Tamil Nadu - People's watch

National Project on Preventing Torture in India: 

From Public Awareness to State Accountability 

Tamil Nadu 

(This Publication has been produced with the assistance of the European Union 

and Friedrich Naumann Stiftund (FNSt). The contents of this publication are the 

sole responsibility of People’s Watch and can in no way be taken to reflect the 

views of the European Union or FNSt) 

People’s Watch 

No.6, Vallabai Road, Chokkikulam, Madurai - 625 002 Tamil Nadu 

Phone: 91-452-2531874 & 2539520 Fax: 91-452- 2531874 

E.mail: no2torture@pwtn.org Web: www.pwtn.org 

Annual Report on Torture 

2007



i 

2007 

Acknowledgments 

This volume is a compilation of materials on torture by law-enforcement personnel 

in the State of Tamil Nadu for 2007. As torture is an alarmingly widespread 

phenomenon, the pages that follow represent the work of a vast array of devoted 

activists, professionals, and volunteers. We are indebted to these individuals for their 

time and expertise. We would like to acknowledge with appreciation and to place on 

record the names of all those who have contributed in their particular capacities. 

Thanks must go first to the State Team for Tamil Nadu. Led by State Director Dr. 

B. Parthasarathy, this group of passionate human rights defenders is responsible for 

the staggering quantity of raw data in the pages that follow. State Program Coordinator 

Ms. Radha and State Program Associate Mr. Pradeep Solomon Raj provided valuable 

oversight and guidance. Legal interventions in Tamil Nadu benefited from the steady 

hands of Mr. Paneerselvam, State Law Officer, and Mr. Rajan, State Legal Associate. 

None of the Project’s successes in Tamil Nadu would have been possible without 

the commitment and considerable work of the District Human Rights Monitors, 

namely Mr. Basker, Mr. Satish Rajkumar, Mr. Kanagaraj, Mr. Ganesan, Mr. Ananda 

Kumar, Ms. Selvi, Ms. Vijayalakshmi, Mr. Jisthi Mohammed, Mr. Moni, Mr. Titty Albert, 

Mr. Permal, Mr. Jeyaraman, Mr. Prabakar, and Mr. Madasamy. 

Working with this raw data, a devoted team of volunteers engaged themselves in 

the massive task of editing and processing literally hundreds of case reports. Leading 

this group was Mr. Jason Hoffman, a volunteer at People’s Watch from the American 

Jewish World Service. His team comprised Mr. Rajan Vishnuraj (Kerala Law Academy, 

Trivandrum), Ms. Amritha (Kerala Law Academy, Trivandrum), Ms. Kavitha Patap 

(Kerala Law Academy, Trivandrum), Ms. Sreedurga (ILS Law College, Pune), Ms. 

Soma John (Kerala Law Academy, Trivandrum), Ms. Swathi (PSG College of Arts and 

Science, Coimbatore), Ms. Rajabharthi (Ethiraj Women’s College, Chennai), Ms. C. 

Lavanya (Ethiraj Women’s College, Chennai), Ms. Norman Sharon Rose (Ethiraj 

Women’s College, Chennai), Mr. Suraj Frengko (MMSC Law Collage, Pune), Mr. 

Chandrashekar (National Law School, Raipur), Mr. Subhradipta Sarkar (Law 

Researcher), Ms. Archana Sharma (Law Researcher), Ms. Cathrerine Rubina (Law 

Researcher), and Mr. Dorian Needham (McGill University, Montreal, Canada).

However, even polished reports are not enough. Coordinating their receipt, 

transmission, and smooth passage was the ever-calm Ms. Anitha Princy (Administrative 

Assistant, NPPTI). Ensuring their standardised formatting and guiding their conversion 

into electronic media was a dedicated trio at the Computer Unit, led by Mr. Anand 

Kumar and also including Mr. Jeyaraman and Ms. Sathya. 

Finally, acknowledgement must be made of the torture victims themselves. Some 

survived to recount their experiences to members of the State Team; others did not. 

Regardless, they and their families have shown remarkable courage in telling their 

stories. Fighting intimidation, fear, and trauma, they have rejected a culture of impunity 

and silence by raising their voices aloud – and the pages that follow bear witness to 

their suffering and their strength. 


ii 

Henri Tiphagne 

Executive Director, People’s Watch & 

National Director, National Project on Preventing Torture in India 

•• 


2007

People’s Watch—An Overview 



iii 

2007 

People’s Watch (“PW”) is a human rights organisation that has been actively 

engaging itself in the protection and promotion of human rights and fundamental 

freedoms in Tamil Nadu since 1995. After eleven years of work, PW has expanded its 

concerns across India. 

Vision 

A society free from human rights violations and discrimination to be built through 

cultivating a human rights culture and building a participatory democracy 

Mission 

• Protection of human rights through monitoring human rights violations, intervention 

and building solidarity with people’s struggle for human rights. 

