Was Tamil Nadu's Top Cop Arrested Due to an Abduction Case?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- ADGP H.M. Jayaram arrested over abduction case.
- Implications for political figures involved in justice obstruction.
- Madras High Court demands accountability.
- The case highlights the need for law enforcement integrity.
- Public trust in justice system at stake.
Chennai, June 16 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Police apprehended Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H.M. Jayaram on Monday, following a decisive order from the Madras High Court regarding the abduction of an 18-year-old youth from Tiruvallur district.
This arrest represents a pivotal turn in a case that has implicated KV Kuppam MLA and Puthiya Bharatham president M. Jagan Moorthy, who faces accusations of conspiracy and interference with justice.
The situation began when a woman named Lakshmi lodged a complaint after her elder son married a woman from Theni against the family's wishes.
Upon learning that the couple had gone into hiding due to fear of retaliation, members of the girl's family, reportedly assisted by 'hired men', invaded her home searching for her elder son.
When they were unable to locate him, they allegedly abducted her younger son instead.
The boy was later discovered near a hotel, injured, and reportedly transported in an official vehicle associated with ADGP Jayaram.
Lakshmi further claimed that MLA Jagan Moorthy played a part in orchestrating the abduction.
So far, five individuals, including the girl's father and a former policewoman, have been arrested in relation to this incident. Tensions escalated at MLA Jagan Moorthy's residence in Andersonpet when police attempted to question him, leading to his supporters obstructing the police's entry and allowing him to evade capture.
Subsequently, he sought anticipatory bail from the Madras High Court. During a hearing on Monday, Justice P. Velmurugan condemned both the senior police officer and the MLA for undermining the rule of law.
“As a public servant, the ADGP must be accountable to the people. A strong message must resonate that no one is above the law,” the judge stated while instructing the police to arrest Jayaram and present him before the court.
The judge remarked that Jayaram could pursue bail through legal channels. The court also criticized Jagan Moorthy for misusing his political influence.
“You are not just an individual; you are an elected representative. Rather than setting a positive example, you are behaving like a third-class citizen,” Justice Velmurugan commented.
He cautioned the MLA against conducting “kangaroo courts” and leveraging his political standing to obstruct justice.
Addressing the MLA’s supporters who obstructed police access, the judge posed the question: “In your 47 years in politics, how often have police sought you out? Why not cooperate and present your side? If your supporters continue to interfere with the investigation, legal action will be taken against each of them.”
The judge expressed concern over the state of democracy, urging the public to reflect.
“Citizens endure the scorching heat to vote, anticipating service. But are they receiving justice or street trials?” he questioned.
While the court did not issue an immediate ruling on Jagan Moorthy’s anticipatory bail request, it mandated his full cooperation with the investigation, warning that any non-compliance would trigger strict legal consequences.