Panel to probe situation before cops opened fire

CHENNAI: The inquiry panel formed by the government will ascertain if force was used as warranted by the circumstances during the police firing at Paramakudi and whether all prescribed procedures were observed before opening fire. Besides, the panel will also ascertain whether there was any excess on the part of the police and if so, suggest the action to be taken.Talking to mediapersons outside the Assembly, CPM floor leader A Soundararajan said the police had opened fire against innocent people but the government had not taken any action against the cops involved in the incident. False cases have been foisted against many Dalits. The government should suspend the errant police officers and hike the relief to the families of the victims, he added.CPI floor leader K Arumugam said the police officers involved in the firing should be suspended. Since `3 lakh was being given to victims of animal attacks, the solatium for victims of Paramakudi firing should be hiked, he said. PT leader K Krishnasamy said the compensation should be hiked to at least `5 lakh and the commission should be headed by a sitting Judge of the Madras High Court.