Chennai: A senior police officer was arrested in Chennai on Monday following a directive of the Madras High Court.
Tamil Nadu Assistant Director General of Police (ADGP) HM Jayaram, who is with the Armed Police, was taken into custody as he left the court premises.
His arrest is in connection with a case of a minor boy’s abduction in Chennai.
Jayaram and MLA Poovai Jagan Moorthy were summoned to appear in person after submissions were made that the ADGP’s official vehicle was allegedly used in the kidnapping.
Justice P Velmurugan, who was hearing an anticipatory bail application filed by Moorthy, issued the oral directive.
Moorthy, who represents Kilvaithinankuppam constituency and leads the Puratchi Bharatham Katchi, evaded arrest on Sunday when police tried to take him into custody from his residence, leading to a standoff with supporters.
The government counsel said that three individuals had abducted the boy and taken him to a hotel, a claim allegedly supported by CCTV footage. ADGP Jayaram had spoken to Moorthy about the matter.
Justice Velmurugan asked Moorthy about the number of votes he had received. When Moorthy said he had secured about 80,000 votes and won by a margin of 10,000, the judge said that such a mandate was meant to serve the people, not to conduct kangaroo courts.
Asking him to cooperate in the case, the judge told the MLA to raise public issues in the Assembly and attempt to resolve them through proper channels, reminding him that he represented the entire constituency, not just his voters. The judge added that if a layperson approached him with a grievance, it was his responsibility to assist.
The high court also expressed concern that around 2,000 people had gathered outside Moorthy’s residence when police went to summon him for questioning.
“Why do you want so many people with you? You are an MLA. Why are you shying away?” Justice Velmurugan asked, stressing the need for Moorthy to cooperate with the investigation.
The judge said that an MLA, as an elected representative, can’t be treated the same way as a police officer, who is a government servant.
Justice Velmurugan asked police to proceed with appropriate legal action based on available evidence, and adjourned the case till June 26.
