Chennai
The Madras High Court denied bail to the Mayiladuthurai district President of the BJP and six others accused of trying to extort money from Dharmapuram Adheenam Sri Masilamani Swamy. Allegations suggest that BJP leader K. Agoram and his associates attempted to blackmail Masilamani Swamy by claiming possession of explicit videos and audio recordings from the Mutt.
Arrested on March 15, 2024, in Mumbai by Tamil Nadu police, Agoram has been in judicial custody since then. Justice T. V. Thamilselvi, presiding as a single bench judge, rejected Agoram’s bail plea citing his involvement in over 40 cases and the existence of a history sheet against him. Prosecutors also warned that releasing Agoram could lead to evidence tampering, as some co-accused remain at large.
The case stems from an FIR filed by Viruthagiri, Masilamani Swamy’s brother, with the Mayiladuthurai police on February 25, 2024. The complaint alleges that individuals associated with the Mutt threatened to release scandalous material unless a ransom was paid. The FIR charges include attempted murder, assault, extortion, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy under the Indian Penal Code.
