Can CM Stalin Help a VAO Facing Harassment Over Sand Smuggling Actions?
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Synopsis
Chennai's CPM secretary P. Shanmugam has called on CM M.K. Stalin to address the severe harassment faced by a VAO who opposed illegal sand mining. This ongoing saga highlights the critical need for government intervention to protect dedicated public servants from retaliation by influential criminal networks.
Key Takeaways
- Harassment of public officials undermines justice.
- Legal protections for those opposing illegal activities need reinforcement.
- Government intervention is crucial in cases of abuse of power.
- Financial support for victimized officials is essential.
- Accountability for law enforcement is necessary to maintain public trust.
Chennai, Nov 18 (NationPress) The state secretary of CPM, P. Shanmugam, has called upon Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to step in regarding the ongoing harassment and victimization of a Village Administrative Officer (VAO) who took a stand against illegal sand mining activities in Pudukkottai district.
In a comprehensive appeal to the Chief Minister, Shanmugam detailed that Jayaravivarma, currently the VAO of Kovilur and previously serving Vandarakkottai revenue village, has faced consistent targeting since 2015 for executing orders aimed at curbing sand smuggling.
Following the tahsildar's directives, he confiscated pilfered sand and a JCB machine from a smuggling operation in Vallathirakkottai, an act that led to numerous retaliatory actions against him.
Despite presenting a written document that sanctioned the seizure, Jayaravivarma found himself arrested by the police, resulting in several arrests over the years, including two jail terms.
The tahsildar later corroborated at the police station that the VAO acted on official instructions, leading to his release by the court.
According to the CPM, police attempted to detain him under the Goondas Act, seemingly as revenge for his actions.
Only after intervention from the party’s district leadership with the District Collector was this plan halted.
Subsequently, the VAO was suspended and, from 2022 onward, he has been denied subsistence allowance for all but eight months, causing serious financial hardship.
Shanmugam indicated that the situation worsened in February 2023, when police allegedly detained the VAO improperly, accused him of drug possession, and filed charges against him.
It raised significant concerns that the Inspector who arrested him also acted as both the complainant and Investigating Officer, undermining the integrity of the legal process.
The matter is currently with the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court. As of November 12, Vallathirakkottai police have reportedly charged him under Section 110 of the CrPC, adding his name to the rowdy list—a move that CPM condemned as an attempt to criminalize a diligent public servant.
Shanmugam emphasized that a dedicated Scheduled Caste officer has endured severe mental distress for opposing powerful sand mafias, urging the Chief Minister to annul all “fabricated” charges, take action against the abusing police, reinstate the VAO, release his pending subsistence allowance, and initiate a CBCID investigation into the entire incident chain.
aal/rad
Point of View
We recognize the importance of upholding justice and protecting those who serve the public interest. This incident involving the VAO serves as a critical reminder of the challenges faced by officials who resist illegal activities, and it calls for a robust examination of the safeguards in place to protect them from retaliation.
NationPress
18/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the CPM to seek intervention from CM Stalin?
The CPM sought CM Stalin's intervention due to the ongoing harassment of VAO Jayaravivarma, who acted against illegal sand mining activities.
What actions did the VAO take against sand smuggling?
The VAO seized stolen sand and a JCB machine from a smuggling network in Vallathirakkottai, following orders from the tahsildar.
What has been the response from law enforcement?
Despite official orders, law enforcement has repeatedly targeted the VAO, leading to multiple arrests and attempts to charge him under the Goondas Act.
What is the current status of the VAO's case?
The VAO's case is now before the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, where serious concerns about due process have been raised.
What actions are being demanded from the Chief Minister?
The CPM is demanding the withdrawal of all fabricated cases against the VAO, action against complicit police personnel, and a CBCID probe into the incidents.
