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Madurai Bench Of Madras High Court Orders Return Of Seized Electronic Devices To BJP Leader SG Suryah

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court has directed the return of electronic devices, including mobile phones and laptops, that were seized from Tamil Nadu BJP State Secretary SG Suryah. The devices had been confiscated as part of an investigation into a defamation case filed against him by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) CPI(M) MP, Su Venkatesan. SG Suryah fought a lengthy legal battle spanning 598 days to reclaim his seized electronic gadgets.

The case stemmed from an alleged offensive tweet posted by Suryah on 10 June 2023. In the tweet, he claimed that a Marxist Communist Party councilor from the Pennadam Town Panchayat had ordered a sanitary worker, belonging to a Scheduled Caste community, to clean a gutter, which resulted in the worker’s death from toxic gas inhalation. Suryah further criticized MP Su Venkatesan for his “deceptive silence” on the incident. Suryah in his statement had misattributed the death that happened in Cuddalore to Madurai while condemning the Madurai CPI-M MP’s stoic silence on the matter.

Following a complaint, Suryah was charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including Sections 153A (promoting enmity between groups), 504 (intentional insult), 505(1)(b) and 505(1)(c) (statements creating public mischief), along with Section 66(D) of the IT Act, 2008. His devices—an Apple laptop, an iPad, two Apple mobile phones, and one Samsung mobile phone—were seized during his arrest. Suryah was later released on bail.

Suryah had filed a petition seeking the interim return of his seized devices, arguing that they contained no false information or defamatory content. However, the Judicial Magistrate Court No.1 in Madurai dismissed his plea on 1 February 2024. Challenging this decision, Suryah approached the High Court through a criminal revision petition.

During the hearing, Suryah’s counsel cited the Supreme Court’s precedent in the ‘Sunderbhai Ambalal Desai v. State of Gujarat’ case, which emphasized that seized property should not be held longer than necessary. The defense also highlighted that all relevant data from the devices had already been extracted by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) in Thiruvananthapuram. The forensic report confirmed that all communications, including emails, social media chats, and other digital content, had been saved to a separate pen drive submitted to the trial court.

Opposing the petition, the prosecution argued that returning the devices could lead to tampering with potential evidence. They noted that not all data had been accessed due to device passcodes. However, the court observed that the critical forensic analysis had been completed, and the prosecution had not provided substantial grounds to deny the return of the gadgets.

In its judgment, the court acknowledged that prolonged retention of electronic devices could lead to data corruption or hardware damage. It also considered Suryah’s written undertaking to maintain the devices’ integrity and produce them before the court if required. Setting aside the lower court’s order, the High Court directed that all seized devices, including the SIM cards, be returned to SG Suryah.

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Part-Time Politician Vijay Appoints Misogynistic Abuser Ram Kumar As Co-Coordinator Of TVK’s Social Media Unit

Ever since work-from-home politician Vijay announced the new executive heads for various positions in Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on 31 January 2025, in preparation for the party’s election campaign for the 2026 assembly elections, the move has sparked widespread ridicule and criticism online. Netizens have been mocking and roasting R. Ram Kumar, the newly appointed Deputy Coordinator of TVK’s Social Media unit. Ram Kumar had previously been accused and reprimanded for making degrading and abusive comments towards women on social media, believing he was anonymous. He later issued a brief video apology for his actions. To add fuel to the fire, a viral video surfaced showing Ram Kumar making inappropriate TikTok videos with women, further tarnishing his reputation. This has led to harsh criticism of actor Vijay and his party, with many accusing them of bringing in new executives who are seen as peddlers of fake narratives, or being misogynists and abusers.

Abusing TNM Editor-in-Chief Dhanya Rajendran

In 2017, Dhanya Rajendran, editor-in-chief of ‘The News Minute’, faced a coordinated online harassment campaign after she casually mentioned that she had once walked out halfway through a film starring popular Tamil actor Vijay. Following an ominous warning to “wait till 6:00 p.m.,” Vijay’s fans launched a relentless trolling attack against her, flooding her social media with vicious abuse and even issuing rape threats. The outrage seemed fueled not only by her critique of Vijay’s film but also by the fact that she, as a woman, dared to publicly voice her dislike of his work. The nature of the threats and the organized manner of the attack suggested a planned campaign, likely led by a central figure with a structured network behind it.

