Hooch tragedy: Annamalai sends defamation notice to DMK leader

Chennai: Tamil Nadu BJP president K Annamalai on Wednesday demanded Rs one crore from a senior DMK leader for “spreading slanderous, false propaganda” against him vis-a-vis the Kallakurichi hooch tragedy, that has left nearly 60 persons dead, and said the money will be used to construct a de-addiction centre in the affected locality in the northern district.

A legal notice to DMK Organisation Secretary RS Bharathi was sent by Annamalai’s advocate R C Paul Kanagaraj and the BJP leader shared a copy of it on his ‘X’ handle.

“Here’s the copy of the defamation notice sent today to the Organisation Secretary of DMK, Thiru RS Bharathi, for spreading slanderous, false propaganda aimed at me to divert the attention from the misgovernance of the DMK, which led to the death of over 60 people in Kallakurichi.” “We have sought Rs 1 Crore in damages, which will be used to construct & operate a deaddiction centre in Karunapuram, Kallakurichi,” the BJP leader added.

Among others, the notice said Bharathi held BJP “liable” for the tragedy and that “they have done it.” It also charged Bharathi with making some direct accusations against Annamalai which were “false, concocted and incorrect” which had lowered the saffron party leader’s dignity.

Kanagaraj said his client calls upon Bharathi to tender an unconditional apology within three days of receiving the legal notice.

Annamalai also demanded Rs one crore in damages.