DMK walks out of assembly over TN CM's reply on bribe row

Chennai, June 29 (IANS) Not satisfied with Chief Minister K. Palaniswami's statement on the alleged bribes paid by a gutka manufacturer to a minister, senior police officials and others, DMK members on Thursday staged a walk out from the assembly.

Replying to a question raised on the issue by Leader of Opposition M.K. Stalin, Palaniswami said on December 22, 2016, the Chennai Police Commissioner wrote a letter to the state Home Secretary about the sale of banned substances like gutka with the connivance of some officials.

He said the letter has been forwarded to the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for investigation. 

Palaniswami also said the Madras High Court dismissed a petition for a probe by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the issue, observing: "We see no reason why the Court should step into this issue when the authorities are themselves conscious of the gravity of the issue."

Speaking to reporters after walking out of the house, Stalin reiterated the demand for a CBI probe to bring out the truth behind the reports.

He also demanded the removal of the Minister and police officials who were alleged to have received bribes from the gutka manufacturer.