The recent resurgence of interest in the internet about N Mohanraj, the former SP of Kallakurichi who retired voluntarily in December 2023 due to concerns over rising illegal alcohol sales supported by two DMK MLAs, is making waves once more.
In December 2023, Samay Singh Meena assumed the role of Superintendent of Police in the Kallakurichi district, succeeding N Mohanraj, who had chosen to voluntarily retire. Reports indicated that Mohanraj had cited widespread corruption and the looming threat of drunken deaths, sparking significant debate following his retirement. As he had anticipated, a brutal illicit liquor consumption-related death has now claimed around 40 lives in Kallakurichi.
As per a Dinamalar report, a senior police official commented that at the start of 2023, there was significant controversy surrounding a mysterious death at a private school in Kaniyamoor, Kallakurichi district. During that time, Selvakumar, the then district SP, was transferred and was replaced by Mohanraj in his role.
Mohanraj began his career as a Sub-Inspector in 1987 and served diligently in the Law and Order and Anti-Corruption divisions across Chennai, Madurai, Coimbatore, Salem, and Kallakurichi districts of Tamil Nadu.
When riots erupted over the Kallakurichi school girl death, DGP Sylendra Babu replaced Selvakumar with Mohanraj, aware that his appointment would acknowledge and address the seriousness of the situation. True to expectations, Mohanraj handled the sensitive issue calmly, appeasing public outrage and restoring normalcy to the district. He soon uncovered rampant bootlegging operations across the district and took swift action to curb them.
Upon discovering extensive bootleg liquor sales in Sankarapuram and Rishivandiyam, Mohanraj bolstered police presence and ordered several arrests. This information allegedly reached key figures within the DMK, who directly approached Mohanraj, insisting on non-interference with the bootleg liquor trade and issuing threats against any action taken.
Despite Mohanraj’s complaints to higher authorities, the police department allegedly failed to respond effectively, leading him to conclude that stopping the pervasive bootlegging operations in the district was virtually impossible.
Moreover, he feared and lamented the ongoing risk of deaths due to counterfeit intoxicating substances in the district. During his tenure as district SP, Mohanraj was apprehensive about potential hooch deaths within his jurisdiction, foreseeing the trouble and disgrace they would bring. In response, Mohanraj chose to take voluntary retirement eight months ahead of schedule, expressing his concerns to the Home Secretary and igniting a significant controversy within police circles.
His decision to retire has today made police officials acknowledge Mohanraj’s foresight and accuracy in predicting the tragic consequences of inaction.
(with inputs from Dinamalar)
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