• Promoting human rights culture through education and conscientising the larger 

community. 

Brief History and Background 

In 1993, Mr. Henri Tiphagne, Executive Director of PW and a passionate human 

rights advocate since 1977, became determined to professionalise human rights 

responses in the state of Tamil Nadu in India. He and like-minded people such as Dr. 

Devasahayam, the present Director of the Institute of Human Rights Education, and 

Fr. Diamond Raj, a Catholic Priest with the Archdiocese of Madurai, founded PW in 

December 1995 along with a team of Advisory Board members. In its nascent stage, 

the organisation was entirely committed to monitoring the state to improve 

accountability for human rights violations. Over time, the organisation expanded into 

the fields of legal intervention, rehabilitation, and campaigning. PW now boasts a 

legal team committed to intervening on behalf of torture victims and a Rehabilitation 

Centre for victims of domestic violence and torture, where victims receive housing 

and support. Its Campaign Unit works to improve human rights awareness throughout 

the community and to engage other organisations in the struggle. It is particularly 

engaged in building what is known popularly known as the ‘Citizens for Human Rights 

Movement.’ Its Human Rights Education program has successfully introduced the 

concept of human rights into school curricula in over fourteen states across the 

country. The program is based on the strongly held belief that the value of rights can 

be firmly established only when instilled in the minds of children as a social virtue, as 

a value to be safeguarded and protected as something stable and indestructible. 

••

The National Project on Preventing Torture in India 

People’s Watch, in league with the Friedrich Naumann Stiftung, began the National 

Project on Preventing Torture in India (NPPTI) in January 2006 with a grant from the 

European Union under the EIDHR. The primary aim of the action is to initiate and to 

model a national campaign for the prevention of torture in India, with a deliberate 

focus on torture practices routinely employed by police. The project focuses especially 

upon safeguarding groups on the margins of Indian society, such as Dalit, tribal 

groups, minorities, women and children. 

The project consists of two major stages: 

1.Formation of nine State-wide networks to monitor instances of torture and to 

intervene on behalf of victims. 

2.A national campaign against torture that uses monitoring data to develop public 

awareness, to train professionals, to improve institutional responses to abuse, 

and to lobby for India’s ratification of the United Nations Convention Against 

Torture (CAT) and its Optional Protocols. 

The Project’s design reflects priorities set by the European Commission’s EIDHR 

Call for Proposals—specifically, research on torture practices, legal support for victims, 

awareness-raising, and legislative lobbying. 

In the years 2006 and 2007, the Project has undertaken the following in the State 

of Tamil Nadu: 

2006 2007 

Fact-Findings : 55 625 

Legal Interventions : 55 576 

Training Programmes : 25 05 

The overall goal of the Project is the prevention and reduction of torture in India, 

where police abuses remain an entrenched and often routine law enforcement strategy 

despite India’s status as the world’s largest democracy. The Project confronts frequent 

police practices that include assault and physical abuse, custodial death, custodial 

rape, threats and psychological humiliation, and deprivation of food, water, sleep, 

and medical attention. 


iv 


2007


v 

The primary goals of the Project are as follows: 

• Protecting potential victims of torture, particularly those belonging to vulnerable 

and marginalised communities. 

• Highlighting individual cases of torture as they occur 

• Improving institutional responses to instances of torture by demanding state 

accountability 

• Advancing an ethic of responsibility and restraint among law-enforcement 

officers 

• Educating and enlisting professional groups such as lawyers, social activists, 

doctors, psychiatrists, journalists, and teachers in the campaign to prevent 

and to eliminate torture 

• Raising public awareness of torture as an unlawful and widespread abuse of 

police powers 

• Promoting favourable policy outcomes in the form of new domestic anti-torture 

legislation and commitments to existing international treaties. 

Ultimately, one of the most enduring effects of the Project will be the model that it 

sets for addressing issues of torture nationally. Recognising that there are insufficient 

resources to stanch the practice of torture nationally, PW has sought to create an 

example for preventing torture that can be duplicated. A key aspect of this approach 

is the “model taluk,” in which monitoring and campaigning efforts will be intensely 

focussed in one “taluk” (an administrative subdivision of a district) in each State, with 

the goal of working towards the elimination of torture practices entirely. This model 

will create a paradigm for the prevention and elimination of torture on a much larger 

scale. 


2007 

••

Why This Report? 

