Bharathi, the Panchayat President of Nariyambattu in Vellore district and a member of the ruling DMK party, has been expelled from the party following her arrest in a theft case involving stolen gold jewellery on a moving bus. The party has also revoked her authority to sign official cheques.
The incident dates back to last July when Varalakshmi, a 50-year-old resident of Nolambur in Chennai, was travelling on a government bus from Kanchipuram to Koyambedu. Upon reaching her destination, she discovered that five sovereigns of gold jewellery were missing and filed a complaint with the Koyambedu police. During the investigation, police identified Bharathi (56), who was travelling on the same bus, as the suspect. She was subsequently arrested. Further inquiries revealed that Bharathi already had 10 theft cases pending against her at various police stations.
Police also added Bharathi had been systematically targeting women passengers on buses plying between Tirupattur and Chennai for more than 15 years. She would reportedly divert the attention of women by striking up conversations with children or fellow passengers before stealing their jewellery.
Investigators revealed that Bharathi had operated on buses across Ambur, Vellore, Vaniyambadi, Hosur, Krishnagiri, and Dharmapuri. The stolen valuables were allegedly sold, and the proceeds used to build commercial complexes in her hometown.
Despite being elected as panchayat president, Bharathi admitted to police that she continued stealing because of the “pleasure” she derived from it. “Even after gaining money, fame, and facilities, I could not give up the habit of stealing. Every time I vow not to steal again, I fail when I get the opportunity,” she confessed during interrogation.
Family members had reportedly urged him to abandon theft after entering politics, but he persisted, telling police that the thrill of stealing was irresistible.
The case gained political traction after AIADMK General Secretary Edappadi K. Palaniswami brought it up during a campaign, criticising the DMK leadership for harbouring individuals with criminal records.
Responding to the growing backlash, the DMK took disciplinary action. In an official statement, DMK General Secretary Duraimurugan announced Bharathi’s permanent removal from all party roles, including her basic membership. He cited her actions as being detrimental to the party’s image and emphasized that no party member should maintain contact with her. Additionally, Bharathi has been stripped of her financial powers, including the authority to sign cheques as Panchayat President.
(With inputs from Hindu Tamil)
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