AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami on Monday termed the Commission of Inquiry constituted to probe the circumstances that led to the Karur stampede an eyewash. He also called for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the incident.

Referring to visuals in the media showing the Commission of Inquiry (retired High Court judge Justice Aruna Jagadeesan) inquiring with people about the incident, he said, “It only shows…that this commission is biased and intends to hide the mistakes of the government.”

Contending that the people would not trust the government investigation, the former Chief Minister said, “For the people to know what really happened and to ensure justice, an investigation by the CBI should be ordered.”

In a social media post, he criticised a video clip posted by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The AIADMK leader recalled that he was only raising doubts highlighted by the people at an interaction with journalists, without any political intent.

“Unable to clear these doubts, you are contending that defamatory comments are being spread on social media. Who is spreading these defamatory comments? Your partymen, operating under the banner ‘Tamil Nadu Students Association’, are going around pasting stickers. Was that what you were referring to,” he asked.

As for reports on the suitability of the site designated for TVK founder  Vijay’s campaign, the movement of ambulances in the area, and the police action with lathis, Mr. Palaniswami asked, “When the people talk about them, are these rumours?”

He went on to ask, “What is the meaning of being responsible? One of your Ministers pretended to cry, but ended up being exposed. Are you referring to that? Or your son and Deputy Chief Minister who visited  Karur for a photo-shoot and flew back to Dubai for a vacation. Is that what you were referring to?”

Referring to the hooch tragedy in Kallakurichi, Mr. Palaniswami said, “Your heart did not feel heavy and your eyes did not get teary over the deaths due to the hooch tragedy. Are they like that now?”

Five lives were lost when Mr. Stalin and his family members were watching the IAF air show on the Marina Beach, Mr. Palaniswami  recalled, and asked, “You were able to remain at home then? Whom are you trying to deceive?”

Maintaining that no Opposition party was politicising the Karur  stampede, he said it was Mr. Stalin’s video clip that was raising several doubts.