Has the Court Ordered the Arrest of TN Minister Durai Murugan on September 15?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Vellore Principal Sessions Court has ordered the execution of an arrest warrant.
- Durai Murugan has a longstanding case related to disproportionate assets.
- The warrant execution is set for September 15.
- Potential arrest could significantly impact his political career.
- The case has been under trial for many years.
Chennai, Sep 4 (NationPress) The Vellore Principal Sessions Court has instructed law enforcement to carry out an arrest warrant against prominent DMK figure, party general secretary, and senior minister Durai Murugan on September 15 related to a longstanding case of disproportionate assets.
Currently serving as the Water Resources Minister in Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s administration, Durai Murugan previously held the Public Works Department portfolio during the DMK-led government of the late Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi from 1996 to 2001.
During that timeframe, accusations arose claiming he had accumulated assets significantly surpassing his known income sources.
Following these allegations, the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) initiated a case during the subsequent AIADMK administration, alleging that Durai Murugan, along with his family members, had illicitly amassed wealth totaling Rs 3.92 crore.
After thorough investigations and interrogations, the trial court acquitted the minister and his family in 2007.
However, in 2013, under another AIADMK government, the DVAC appealed to the Madras High Court against the acquittal. The High Court, after hearing both parties, overturned the previous ruling, reinstated the charges, and mandated a special court in Vellore to finalize the trial within six months.
Currently, the case has been moved to a special court in Chennai and remains in trial. The court previously ordered Durai Murugan and his wife to appear in person.
While his wife complied and successfully requested the recall of her arrest warrant, Durai Murugan did not appear.
His absence has led the court to reissue an arrest warrant, directing law enforcement to execute it should he fail to appear by September 15.
If Durai Murugan does not present himself on the specified date, he will face arrest, marking a significant turn in the decades-long case that has continued to cast a shadow over his political journey.