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NT Bureau
Chennai, Feb 1:

        Senior Minister and DMK treasurer Arcot N Veerasamy today filed a defamation case against DMDK chief Vijayakanth for trying to 'sully the image and reputation' of Chief Minister and DMK president M Karunanidhi by alleging that he was behind the income tax raids on the premises of the actor-politician.

        In a move aimed at turning the tables on the DMDK president over his stand that the 'raids were instigated by the Chief Minister,' the DMK today went ahead to file a defamation case in a bid to stop the actor from deriving political mileage and sympathy, it is said.

        Additional Chief Chennai Metropolitan Magistrate Boothanathan admitted the petition and posted the case for hearing on 5 February and ordered notice.

        The Minister, in his petition, said Vijayakanth had, in an interview to an evening daily, alleged that the income tax raids in his premises were instigated by Karunanidhi. 'The Chief Minister commands respect and enjoys a good reputation for his literary skills and political acumen,' Veerasamy said and added that he (Karunanidhi) was 'capable of producing even Prime Ministers and Presidents'.

        By making such remarks the DMDK founder leader has sought to tarnish the reputation of the Chief Minister. Hence appropriate action should be taken against the DMDK leader under section 500 of the Indian Penal Code, it was prayed.

        The income tax officials raided the residence, offices and marriage hall and some other premises of Vijayakanth on 23 January. For the first time the party office of the actor was also raided. It was also said at that time that the raid had yielded 'incriminating documents.'

        However, the fledgling politician chose to describe the event as one inspired and dictated by Karunanidhi.