One of the individuals involved, Ramkumar, who had been investigated by the police for his role in the trolling, later admitted his involvement. In a video apology, he confessed to targeting Rajendran and expressed regret, stating he had “learned a lesson.” Ramkumar, who had created a hashtag on Twitter to amplify the harassment, claimed he was unaware that Rajendran was a journalist and had mistakenly assumed she was a fan of actor Ajith, Vijay’s industry rival.

Reflecting on his apology, Rajendran remarked, “I’m glad that at least one person has come forward to apologize. And like he himself says, anonymity is not a permanent shield. When you break the law, you can get into trouble. I hope other youngsters take this as an example.”

The incident began on 4 August, when Rajendran shared her opinion about a Hindi film on Twitter, mentioning that she had left the screening midway and comparing the experience to watching a Vijay film. Shortly after, she became the target of a flood of online abuse, with coordinated attacks marked by threats and misogynistic slurs.

In his apology video, Ramkumar urged others to refrain from trolling and using abusive language on social media. “Take my life as an example,” he said. “The police came to my house to investigate and questioned my mother. This caused distress to my family. There was no one to support me except my family. Anonymity doesn’t help.”

Later in an interview to The News Minute with Dhanya Rajendra herself, Ram Kumar thanked her saying that it was a positive event that happened in his life. He said that her complaint raised awareness to many about what to do and what not to do.

Lewd TikTok Videos

Another widely circulated and criticized video featured R. Ram Kumar, the newly appointed Deputy Coordinator of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam’s (TVK) Social Media unit. In the video, Ram Kumar was seen recording a TikTok video where a woman, dressed in just a bath towel, appeared to be dancing suggestively opposite to the camera as part of a prank, later revealing she was wearing a skirt underneath. During the video, Ram Kumar was captured making inappropriate gestures and lewd signals directed at the woman on screen, sparking widespread backlash and criticism online.

https://twitter.com/aravinth43AK/status/1885309281534443760

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NIA Arrests Two Key Accused In Hizb-ut-Tahrir Terror Conspiracy Case In Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu

hizb-ut-tahrir nia

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has arrested two key accused in the Tamil Nadu Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HuT) case, marking a significant breakthrough in its crackdown on extremist activities in India.

The arrested individuals, Kabeer Ahmed Aliyar and Bava Bahrudeen alias Mannai Bava, were allegedly involved in a conspiracy to propagate Hizb-ut-Tahrir’s radical ideology through secret gatherings (Bayaans) and the organization of an exhibition promoting the military strength of Islamic nations. Authorities claim that their objective was to invite external forces (Nussrah) to overthrow the Indian government through violent jihad.

The case, registered as RC 01/2024/NIA/CHE, initially targeted six individuals linked to HuT’s activities in Tamil Nadu. Further investigation revealed that the accused were deeply influenced by HuT’s extremist, pan-Islamist, and fundamentalist ideology, which seeks to re-establish an Islamic caliphate and enforce a constitution drafted by HuT founder Taqi al-Din al-Nabhani.

As part of its counter-extremism measures, the Government of India banned Hizb-ut-Tahrir and all its manifestations under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in October 2024. The group has been under scrutiny for its attempts to radicalize individuals and build an underground network across multiple states.

International Links And Funding Under Probe

The NIA continues to investigate HuT’s co-conspirators, international connections, and funding sources. The agency has been tracking the organization’s expanding influence in South India, particularly in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala, as well as potential ties to radical networks in North and Northeast India.

Officials have stated that social media and digital platforms played a crucial role in HuT’s efforts to radicalize youth and spread its ideology. The arrested individuals were allegedly part of a broader conspiracy aimed at destabilizing the Indian state and fostering anti-national sentiments.

The latest arrests are considered a major success in India’s counter-terrorism efforts. Security agencies are intensifying their efforts to identify additional HuT operatives and dismantle the group’s underground network.