This report falls under the “Campaign Against Torture” segment of the NPPTI. It 

seeks to raise awareness of torture and ultimately to influence policies relating to the 

misuse of official power. The basic thrust of the report is to reveal the context in which 

PW felt compelled to undertake the NPPTI. This contextual picture is painted by 

examining three major categories: 

1. Data on actual occurrences of torture and police misbehaviour from 2000- 

2006, collected through state-level organisations and secondary source 

research 

2. An analysis of trends that emerge from the data, with special attention to the 

effects of torture on marginalised groups such as Dalits and women 

3. Institutional responses at the state level 

Ultimately, the research reveals a sad scene, in which rhetoric is abundant and 

action scarce. Indeed, despite its refusal to ratify the CAT or expressly to criminalise 

torture, India continuously pays lip service to the prevention of torture through its 

Parliament, Courts, and Commissions. Yet the data reveal an appalling prevalence 

of police misconduct, including the use of torture as a common interrogation method. 

Institutional responses are anaemic, in terms of both documentation and concrete 

preventive actions. 

Aside from raising awareness, then, this report aims to combat the complacency 

and denial that define the Indian Government’s response to such blatant human 

rights transgressions. It provides irrefutable proof that invites Indian policymakers to 

acknowledge the extent of torture practices in the country and to take a participatory 

role in ensuring that basic human rights are guaranteed to all of India’s citizens. By 

demanding a dialogue on the issue, PW hopes to end the silence that continues to 

expose hundreds of thousands of Indians to the practice of torture every year. 

•• 


vi 


2007

Contents 



2007 

I. SECONDARY SOURCE MONITORING (2000 – 2006) 

1. Custodial Deaths 04 

2. Encounter Deaths 11 

3. Police Rape 13 

4. Police Torture 13 

5. Police Violence 19 

6. Police Firing 22 

7. Police Inaction 22 

8. Illegal Detention 24 

9. Police Intimidation 26 

II. FACT FINDING 2007 

1. Custodial Deaths 28 

2. False Charge 33 

3. Encounter Death 60 

4. Police Acquiescence 62 

5. Police Intimidation 89 

6. Police Torture – No Death 103 

7. Police Violence 204 

8. Extra Judicial Killing 312 

9. Police Firing 314 

10. Police Rape (Violence Against Women) 315 

III. SPECIAL REPORT: THE JSTF CASES 317 

IV. THE TAMIL NADU POLICE BILL 320

A Compilation of Cases of Torture by 

State Agencies-State of Tamil Nadu 

Tamil Nadu Tabulation 1 

Date Location Victim Classification 

January 10, 2000 Dharamapuri Ravindran Encounter Death 

January 7, 2000 Vishakhapatanam K. Ravindar Custodial Death 

February 2000 Unknown Twelve Women 

September 26, 2000 

(NHRC order) 

Unknown 

Laganayaki, Muthamil 

Selvi and 34 Dalit 

Villagers 

Police Torture / Violence 

Against Women 

Police Violence / Illegal 

Detention 

May 14, 2001 Karacheri Rangan (Dalit) Police Inaction 

August 12, 2001 Chennai V. Perumal Police Firing 

August 12, 2001 Chennai Five Men (DMK) Police Firing 

June 29, 2001 

June 30, 2001 

Chennai 

Chennai 

2002 Bangalore 

April 12, 2002 

Sankaralingapuram 

Village and 

Challichettipatti 

Village, Thuthukudi 

District 

Shri Karunanidhi and 

150 Journalists 

M. Karunanidhi, 

Murasoli Maran, T.R. 

Balu 

Guna, Seelan, and 11 

others 

Over 180 villagers 

June 2002 Dharmapuri District Kurava Family (Dalits) 

January 2002 

Elaichur Hamlet, 

Dharmapuri District 

18 Kuraval Community 

members, including 

Govindasami Family 

(Dalits) 


Detention 

Illegal Detention 

Police Violence 

Police Violence 


Detention 

Police Torture / Violence 

Against Women 

July 8, 2002 Thanjavur District Dhanapal Kaliyan Custodial Death 

July 27, 2002 Thanjavur District Kathir Police Torture 

1 July 27, 2002 Thanjavur District Selvaraj Police Torture 

The information included in this section is a representative selection of the larger compliation 

of reported October incidents 2002 of police Kaundampatti torutre and abuse Sankan in (Dalit) Tamil Nadu between Police Torture 2000 and 2006. 

Further October information 30, 2002 is available Ervadi on the People Velraj ’s Watch (Dalit) website at . Custodial Death 


1 


2007


2007 


2 

July 27, 2002 Thanjavur District Selvaraj Police Torture 

October 2002 Kaundampatti Sankan (Dalit) Police Torture 

October 30, 2002 Ervadi Velraj (Dalit) Custodial Death 

October 30, 2002 Thanjavur Selvaraj Police Torture 

October 30, 2002 Thanjavur Kathir Police Torture 

November 2, 2002 

Unknown 

Kuppan, Murugan, and 2 

others 

Illegal Detention 

December 1, 2002 Paramakudi Karuppi (Dalit woman) Custodial Death 

December 4-5, 2002 Thottipalayam Karapusami Police Torture 

December 4-5, 2002 Thottipalayam Chinnakaruppasami Police Torture 

December 5, 2002 Thottipalayam Nadukaruppasami Custodial Death 

March 13, 2003 Melatheru Ramesh Rajendra Custodial Death 

May 16, 2003 (SHRC 

order) 

