Emotions ran high as DMK leader M.K. Stalin, on Wednesday, visited the family of 23-year old Chennai techie Subhasri, who was killed after an illegal flex board fell on her while she was riding back home on Thursday. The flex board fell on her, causing her to fall from her bike and get run over by a truck. Subhasri’s parents Geetha and Ravi broke down as Stalin offered his condolences.
Accompanied by Sriperumbudur MP T.R. Baalu and CPI(M) state secretary R. Balakrishnan, Stalin called on Subhasri’s parents at their house located in a small lane in Chromepet. Her parents broke into tears as Stalin paid homage to Subhasri. “Let Subhasri be the last victim of banner culture in Tamil Nadu,” Subhasri’s father Ravi, reportedly requested Stalin.
Speaking to the media after meeting the family, Stalin said: “All banners, hoardings and flex boards for any event should be erected only with proper permission. Action has to be taken against those who do not obey the rules and put up illegal banners.”
“I met Subhasri’s parents. Their loss is irreparable. I know they can never be pacified. But we tried to comfort them. Her father told me that his daughter should be last victim of the banner culture,” he added.
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Stating that the AIADMK failed to take action against its own party functionary, he said, “They are playing a drama.” To a specific question from the media on action against AIADMK’s former councillor Jayagopal who had erected the illegal banner, Stalin said, “They could have arrested him immediately. I do not want to politicise this.” The DMK gave a solatium of Rs 5 lakh to the family.
Though a complaint was registered against Jayagopal, he has not yet been arrested and he is reportedly absconding.
Stalin’s visit to the techie’s family comes two days after Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) founder and actor Kamal Haasan's visit. MNM leader offered his condolences to the family and consoled Subhasri’s parents. “Those who committed the crime will have to be punished,” Haassan had told media.
The DMK, on September 13, filed an affidavit in the Madras High Court saying that the party has been following the High Court orders with regard to banners and hoardings and had given proper instruction to its cadres.