The Indian government has reaffirmed its commitment to preventing radical elements from undermining national security. Further investigations and crackdowns on HuT’s operations, financial backers, and digital outreach are expected in the coming weeks.

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Two Groups Clash Over Unified Holy Mass In Kottayam Church; Priest Attacked

Image Source: Mathrubhumi English

A dispute over the implementation of the unified Holy Mass in the Syro-Malabar Archdiocese of Ernakulam-Angamaly escalated into violence at St. Sebastian’s Church, Prasadagiri, Varikkankunnu, on Saturday, 1 February 2025.

During the Holy Mass, a group of devotees confronted the priest in charge, Father John Thottuppuram, attempting to prevent him from conducting the service. The situation turned violent as the priest was pushed off the altar, and church property, including microphones and vestments, was damaged.

Following the incident, the Thalayolaparambu police registered four cases based on Father Thottuppuram’s complaint, which alleged that a faction led by former vicar Jerin Palathingal was responsible for the attack. Several individuals sustained injuries in the scuffle, and four people were taken into custody.

In response to the unrest, authorities have locked down the church. The dispute over the unified Holy Mass continues to fuel tensions within the parish.

(With inputs from OnManorama)

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“Who Are We Working For?” TVK Cadre Sathya Nanthakumar Accuses Party Gen Secy Bussy Anand Of Favoritism

Amid ongoing allegations of favoritism in the district head appointments, a woman cadre from the Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), a party led by politician Vijay, has accused internal power struggles within the party. She claimed that the recent appointments of district heads were influenced by favoritism from the party’s General Secretary, Bussy Anand, while dedicated members who truly worked for the party were being overlooked without explanation.

After the recent appointment of the district head for Theni, a woman cadre, Sathya Nanthakumar, took to social media to allege, “I have been with the Vijay Makkal Iyakkam for the past seven years, continuously working in the field even after the party’s formation. You can find me, TVK Sathya Nanthakumar, on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube, where I regularly post updates time to time of my fieldwork. Recently, the Theni district executives have been claiming that I have a case against me, and that Anand Sir has also mentioned it so she need not be given any recognition in the Theni district women’s wing. If you ask me why this is happening, it’s because Theni district secretary Left Pandi and Prakash are relatives, and Ajitha Devendran is also connected to them. They are using these relationships to play politics. The women went to Anand Sir and asked, ‘Why have you given this responsibility to that girl? Give it to me; she has four cases against her.’ And with that, they are spreading the word in Theni that I have four cases.”

She alleged that even the party’s law wing, which is supposed to protect the cadres, is favoring the district heads, particularly in the North District, where Sakthi has been accusing her of having four cases against her, claiming this has been the case since 2020. Sathya stated that when she asked for proof of these accusations, they failed to provide any. In response, she obtained a self-verification certificate from the local police station confirming that she had no cases against her. However, when she brought this issue to the party’s General Secretary, Bussy Anand, there was no response.

In a video, she questioned Bussy Anand, asking, “I have proof in the form of a self-verification certificate stating that no case is registered against me. When I showed this to Anand sir, there was no response from him. I told him, ‘Everyone in the Theni district is accusing me,’ and he could have at least called to ask, ‘How can you accuse a girl who has committed no wrong?’ But he never questioned them. Why hasn’t he addressed this? If they continue to prioritize their own interests, then who are we supposed to work for tomorrow? What recognition do those who truly work get? They are insulting us. Wherever we go seeking justice, they are insulting the hard workers and claiming that hard work is wrong.”

She then alleged that the insults and accusations stemmed from a simple act of support: Admin Jagadeesan had wished her a happy birthday and praised her work. She questioned, “If Vijay were to recognize our work tomorrow, would that be a problem?” She further asked, “Who are we working for? It was always for Vijay’s face, yet now they are preventing me from working.” She recalled a recent incident during the Anna University sexual harassment case pamphlet protest organized by the TVK party, which was led by Bussy Anand. Sathya was instructed not to distribute any pamphlet letters, leaving her feeling broken and unable to give her full effort. She alleged, “They specifically said that Anand sir mentioned Sathya’s name and told not to distribute Thalapathy’s letter.”

