CPI (M) stir to seek arrest of those behind murder

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will stage demonstrations on January 22 in all district headquarters demanding the arrest of those who murdered J. Navalan, Tiruvarur district secretary of the farmers association affiliated to the party, on Wednesday.

In a statement, CPI (M) State secretary G. Ramakrishnan said that Navalan was hacked to death by a gang of bootleggers in Tiruvarur district.

The party was campaigning against illicit arrack at Peralam by organising a series of agitations and the failure of the government and police in curbing the illegal trade had led to the death of Navalan.

The CPI (M) had staged protests at Tirumechur, native place of Navalan, and submitted several petitions to the police demanding action on threats to his life. The police, instead of taking action against the bootleggers, filed a false case against Navalan and CPI (M) cadre, he alleged. The CPI (M) State executive committee urged the government to arrest the bootleggers and initiate disciplinary action against police personnel supporting anti-social elements in Tiruvarur district.