May 22, 2003 

Boothalur Thirumavalavan Police Torture (suicide) 

Thinniyam 

Murugesan, Ramasami 

(Dalits) 

Police Torture 

June 18, 2003 Pudur Ganesan Custodial Death 

July 28, 2003 Ayodhyakuppam Veeramani Encounter Death 

September 11, 2003 

Thuraipakkam, 

Chennai 

Ramalingam 

Custodial Death 

November 5, 2003 Madurai People’s Watch Police Intimidation 

November 7, 2003 Chennai The Hindu office Police Intimidation 

January 21, 2004 

Perumanallur, 

Anupparpalayam, etc. 

428 Persons 


Detention 

February 25, 2004 Nainakaundanur Karnan Encounter Death 

May 10-16, 2004 

Vittukkatti 

15 People (Most were 

Dalits) 

Police Torture 

May 16, 2004 Kalapatti Dalit Persons Police Inaction 

June 11, 2004 Chennai M. Kannan Police Torture 

June 16, 2004 Manimurtheeswaram Bhoominathan Custodial Death 

June 21, 2004 Madurai Six Cinema Fans 

October 2, 2004 

Shastri Nagar Station, 

Chennai 

Senthil 

Police Violence (Lathi- 

Charge) 

Custodial Death 

October 6, 2004 Tiruvarur K. Sivaranjini Police Rape 



Cuddalore 

Unknown 

Henri Tiphagne and 15 

Others 

Veerappan and Three 

Others 


Detention 

Encounter Death (STF)

November 6, 2004 

Kacharayanpatti, 

Madurai District 

V. Senthil Kumar Custodial Death 

November 8, 2004 Komangalam N. Annadurai Custodial Death 

November 26, 2004 Karaikudi Kathiravan 


Detention 

December 19, 2004 Ravanasamudhram M. Valliyammal Police Inaction 

January 3, 2005 Sethur Pethammal (Dalits) Police Torture 

January 21, 2005 Cheranmahadevi S. Auto Bhaskar Custodial Death 

March 31, 2005 Vengamedu Ms. Pappathi (Dalit) Police Inaction 

April 23, 2005 Kulithalai K. Chandrasekhar Police Violence 

May 30, 2005 Kallukuttai Slum Colony Members 

Police Violence (Lathi- 

Charge) 

June 13, 2005 Tuticorin V. Mariappan (Dalits) Police Torture 

October 15, 2005 Location Unknown Unidentified Husband Encounter Death 

January 29, 2006 Chettipalayam Bharati Ganesan Police Torture 

February 13, 2006 Kuzhithurai Devaraj Custodial Death 

May 3, 2006 Munnerpallan C. Paramasivan Custodial Death 

June 29, 2006 Virudhunagar Marudhan Custodial Death 

November 6, 2006 Bhavani Madhu Custodial Death 


3 

Sources Covered: 

www.pucl.org 

www.nhrc.nic.in 

www.hrw.org 

www.hinduonnet.com 

www.nuke.humanrightskerala.com 

www.achrweb.org 

www.hindu.com 


2007

1. Custodial Death 


4 

K. Ravindar, Vishakhapatanam 

7 January 2000 

 

On 11 January 2000, Ms. Nirmala, Professor of Law at Andhra University, Vishakhapatanam, 

filed a petition in the Chennai High Court alleging that on 7 January 2000 her husband K. 

Ravindar was arrested, tortured and killed by police. 

Full story in: 

 

http://www.pucl.org/reports/TamilNadu/tn-encounter.htm 

Dhanapal Kaliyan, Thanjavur 

7 August 2002 

 

 

Dhanapal Kaliyan, a 42-year-old resident of Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil 

Nadu, was arrested on 27 July 2002, by four police officers from the Thanjavur PS. Dhanapal 

was beaten severely with lathis. 

He was taken to a doctor on 30 July 2002 after being told not to report any ill-treatment, and 

returned to police lock-up. His brother Selvaraj and his nephew Kathir were also arrested 

and beaten on 29 July 2002. On 2 August 2002, Dhanapal, Kaliyan and Kathir were brought 

before a court and remanded to Thanjavur Sub-Jail. Kaliyan was transferred to Trichy 

Central Prison. Dhanapal died on 7 August 2002 as a result of the treatment received while 

in custody 


 

Human Rights Watch document 


2007 

Velraj, Ervadi 

30 October 2002 

 

 

On 30 October 2002, Mr. Velraj, a 38 year-old Dalit [lower Caste] of the Ervadi Village, 

Tirunelveli District, was arrested by four Special Branch PCs from the Ervadi PS. Mr. Velraj 

worked for local fish merchant Arunachalam. According to Manjula, the victim’s wife, the 

four PCs barged into Velraj’s house around midnight and took Velraj to the station. Manjula 

did not dare to go to the station at night. 

