrogation as per a Madras High Court order, which had denied him anticipatory bail in the sensational Angammal Colony and Premier Mill land grab cases. The questioning is reportedly being viewed by hacks as one that could dent the DMK’s image further.It is the first time since his arrest under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) that the DMK biggie is being interrogated in police custody. Among the several senior party leaders accused of land grab, Arumugam is the first to be interrogated.He was grilled for several hours by investigating officer K Pitchai, the Assistant Commissioner, CCB, and his team comprising Inspectors M Srinivasan and M Sangameswaran. With a questionnaire of 100 posers, the investigators were finished with 60 of them till lunch at 1.30 pm. Questions for day one centred around the Angammal Colony case, according to the police.The former minister and district secretary of the DMK would remain in custody till Wednesday and would not be allowed to return home till the end of interrogation, said Deputy Commissioner of Police S Baskaran.As per the HC’s order, a team of doctors and paramedics from the Salem government hospital held intermittent checkups. Arumugam’s personal doctor and his lawyer, A Moorthy, were allowed to accompany him during the interrogation, which began immediately after his arrival at 10 am. Arumugam had mentioned in his anticipatory bail plea that he suffered from many ailments. The doctors, including a cardiologist, checked routine parameters like his pulse and blood pressure. His health during the interrogation was normal, said one of the doctors.Baskaran said the HC had been intimated about Arumugam appearing before the CCB. He added that the former minister was cooperating well. “We have provisions for his boarding and lodging. Even food from home is barred. A diet has been prepared in consultation with his doctors.”Dropping him off for the interrogation were several senior party leaders, including son Veerapandi A Raja, who was officially absconding in a land grab case. The accompanying train was, however, not allowed inside the town police station compound, where the CCB office was located.Roads leading to the police station were cordoned off, traffic was re-routed and shops downed shutters till the evening. A large number of partymen gathered outside the barricades and raised slogans.
Comments
0 comment