The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) constable M D Noman, who shot dead Rajkumar (35), a contract worker of the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), on Monday, was arrested by the police on Tuesday. The accused has been remanded to judicial custody till April 1. He is lodged in the Cuddalore Central prison. Noman hails from Bihar.
Meanwhile, it was decided that `5 lakh would be given as compensation to the family of the deceased and an additional amount of `50,000 for the funeral. The management has also assured the widow of the NLC worker of a permanent job in NLC.
Rajkumar, a native of Ajis Nagar near Edaikkal, Ulundurpet, was killed by the CISF constable during an argument. Sources said three bullets pierced his head and he died on the spot. The argument started after Rajkumar was blocked from entering the NLC premises because he was not on duty.
Meanwhile, the 24-hour strike called by the trade unions of NLC passed off peacefully. Shops at Mandarakuppam remained closed, condemning the incident. Police protection has been provided to the mines, thermal power stations and other offices of the NLC.
The CISF staff members, who were not seen on duty after the incident, resumed work on Tuesday.
Rajkumar’s body was kept at the Government Cuddalore Hospital till Tuesday night. The post-mortem was done in the afternoon.
Trade union leaders from LPF and Anna Thozhir Sangam participated in the talks at the NLC office to decide on the amount of compensation.
LPF general secretary Rajavanniyan said, “CISF DIG Anandha Mohan has apologised for the incident. He has agreed to deploy only those of the CISF staff members, who understand and speak Tamil at the entrances of mines and thermal power stations.” Due to the strike, power generation was affected. Out of the total capacity of 2,490 MW, around 150 MW electricity was generated.
Meanwhile, CPM general secretary G Ramakrishnan visited the workers, who were injured in the police lathi-charge. He told reporters, “CISF should be withdrawn from NLC as their staff is responsible for creating unrest.”
He said that this was the fourth case of violence, where the CISF was involved in the last 20 years.
“NLC should form its own security force,” he added. Ramakrishnan also condemned the police for resorting to lathi-charge against the common people and workers. He demanded a judicial probe into the incident.
Meanwhile, relatives and neighbours of Rajkumar staged a protest on the Chennai-Tiruchy Highway on Monday evening. They were led by former panchayat president Sathyamoorthy. Traffic movement was affected for nearly an hour.
Rajkumar’s last rites would be performed in Edaikkal.