At around 6.00am the next day, Manjula went to the Ervadi PS to ask about her husband. The 

policemen told her that Mr. Velraj was not brought to the station. At about 10.00am, Mr. 

Sudalaikannu, a liquor shop owner, told Manjula that Mr. Velraj died in police custody.

She rushed to Nanguneri the Taluk Headquarters with some local people. At the Taluk 

Headquarters, she saw the dead body of her husband, which had a swollen face and testicles, 

and bruises on the left shoulder. Manjula fainted. The local police dragged Manjula and the 

others out of the place. 

Despite the family’s repeated requests, they could neither see the post-mortem report of the 

victim, nor could they access the inquest report of the victim’s case conducted by the Sub 

Divisional Magistrate. 

The police claimed that Velraj died of cardiac arrest while he was in custody. However, Mr. 

Velraj had no history of any illness, and his wife stated that the victim had no previous heart 

condition. The police have not explained the injuries on Velraj’s body. 

The four PCs from the Ervadi PS and the PI were transferred to the Crime Investigation 

Department, which is considered a promotion. 

It is alleged that the police, in order to increase the count of cases, arbitrarily arrested 

Arunachala who had a record of selling liquor in the past. Mr. Velraj was arrested because he 

happened to work with Arunachala. It is common for police in Tamil Nadu to arrest and 

falsely charge innocent victims for cases pending inquiry. To extract a confession statement, 

the police often resort to torture. The victim’s family believes that Mr. Velraj died after being 

tortured by the police. 


 

http://www.nuke.humanrightskerala.com/index.php?name=News&file=article 

&sid=2143 


5 

Karuppi, Paramakudi 

1 December 2002 

 

 

 

 

The State Commission for Women sought a report from the Paramakudi Sub-Collector 

Aashish Chatterjee on 1 December 2002 concerning the suspicious death of a Karuppi, a 

Dalit woman, at a local police station. 

Karuppi was taken to the police station on 25 November 2002 on the charges of stealing 

money and gold jewels from the house in which she had been employed for more than six 

years. Three of her relatives, Christudoss, Arumugam and two and a half year-old Anitha, 

were also detained. They were released a day before Karuppi’s death. 

On 1 December 2002, Karuppi was found hanging from a wireless tower. According to social 

activists, the police detained and tortured Karuppi for nearly a week. No custody memo was 

served on the victims and Karuppi was denied medical care. 

The police claim that her death was a case of suicide. 


 

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2002/12/22/stories/2002122203210400.htm 


2007


6 

Nadukaruppasami, Thottipalayam 


 

 

 

Nadukaruppasami, a 40-year-old resident of Thottipalayam village, Coimbatore District, 

and member of the Hindu Vanniyar community, was arrested by five policemen of 

Periyanayakkanpalayam on 4 December 2002. He was put into a jeep and beaten on his 

knees and back. Nadukaruppasami was then taken to a police station where police beat 

him and put chillies in his eyes. 

Hours later, his nephew Karuppasami was arrested by the police. The police slapped 

Karuppasami. Nadukaruppasami’s brother Chinnakaruppasami went to the police station 

to secure his nephew’s realease. Three police officers and the Periyanayakanpalayam 

Circle Inspector beat Chinnakaruppasami with lathis. The two brothers were handcuffed 

and taken to Sathyamangalam police station, where they were made to remove their clothes 

and kept handcuffed. Chinnakaruppasami was severely beaten when he refused to eat. 

On 5 December 2002, they were interrogated about a burglary. During the interrogation 

sessions, they were again beaten. Nadukaruppasami was reportedly hung from the ceiling. 

Nadukaruppasami died as a result of the treatment. 


 

Human Rights Watch report 


2007 

Ramesh Rajendra, Melatheru 

13 March 2003 

 

 

 

 

Ramesh Rajendra, a 20 year-old construction worker from Melatheru, Kalvettu Village, 

Tamil Nadu was taken with four other detainees to the Trichy Central Prison on 13 March 

2003 after a hearing at the Magistrate Court in Jayamkondam. 

Police forced them to stand in a corridor facing the office of the Prison Jailor. Because Mr. 

Rajendra was feeling weak and could not stand, he sat down on the floor. The Prison 

Deputy Jailor hit him on the right thigh, and accused him of faking an illness. A prison guard 

kicked him in the chest, causing him to spit out blood. The police beat Ramesh for half an 

hour, until his unconscious body was dragged and thrown into a cell. 

Ramesh Rajendra died as a result the beatings. On the morning of 14 March 2003, his 

body was transported to Trichy Governmental Hospital by unidentified officers. 

