Madras HC orders CBI probe into gutka scam

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Thursday ordered a CBI probe into the multi-crore gutka scam in which a minister and top state police officers and government officials are alleged to be involved.

Leaders of various opposition parties have welcomed the court order and also demanded the resignation of Chief Minister K Palaniswami’s government.

The court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe following a petition filed by DMK legislator J Anbazhagan.

The case is related to an Income Tax Department raid in the offices, residences and godowns of a gutka manufacturer in Tamil Nadu in 2016.

A diary was then seized which listed alleged bribe payments made to various officials.

The Tamil Nadu government has banned the manufacture and storage of gutka — a tobacco product.

However, the product was reportedly available in the market with the alleged connivance of police officers and others.

Several political parties had demanded the CBI probe into the scam but the AIADMK government did not agree.

Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu Director-general of Police T K Rajendran met Chief Minister Palaniswami, Chief Secretary Girija Vaidyanathan and Home Secretary Niranjan Mardi soon after the court order.

Welcoming the High Court order, PMK leader Anbumani Ramadoss demanded Palaniswami’s resignation.

In order to allow the CBI probe to progress smoothly, the Palaniswami government should resign, he said.

DMK Leader M K Stalin said gutka was openly sold during late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa’s rule and under Palaniswami’s rule.

Stalin said an English television channel had reported bribes were allegedly paid to top police officials.

Stalin added the issue was raised by him in the state Assembly he and several of his party members were sent out.