She concluded by accusing, “They are not recognizing any hard workers here but are giving preference to their relatives and community members.

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Former Seattle City Council Member Kshama Sawant Who Opposed CAA Cries Foul About India Denying Visa To Her

Former Seattle City Council member Kshama Sawant has claimed that the Indian government has denied her a visa, preventing her from visiting her ailing mother in India. In a post on X, Sawant stated, India’s PM Modi & the BJP government are denying me a visa to see my ill mother. I’m not alone. Modi has retaliated against other activists & journalists, denying or revoking entry into India.She linked the alleged visa denial to her past criticism of the Indian government, particularly her opposition to the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the National Register of Citizens (NRC).

She further added in her X post,My socialist Seattle City Council office took an unwavering stand against India’s right-wing, anti-worker, anti-Muslim PM Narendra Modi & his right-wing nationalist BJP party. Modi & the BJP have waged sustained attacks on workers, farmers, Muslims, and other oppressed groups in India, including with the anti-Muslim, anti-poor CAA-NRC law, which denied citizenship to millions. Working people and my office passed the first U.S. resolution condemning CAA-NRC. We faced opposition not only from the U.S. Democratic Party but also from Modi’s Indian consulate in San Francisco itself, which publicly opposed us. We also won a resolution in solidarity with the farmers’ movement in India against Modi’s brutal and exploitative policies. We also won a historic citywide ban on caste-based discrimination, the first of its kind outside South Asia, despite opposition by Seattle Democrats, and right-wing, pro-Modi groups like the Vishwa Hindu Parishad and the Hindu American Foundation. Donald Trump is now beginning his promised mass deportation campaign, including workplace raids. This continues the steady escalation of attacks on immigrant workers in the U.S., which has been carried out by both Democrats and Republicans. Working people & the Left internationally need to fight against the right wing and the billionaire class, and their brazen tactics of repression and attacks on immigrants, activists & movements, including with strike action and civil disobedience. Fight against Modi, BJP, Trump, Republicans, Democrats & all the capitalist parties.”

However, the CAA, introduced by the Indian government, is aimed at granting citizenship to persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, not revoking citizenship as Sawant suggested.

This denial of a visa comes amid Sawant’s history of controversial political actions. In February 2020, Sawant was behind a Seattle City Council resolution condemning India’s CAA and NRC. The resolution, which passed unanimously, reaffirmed Seattle as a welcoming city, expressing solidarity with the city’s South Asian community, regardless of religion and caste. It opposed the CAA and NRC, calling them discriminatory to Muslims, oppressed castes, women, indigenous, and LGBT people.

The resolution called on the Indian Parliament to repeal the CAA, halt the NRC, and ratify various UN treaties to aid refugees. Ahsan Khan, president of the Indian American Muslim Council, praised the move, stating that Seattle’s decision should serve as a message to those undermining pluralism and religious freedom. Thenmozhi Soundararajan of Equality Labs also expressed support, framing Seattle’s action as part of a global outcry against the CAA.

In February 2023, Sawant sponsored another controversial resolution, making Seattle the first city in the United States to officially recognizecasteas a protected category under its non-discrimination policy. The ordinance was criticized by Hindu organizations for singling out South Asians, potentially leading to bias against the community.

The resolution was influenced by Equality Labs, an advocacy group that has published reports highlighting caste discrimination in the U.S. However, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace later questioned the methodology of these reports, suggesting that the data was not representative of the broader South Asian population in the U.S.

Sawant’s claim of visa denial has drawn mixed reactions. While her supporters see it as an act of political retaliation for her stance on India’s policies, critics argue that sovereign nations have the right to grant or deny visas at their discretion. Some have also pointed out that individuals such as Ashok Swain who has indulged in peddling fake news against India and those who have been vocal opponents of a government’s policies may face restrictions on travel, as seen in other global contexts.

The Indian government has not officially commented on Sawant’s visa application status or the reasons for any potential denial. However, her case comes amid broader debates over India’s handling of dissent and its relations with the diaspora.

Sawant’s actions, particularly her strong stance against India’s policies, have continued to spark debate on the role of local governments in addressing international issues.