On 15 March 2003, both his wife and his father lodged a complaint to the Jayamkondam 

PS. No investigation was conducted by the authorities and no criminal proceeding was ever 

initiated against those responsible for his death.

Ganesan, Pudur 

18 June 2003 

 

A filed complaint alleged that on 18 June 2003, the police tortured and killed Ganesan, aged 

50, from Pudur Village, Thanjavur, while he was in custody. 


 

http://www.achrweb.org/Review/2005/84-05.htm 

Ramalingam, Thuraipakkam, Chennai 

11 September 2003 

 

 

 

 

On 30 March 2003, the Madras High Court directed the Home Secretary to pay compensation 

of Rs. 4 lakhs to the family of Ramalingam, who died in police custody on 11 September 

2003. Justice S. Ashok Kumar gave the direction on a petition filed by Sangeetha, wife of the 

victim, seeking to transfer the investigation from the Thuraipakkam police to the CB-CID. At 

the time of hearing, however, the petitioner requested the court to grant some compensation 

rather than transfer the investigation. The judge awarded Rs. 4 lakhs after the government 

advocate (criminal side) also agreed that a suitable compensation could be granted. 

According to Ms. Sangeetha, her husband was taken “for inquiry” on 2 September 2003. She 

sent telegrams to the Director-General of Police, the Commissioner, the Home Secretary 

and the Chief Justice on 4 September 2003. 

The Thuraipakkam police showed the arrest occurred 10 September 2003, and that that 

Ramalingam was lodged in the Central Prison at Puzhal. 

The next day, the Prison Superintendent admitted Ramalingam to the Royapettah Government 

Hospital for treatment and informed Ms. Sangeetha by a telegram of Ramalingam’s 

whereabouts. He sent another telegram stating that Ramalingam’s condition was critical. 

He sent a final telegram informing Ms. Sangeetha that Ramalingam died and that she could 

collect the body after an inquest. 


 

http://www.hindu.com/2004/03/31/stories/2004033106010400.htm 

Bhoominathan, Manimurtheeswaram 

16 June 2004 

 

Bhoominathan, a resident of Manimurtheeswaram, died on 16 June 2004, two days after 

being arrested by the police and interrogated. Bhoominathan allegedly was taken by a group 

of plainclothes policemen from his residence on 14 June 2004. He returned home the next 

day from the Tirunelveli Junction PS and died in the early hours of 16 June 2004. 


7 


2007

Bhoominathan told his wife and close relatives that he was assaulted by the police during 

interrogation. 




Senthil, Shastri Nagar Station, Chennai 


 

A complaint was lodged, alleging that on 2 October 2004, Senthil, a 21 year-old youth, died 

in custody at Shastri Nagar PS in Chennai. 


 

http://www.achrweb.org/Review/2005/84-05.htm 

8 

V. Senthil Kumar, Madurai 

6 November 2004 

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) demanded a probe into the custodial death of V. 

Senthil Kumar, a Kacharayanpatti. 

 

 

According to V. Sundaram, the district secretary of the party (rural), the police took 30 yearold 

V. Senthil Kumar to the Kottampatti PS on Sunday afternoon for an enquiry. V. Senthil 

Kumar was found dead in an isolated place at Kadampatti. 

The death provoked villagers of Kacharayanpatti and the surrounding areas to stage a road 

roko protesting the “custodial death” of Senthil Kumar. 


 



2007 

N. Annadurai, Komangalam 


 

 

 

Relatives of N. Annadurai, aged 46 from Komangalam, kicked up a controversy when they 

claimed that N. Annadurai died in custody as a result of police misconduct. 

N. Annadurai was taken to the Vriddhachalam PS for an enquiry in connection with a case 

of the theft of an electric motor. 

According to the police, N. Annadurai developed fits at about 9.00am, and was taken to 

hospital at 10.30am. At 11.30am, he was declared dead. 


 

http://www.hindu.com/2004/11/09/stories/2004110906690300.htm

S. Auto Bhaskar, Cheranmahadevi 


 

 

 

On 21 January 2005, S. Auto Bhaskar died at Cheranmahadevi Government Hospital in 

Tirunelveli district after interrogation by the Special Investigation Team. 

Auto Bhaskar was arrested the night before he died in connection with a murder case. 

The Deputy Inspector-General of Police, Tirunelveli Range, K. Gopalakrishnan, stated that a 

previous head injury could be the cause of S. Auto Bhaskar’s sudden death. 

Devaraj, Kuzhithurai 

13 February 2006 

 

On 13 February 2006, Devaraj, who was picked up for questioning in connection with a theft 

case, was found hanging from his lungi in his cell at Kuzhithurai PS. 


ACHR India Human Rights Report 2007 

C. Paramasivan, Munneerpallam 

3 May 2006 

 

 

On 3rd May 2006, C. Paramasivan, of Oorudaiyaankudiyiruppu, died on the way from 

Thatchanallur PS to the Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital after he allegedly tried to hang 

himself inside his cell at the police station. 

