Anderson sent out due to law and order situation: Mukherjee

KOLKATA: Battling charges over escape of Warren Anderson days after the Bhopal tragedy, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee today sought to give a new spin on the issue, saying Arjun Singh took the decision on then Union Carbide CEO's exit keeping in view the law and order situation.

"The statement made by Singh as Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister five days after the Bhopal disaster had been published in a newspaper," he told reporters here.

"It is very clear from the statement of Arjun Singh, which was published in The Times of India on December 8, 1984, that the law and order situation in Bhopal would have deteriorated and people's frenzy and temper were running high. Therefore, it was thought necessary to send him (Anderson) out of Bhopal," he said.

He was asked if the Congress was trying to shield Singh on the issue of exit of Anderson from the country.

On whether the government was considering Anderson's extradition to India, Mukherjee said the government would look into the legal avenues available for the possible extradition.

"Though we cannot comment on the court judgement, we have to go to a higher judiciary where there is an appellate provision. We will appeal there," he said.