Chief minister J. Jayalalithaa informed that there have been four custodial deaths since the AIADMK came to power, and not 11 as alleged by the CPI (M), even as she assured tough action against the police found guilty in those lock-up deaths.
Replying to CPI (M) legislator R. Annadurai, who claimed in the Assembly that 11 lockup deaths had taken place in the state since the last nine months of AIADMK rule, Ms Jayalalithaa said only four deaths occurred in police custody.
Assuring stern action on the policemen accused of being involved in the incidents, if they were found guilty, the chief minister said a probe by a judicial magistrate had been ordered on all the four incidents under IPC 176.
One of the reports received did not find any wrongdoing on the part of the police. The other reports were yet to be received, she said.
Meanwhile, on a plea by Congress member S. Vijayadharini to enact Conservation of Wet Lands and Paddy Fields Act to safeguard the lands being used for agricultural purposes, Ms. Jayalalithaa said her government has been giving top priority to agriculture.
“We are taking steps to usher in a second green revolution. From 19.05 hectare land on which paddy was cultivated in 2010-11, the area under paddy cultivation had increased to 20.74 hectare in 2011-12,” she said.