TN Cop Detained In Bangladesh, Possible Cross-Border Gold & Drug Smuggling Links Under Probe

A Selaiyur police station special sub-inspector (SSI) in Chennai has been apprehended by the Bangladesh army for allegedly attempting an illegal border crossing into the country. Identified as John Selvaraj, aged 47, he was on medical leave when detained, as per police reports.

Authorities are investigating Selvaraj’s potential ties to transnational gold and drug smuggling rings, and possessed 7500 dollar cash. It’s noted that Selvaraj has a history of taking unauthorized leaves and was previously suspended for such actions. Originally from Trichy, Selvaraj previously served as a driver in the Trichy police force before transferring to the Chennai city police and later to Selaiyur.

Though he has a record of frequent absences, there were no significant red flags regarding his behavior, according to a police official. Selvaraj had a prior suspension for unauthorized leave, which was later rescinded upon formal apology.

Sources reveal Selvaraj took a hiatus from work between 2006 and 2009, during which he resided in Singapore. He resumed duty in 2010 in Tiruchy until his transfer to Chennai in 2019. According to a Times of India report, an officer provided insights into the situation involving SSI Selvaraj. The officer stated that John Selvaraj took a two-day leave to attend a family wedding of a retired police officer, beginning from March 19. Additionally, Selvaraj requested a 12-day medical leave via mail.

Further details from an officer who previously worked with Selvaraj in Trichy revealed that Selvaraj served as a police vehicle driver from 2004 to 2009. Subsequently, he left the service from 2009 to 2019, during which period he resided in Singapore. However, he was reinstated into the police force, eventually attaining the rank of SSI. He was subsequently posted in the Tambaram commissionerate. Currently residing in Madipakkam, his wife and daughter live separately. Senior police officials have contacted Bangladeshi authorities for additional information on the matter.

Another officer mentioned that Selvaraj had taken a 60-day medical leave a few months ago.

(With Inputs From TNIE)

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