MLA, ADGP summoned in abduction case

Chennai

In a dramatic development, the Madras High Court on Monday summoned Puratchi Bharatham party MLA ‘Poovai’ M. Jagan Moorthy and Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H.M. Jayaram in connection with a suspected abduction case involving political and police complicity.

Justice P. Velmurugan directed both the MLA and ADGP to appear before the court by 2:30 PM, warning that if they failed to do so, the Tiruvallur district police probing the case would be instructed to arrest them. The directive came during the hearing of an anticipatory bail plea filed by the MLA.

According to Additional Public Prosecutor A. Damodaran, the case originated from a complaint by Lakshmi, whose son had married a woman from Theni against her family’s wishes. The woman’s father allegedly sought help from Maheshwari, a former police constable, who then contacted the ADGP, who in turn approached the MLA. The prosecution claimed that the MLA’s aides attempted to abduct Lakshmi’s elder son, but instead kidnapped her 18-year-old younger son. The boy was later dropped near a bus stand in an official police vehicle driven by a constable to avoid scrutiny.

Five individuals, including Maheshwari, the woman’s father Vanaraja, and a party advocate, have been arrested. Their confessions reportedly implicate the MLA. ₹7.5 lakh has been recovered from the accused. Justice Velmurugan condemned political interference, stating that obstructing police duties by mobilising supporters must be met with criminal conspiracy charges. Further orders on the bail plea will follow the court appearance of the accused.