TUTICORIN: January is likely to be a busy month for actor Rajinikanth as he is set to launch his political party. But he may have to find time to visit Tuticorin in January to appear before the Justice (retired) Aruna Jagadeesan Commission probing the riots and police-firing on the anti-Sterlite protesters that claimed 14 lives in May 2018.
Counsel of the commission Arul Vadivel told reporters here on Thursday that the actor is likely to be summoned for an inquiry during the 24th sitting of the commission in January. “He has started to take part in shootings. So he is likely to be summoned next month. The list of witnesses to be summoned will be prepared after the 23rd sitting ends on Friday,” Vadivel said.
The reason cited for summoning the actor is his comment after visiting the riot-hit city on May 30, 2018, that ‘intrusion of anti-social elements’ was the reason for the mob turning violent which forced police to open fire. Rajinikanth said he knew who were behind it and he would reveal it at the right place.
Rajinikanth was asked to reveal those vital details by appearing before the commission on February 25 last. Following the summoning, the actor told reporters in Chennai on February 4 that he would extend full cooperation to the commission. Citing inconveniences to the public due to his visit and prior commitments, Rajinikanth sought exemption from appearing before the commission on February 25.
His counsel, Ilambarathi, who appeared before the commission on that day on his behalf, said the actor would respond to the questions asked by the commission. The commission sent a sealed cover with the possible questions Rajinikanth would be asked. “If summoned, he (Rajinikanth) will appear,” the counsel told reporters 10 months ago.