C. Paramasivan was picked up by the Munneerpallam police and was taken to the police 

station on the previous night for interrogation in connection with a robbery. 




9 

Marudhan, Virudhunagar 

29 June 2006 

 

Two fact-finding teams from different organisations accused four police personnel from the 

Tiruchuzhi PS in Virudhunagar District of having caused the death of M. Marudhan, aged 53, 

after “brutally attacking him” on 29 June 2006. 

The reports allege that at 11.00pm on 28 June 2006, the police picked a quarrel with M. 

Marudhan after they objected to him sleeping at Tiruchuzhi bus stand. The police beat and 

kicked M. Marudhan until he was black and blue. 

 

Later, when Marudhan’s health condition deteriorated, the police called up his relatives at 


2007


10 

 

 

around 2.00am on 29 June 2006, and asked them to take Marudhan from the police station. 

M. Murudhan was taken to the Government Rajaji Hospital in Madurai, where he died. 

Volunteers of both organisations insist on conducting a post-mortem examination. 


 


Madhu, Bhavani 


 

On 6 November 2006, while in custody and under trial, Madhu, aged 40 from Ammapet, 

died after being transferred from Bhavani Central Prison to Bhavani Government Hospital. 

Police allege that he was suffering from chest pains, but Madhu’s relatives allege he died 

as a result of torture from police and jail authorities. 




2007

II. Encounter Death 

Ravindran, Preungadu 


 

 

 

 

An encounter between the police and a group of naxalites took place in a village near 

Marandahalli PS of Dharampuri District on 10 January 2000. 

Ravindran allegedly was wanted in connection with the burning down of two State Road 

Transport buses on 6 December 1999 in Dharampuri during a protest against the encounter 

killing of three leaders of Peoples War Group in AP. 

On receiving information about Ravindran, the police and members of the special task force 

went to Preungadu village and surrounded the farm hut where the naxalites were suspected 

to be staying. 

Allegedly, Ravindran fired at them with a shotgun. The police, equipped with AK 47s and selfloading 

rifles, returned fire. Ravindran was killed and two persons escaped. 


 

http://www.pucl.org/reports/TamilNadu/tn-encounter.htm 

Veeramani, Ayodhyakuppam 

28 July 2003 

 

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (Tamil Nadu & Pondicherry) criticised the recent 

shooting of K. Veeramani at Ayodhyakuppam. 


 

http://www.pucl.org/Topics/Police/2003/veeramani.htm 


11 

Karnan, Nainakaundanur 

25 February 2004 

 

On 9 August 2005, the Madras High Court asked the Central Bureau of Investigation to probe 

the 25 February 2004 alleged encounter death of Karnan, a resident of Nainakaundanur 

village in Salem district, who was shot dead by a PI in alleged “self-defence.” In the petition 

filed by the deceased’s wife, her husband was subjected to brutal torture to obtain a confession 

while he was in police custody. 


2007


12 

Veerapan and 3 others 


 

 

 

Special Task Force (STF) officers killed Mr. Veerapan and his three associates in an 

encounter on the night of 18 October 2004. 

Although STF claimed that all of the men were killed during this encounter, evidence 

reveals irregularities which suggest an extra-judicial killing. 

No serious investigation into the nature of the killings has been taken; even during the postmortem, 

doctors were forced to conduct the examinations in the presence of the police and 

STF officers who were involved in the encounter. 


 

 

AHRC, November 16, 2004, Tuesday, UA-154-2004, or at 

http://www.nuke.humanrightskerala.com/index.php?name=News&file= 

article&sid=4252 

Unidentified husband 


 

Shivagami, aged 25, told a panel in a public hearing organised by the National Federation 

of Indian Women (NFIW) that the Karnataka police arrested her husband and he never 

returned. A year later, police showed Shivagami a photo of her husband and told her he was 

killed in an alleged encounter by the Joint Special Task Force (JSTF) and Veerappan’s 

gang. 


 

 

“Victims of STF atrocities urge NHRC intervention,” The Hindu, 15 October 2005, or at 



2007

III. Police Rape 

K. Sivaranjini, Tiruvarur 


 

 

 

The Melur police arrested S. Manikandan, a Tamil Nadu Special Police (Sixth Battalion) PC, 

on “cheating” and “rape” charges. 

In her complaint, K. Sivaranjini, aged 17 from the Tiruvarur District, alleged that S. Manikandan 

“befriended” her, “sexually exploited” her, and promised marriage. 

She resorted to a fast-unto-death in front of the TSP Battalion on Monday demanding action 

against the PC. However, senior police officials intervened and persuaded her to give up the 

fast. The accused was produced in a Melur court, and was remanded to judicial custody. 


