In a dramatic turn, the Tamil Nadu government has suspended Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) H.M. Jayaram after his arrest linked to the abduction of a 16-year-old in Tiruvallur. The action, ordered by Home Secretary Dheeraj Kumar, followed just a day after his brief custody and release.
Jayaram, a senior IPS officer, allegedly allowed his official vehicle to be used in the kidnapping plot — reportedly to separate a couple who had married without parental approval. The incident occurred on April 5, triggering judicial scrutiny and public outrage.
The Madras High Court, presided by Justice P. Velmurugan, sternly directed Jayaram’s arrest during the anticipatory bail hearing of MLA “Poovai” Jagan Moorthy, another key accused. Based on confessions from two arrested individuals, the court found that Jayaram actively aided the crime.
MLA Moorthy, heading the Puratchi Bharatham Katchi, has been asked to cooperate with the probe. Despite claims by the public prosecutor that he was untraceable, he appeared in court and was ordered to fully assist investigators. The next hearing is set for June 26.
The case was triggered by a complaint from the kidnapped boy’s mother. Her elder son had married a 21-year-old woman against her family’s will. In retaliation, the woman’s father sought help from Maheswari, a dismissed constable, who looped in Jayaram and Moorthy.
Justice Velmurugan slammed the collusion of police and politicians, accusing them of turning courts into “Kangaroo courts” and eroding public trust. The court has ordered the investigation to continue without leniency.