Police attempted to arrest KV Kuppam MLA and Puratchi Bharatha Party (PBP) leader Poovai Jagan Moorthy on Sunday in an abduction case involving a minor, leading to a tense standoff between the force and PBP supporters in North Chennai. Moorthy, an ally of the AIADMK, reportedly evaded arrest by slipping away during the commotion.
The case involves the abduction of a 16-year-old boy, whose older brother, aged 23, had married a 21-year-old woman from Theni against her family’s wishes. The police suspect the boy was abducted in retaliation for the marriage.
Following a complaint by the boy’s mother, the police initiated an investigation. Though the boy was later released, three men — Ganesan, Vanaraja and Manikandan from Theni — were arrested for their alleged involvement. Further investigation led to the arrest of a woman and another man, who reportedly revealed the MLA’s involvement in the abduction.
Anticipating resistance, nearly 100 police personnel were deployed around Moorthy’s residence. As police approached the house, party workers blocked the road in protest, while others gathered behind the gates, refusing to allow officers to enter the premises. Amidst the commotion, Moorthy is said to have escaped.
The Madra High Court hearing Moorthy’s anticipatory bail plea had directed both Poovai Jagan Moorthy and Tamil Nadu Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Jayaram to appear in person before the court by 2.30 pm. Moorthy stands accused of involvement in the abduction of the teen boy.
During the proceedings, the government counsel informed the court that there was evidence establishing the involvement of the ADGP in the abduction. It was submitted that three individuals identified as Sharath, Vanaraja and David abducted the boy and took him to a hotel, a fact allegedly confirmed through CCTV footage. The counsel claimed that ADGP Jayaraman had spoken to Poovai Jagan Moorthy about the matter.
It was also argued that Moorthy was directly involved in the abduction and that a lawyer and a former police officer had made confessions to that effect. The police have sought to question both the ADGP and his driver as part of their investigation.
Addressing Poovai Jagan Moorthy in court, Justice Velmurugan remarked, “Seventy thousand people voted for you to be their representative or to conduct katta panchayat (extra-judicial court)? Remember that you are an MLA and act responsibly. You have been elected as an MLA to serve the common man. You should cooperate with the investigation.”
The judge further clarified that an MLA and a government officer cannot be treated the same under the law, stating that a police officer is not elected by the people. Moorthy was ordered to cooperate with the investigation, respecting the mandate of the people who voted for him. The same consideration, the court said, cannot be extended to a government servant. Justice Velmurugan ordered the arrest of ADGP Jayaraman.
The case has been adjourned to June 26.
