Opposition makes vain bid to raise DSP Vishnu Priya's death in Tamil Nadu assembly

CHENNAI: The opposition today made a vain bid in the Tamil Nadu assembly to raise the alleged suicide of a woman Deputy Superintendent of Police, which witnessed noisy scenes, a walkout and eviction of CPI(M) legislators.

DMK deputy floor leader Duraimurugan and CPI(M) floor leader A Soundararajan told reporters outside the House that the Speaker "did not allow them to raise the issue of alleged suicide of 27-year-old woman DSP."

The leaders demanded a CBI probe into the incident, with Soundararajan stating that there were "suspicions" related to the officer's death.

The body of Tiruchengode DSP Vishnu Priya, who was probing a case related to the murder of Dalit youth Gokulraj, was found hanging in her residence-cum-office complex on September 18. It was also alleged that the officer took the extreme step due to harassment by superiors.

As soon as the House convened, both CPI(M) and Congress members sought the Speaker's permission to raise a specific issue and urged for adjournment of question hour. But Speaker P Dhanapal said their plea would be heard during zero hour.

At the commencement of Zero hour, DMK Deputy leader Duraimurugan and other opposition members were up on their feet, seeking the Chair's permission to raise the particular issue, references to which the Speaker said would not go on record.

Duraimurugan had a heated argument with the Speaker and also Leader of the House O Panneerselvam over the issue.

"You cannot insist that the Chair take up the issue for discussion immediately. It is under consideration," Dhanapal told them.

Intervening, Panneerselvam asked the members to resume their seats as the Speaker had told them that the issue would be taken up after getting the State's response over it.

Unsatisfied, opposition parties, barring CPI(M), staged a walkout.

After participating in a calling attention motion initiated by Left members related to a university, CPI(M) members again urged that the previous issue be taken up.

While the Speaker proceeded with a government motion on a House committee, CPI(M) members stood up and raised slogans. The Speaker warned them that it was improper and tantamount to disrupting House proceedings.

As CPI(M) members did not pay heed, he ordered their eviction. They were brought out of the House by the watch and ward staff.