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Isakki Amman Temple In Kanyakumari Vandalized: Sajin And Gang Arrested For Attack, Confesses Pastor’s Role In Attack

A video showing a mob vandalizing and destroying idols at the Isakki Amman Temple in Kanyakumari has sparked widespread outrage within the community. The temple, situated in the Thottathu Vilai area near Thiruvattar in Kanyakumari district, holds daily pujas, special rituals on auspicious days, and a five-day festival during its annual celebrations. Devotees from nearby areas regularly visit the temple for darshan.

The incident began on 25 December 2024, when a man named Sajin from the local area assaulted Sundar, a temple priest conducting puja, and damaged the temple’s main idol. Following a complaint lodged by Sundar at the Thiruvattar police station, Sajin was arrested and later released on bail.

However, on 29 January 2025, Sajin returned to the temple with a group of over 15 individuals in a tempo van, armed with sticks and other weapons. The mob proceeded to vandalize the temple, causing extensive damage. Temple priests Sundar, Ramesh, and Chandrashekar attempted to intervene, confronting the attackers while being subjected to verbal abuse.

Local residents who witnessed the attack recorded videos of the vandalism and circulated them on social media, drawing public attention to the incident. After the footage reached the district police, authorities arrested Sajin along with three others involved in the attack.

During interrogation, Sajin reportedly confessed that he targeted the temple based on claims made by a pastor from a local church, who allegedly told him that “Satan resides near their village” and encouraged them to “eliminate it.”

(With inputs from News 18 Tamil)

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NIA Raids Continue In Dravidian Model Tamil Nadu: ‘Baba’ Fakruddin Arrested In Mannargudi For Khilafat Terror Org Links

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) conducted raids at multiple locations across Tamil Nadu on Monday, 3 February 2025, including the residence of Baba Fakruddin (38) on Asath Street, Mannargudi, Tiruvarur district. He is suspected to be a supporter of the banned Khilafat movement, according to a report by Maalaimalar.

The operation, which began early in the morning at 6AM, lasted for nearly five hours. Three NIA officials, led by an inspector from Chennai, carried out the raid at Fakruddin’s residence. During the search, officials seized a pen drive, a laptop, and bank account records. Following the raid, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in the banned organization.

Fakruddin, the son of Dhamsudeen, is suspected to have joined the banned Khilafat movement, and the NIA is investigating whether he remains in contact with the organization.

This is not the first time Fakruddin’s residence has been searched. The NIA had previously raided his home in 2022 as part of an earlier investigation.

In addition to the Mannargudi raid, NIA teams also carried out searches at more than six locations, including Chennai and Kancheepuram. The agency has intensified its operations across Tamil Nadu, and further investigations are underway.

(With inputs from DTNext)

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Dravidian Model Journalism: Union FM Nirmala Sitharaman Announces National “Geospatial” Mission In Budget, Puthiya Thalaimurai Calls It “JIO Space Mission”

Netizens mocked and trolled the Dravidian media outlet, Puthiyathalaimurai News, after it mistakenly interpreted Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s budget speech. The budget included a ₹20,000-crore allocation to promote research, AI expansion, and geospatial initiatives for modernization. However, the news outlet misread “geospatial” as “JIO Space,” leading to widespread ridicule on social media for their misunderstanding and lack of accuracy in reporting.

In the Budget for 2025-26, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the introduction of the National Geospatial Mission. This mission aims to modernize land records and improve urban planning throughout India. It will build on the existing PM Gati Shakti framework to establish core geospatial infrastructure and data, enhancing the design and implementation of infrastructure projects.

Geospatial data refers to information tied to specific locations on the Earth’s surface. The National Geospatial Mission is expected to have a significant impact on sectors such as urban development and land management. This announcement comes at a time when the global geospatial market is projected to grow substantially, potentially reaching $1,064 million by 2030.

The government’s goal is to create a comprehensive geospatial database to streamline land reform processes, making them more efficient and transparent. This initiative is set to benefit not just government bodies but also private sector players, including geospatial and drone companies, which are likely to experience increased demand for their services.

