Vaiko's remand extended

The Tamil Nadu police yesterday produced M.K. Vaiko, MP, and eight other members of his Marumalarchi Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (MDMK) before the POTA special court in Poonamalee, a Chennai suburb. Their remand was extended till September 4.

Vaiko was brought to Poonamalee directly from Vellore prison, while the others were brought yesterday from different prisons in various parts of the state.

Vaiko, who spoke to the media, reiterated his support to the LTTE.

The MDMK has apparently decided not to seek bail and to decide on further legal action only after the chargesheet against the accused is filed.

Meanwhile, the 'Q' branch police investigating the cases against Vaiko and others on Saturday moved the designated court to secure permission to search the residences of the accused.

The MDMK reacted by pointing out that the police had, at the time of the arrests, taken the position that they had enough proof against the accused.

The others arrested under POTA for allegedly supporting the LTTE, like Nedumaran, will be produced in court later this month.

The Communist parties and Thirumavalavan of the Dalit Panthers of India have formed an anti-POTA front to fight for the withdrawal of the 'draconian Act'.