Only a CBI probe would ferret out the truth behind alleged suicide by the prime suspect in Swathi murder case. Ramkumar is said to have committed suicide inside Puzhal central jail by biting a live electricity wire. Dalit activists allege that atrocities against dalits increasing and that they are not safe even within jail.

Chennai: Alleged suicide on Sunday by the suspected killer of software professional S Swathi has kicked off a political row in Tamil Nadu with dalit parties demanding a CBI probe into the incident. How can a person bite a live electricity wire within the high security Puzhal central jail, questioned the relatives and parents of P Ramkumar on Monday, a day after police claimed he committed suicide inside Puzhal central jail alleged that it was a case of foul play.

His father said he was convinced that it was a clear case of murder and that only an impartial probe would reveal the truth about his son’s death. He maintained that his son was innocent and was framed by the police.

His sudden alleged suicide on Sunday triggered off a legal war with his lawyers petitioning the Madras High Court for a CBI probe, which would be taken up for hearing later during the course of the day. But at the political level, the suicide triggered huge protests with pro-dalit political parties alleging a foul play just because he hailed from a dalit family.

MDMK leader Vaiko said the police version gives rise to several doubts. “Only an indepth investigation into the whole case, by an impartial body, would be able to ferret out the truth, he said.

DMK leader in assembly MK Stalin said that “suicide by Ramkumar was shocking and painful and also suspicion arises on the way death happened. The police versions seems to be unbelievable”.

Pattali Makkal Katchi leader Anbumani Ramadoss also refused to accept the police version and sought an impartial probe into the death by CBI.

VCK leader Thol Thirumavalanan in a stinging comment said that “dalits had no security inside the prison or outside the prision. Day after day, atrocities on dalits are increasing in the state.”

Premalata, DMDK leader and wife of its president Captain Vijayakanth, said there has been a spate of murders in the state, but they are portrayed as suicides. In the case of Ramkumar also, the suicide theory does not seem to hold much water. Jayalalithaa government must enforce law strictly and prevent such incidents from happening again.

Ramkumar is said to have committed suicide, but he should get justice. His relatives are asking for a CBI probe into the suicide.