Sitharaman highlighted that the mission aligns with the government’s focus on leveraging technology to improve governance and service delivery. The integration of geospatial data into planning processes is expected to enable more informed decision-making, supporting sustainable urban development. India is increasingly utilizing geospatial technologies and advancements in the space sector to drive its development goals. These technologies are critical in addressing challenges related to resource management, climate change, national security, and public health.

Against this backdrop, on 1 February 2025, the Dravidian media outlet Puthiyathalaimurai News allegedly shared a now-deleted social media post claiming, “Nirmala Sitharaman has announced a national ‘JIOSpace Mission’ for the development of the space sector in the budget.” This blunder quickly attracted widespread trolling from netizens.

https://twitter.com/nvramankumar/status/1885926588182913293

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Senior IPS Officer In Tamil Nadu Alleges Threat To Her Life After Exposing Recruitment Irregularities, Calls For Probe Into Office Fire

Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Kalpana Nayak has alleged that an attempt was made on her life after she exposed irregularities in police recruitment. In a complaint addressed to Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) and Head of Police Force Shankar Jiwal, she has called for an unbiased investigation into a fire that destroyed her office chamber in Chennai on 29 July 2024.

According to her complaint, the fire occurred just days after she flagged discrepancies in the implementation of communal reservation in the recruitment of Sub-Inspectors, constables, prison warders, and firemen under the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB). She stated that her intervention had prevented an adverse ruling from the Madras High Court, which could have embarrassed the Tamil Nadu government. However, she believed that exposing these issues had put her life in danger and resulted in damage to government property.

Concerns Over Recruitment Irregularities

Ms. Nayak stated that in March 2023, she had submitted a detailed report highlighting serious lapses in the implementation of communal reservation in the TNUSRB recruitment process. However, she alleged that her concerns were ignored at the time.

Despite this, an inquiry by The Hindu revealed that the then DGP of TNUSRB had later formed a sub-committee to review the discrepancies and revise the final selection list of candidates. Following a writ petition that raised concerns over recruitment flaws, the Madras High Court had directed the authorities to rectify the selection list.

Fire Incident At TNUSRB Headquarters

On 29 July 2024, just before Ms. Nayak was about to reach the TNUSRB headquarters in Egmore, Chennai, a senior police officer reportedly called her and advised her not to come to office, citing a fire that had broken out in her chamber. However, she had already arrived at the premises by then.

She later inspected her chamber and found that her chair had been completely charred. She believed that if she had reached her office a little earlier, she could have been in grave danger. She pointed out that the fire incident occurred on the same day she was supposed to check and clear the revised list of selected candidates, raising suspicions about a possible connection.

The fire, which was attributed to a short circuit in the air-conditioning system, destroyed her office. However, she suspected foul play, given the timing of the incident and the absence of immediate action from the authorities.

Ms. Nayak alleged that even 15 days after the fire, no action was taken against any staff member. On 15 August 2024, she lodged a formal complaint with DGP Shankar Jiwal and marked copies to the Chief Secretary, Home Secretary, and Commissioner of Police, Chennai, urging a thorough investigation into what she described as a possible case of sabotage.

She further alleged that a day after the fire, the revised list of selected candidates was published on the TNUSRB website without her scrutiny and approval. She also pointed out that no immediate inquiry was conducted into possible lapses by the office maintenance team.

She expressed concern that if a senior police officer’s safety could not be ensured in her own office, even while being surrounded by other police personnel, it reflected poorly on the state of law enforcement in Tamil Nadu.

When contacted by The Hindu, Ms. Nayak confirmed that she had filed the complaint and stated that six months had passed without any update from the investigators. She emphasized the need for a thorough and unbiased investigation and urged authorities to take action against those responsible for the fire.

Responding to the allegations, DGP Shankar Jiwal said that preliminary inquiries suggested an electrical short circuit as the cause of the fire. He added that a team from the Tamil Nadu Fire and Rescue Services had inspected the site and found no initial evidence of sabotage.

However, he acknowledged that Ms. Nayak had raised concerns, and as a result, the matter had been referred to the Chennai Police for further investigation.

(With inputs from The Hindu)

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