 

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/2004/10/07/stories/2004100707290400.htm 


13 

III. Police Torture 

Twelve Women 

February 2000 

 

In February 2000, twelve women were illegally detained and tortured and repeatedly sexually 

assaulted in custody in Tamil Nadu because of their alleged ties to a suspected robber who 

had himself died in police custody. 


 

http://www.hrw.org/wr2k1/asia/india.html 

Eighteen Kurava community members, Elaichur 

January 2002 

 

Eight members of the joint family of Govindasami, belonging to the Kurava community, seven 

of his close relatives and three neighbours, were victims of police brutality. Individual victims 

were under police custody for periods ranging from two days to six weeks. Many of them 

suffered torture and humiliation while in custody. Two women were subjected to sexual 

assault. 

Police from Vaniyambadi in Vellore District raided Govindasami’s house at 1.00am on 4 

January 2002 to arrest Anandan, age 23, in connection an alleged theft. When Anandan was 


2007


2007 


14 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

not found, the police arrested Govindasami and Satya, Anandan’s wife. They were beaten. 

Satya was stripped in the presence of her father-in-law, her hands were tied and her mouth 

gagged. She was beaten with sticks and lathis. A police official said he would not rest until 

the “criminal” Kuravas were wiped out. 

A day later Govindasami and Satya were produced before a magistrate and cases were 

filed. Satya was warned against making any complaint to the magistrate. She was taken to 

the Vellore Jail after being booked for a petty theft. Govindasami was detained for a few days. 

Prakash, Govindasami’s third son, and Manimekalai, his wife, were picked up a few days 

later and taken to Vaniyambadi PS, where Prakash was beaten up. Manimekalai, aged 14, 

was subjected to sexual assault by an “inspector.” 

Three of Govindasami’s Vanniyas neighbours were brought to the Vaniyambadi station and 

subjected to violence. Mangamma, a poor widow, said she was sexually assaulted by an 

HC. She was released after six weeks. Vijaya, who accompanied Satya when she went to 

the station for daily reporting as per the bail conditions, was humiliated. 

Govindasami’s first son, Ravi, who was away at his wife’s place in a nearby village when his 

father and Satya were taken into custody, was detained and beaten up in March 2002 after 

he gave notice of the police assaults to P. Dillibabu, Secretary of the Dharmapuri District unit 

of the Communist Party of India (Marxist). 

Anandan is yet to be traced. Govindasami said that he was involved in a case some 18 years 

ago, but was acquitted. None in his extended family had ever before been taken into custody. 

The police denied the charges of custodial violence. 

The government ordered an inquiry by the Revenue Divisional Officer. When the issue was 

raised in the State Assembly, Chief Minister Jayalalithaa ordered an inquiry by the Crime 

Branch-Criminal Investigation Department. On receipt of its report, in less than a week, the 

Chief Minister announced the suspension of two police personnel and ordered the withdrawal 

of cases against the victims. 


http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1912/19120450.htm 

Selvaraj and Kathir, Thanjavur 

27 July 2002 

 

Dhanapal Kaliyan, a 42-year-old resident of Orathanadu Taluk, Thanjavur District, Tamil 

Nadu, was arrested on 27 July 2002, by four police officers from Thanjavur PS. Dhanapal 

was beaten severely with lathis.

He was taken to a doctor on 30 July 200 after being told not to report any ill-treatment, and 

returned to police lock-up. His brother Selvaraj and his nephew Kathir were also arrested 

and beaten on 29 July 2002. On 2 August 2002, Dhanapal Kaliyan and Kathir were reportedly 

brought before a court and subsequently to Thanjavur Sub-Jail. Kaliyan was transferred to 

Trichy Central Prison. Dhanapal died on 7 August 2002 as a result of the treatment received 

while in custody 


 

Human Rights Watch document 

Sankan, Kaundampatti 

October 2002 

 

 

On 5 September 2002 at Kaundampatti in Dindigul District, police forced Sankan, a Dalit 

agricultural worker, to drink urine in retaliation for lodging a complaint of trespass against a 

caste Hindu. Sankan’s complaint followed a dispute over a piece of land. 

Sankan had suffered many atrocities during his five-year-long struggle against his caste- 

Hindu landlord to get possession of the land. In his complaint, Sankan stated that the landlord 

had collected nearly Rs.1 lakh over a period of 15 years through deductions from his wages, 

as the price of the land. 


 

 

“Preying on Dalits,” The Hindu, vol. 19, issue 21, 12-25 October 2002, or at 

http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl1921/stories/20021025005103900.htm 


15 

Karuppasami and Chinnakaruppasami, Thottipalayam 


 

 

Nadukaruppasami, a 40-year-old resident of Thottipalayam village, Coimbatore District, and 

member of the Hindu Vanniyar community, was arrested by five policemen of 

Periyanayakkanpalayam on 4 December 2002. He was put into a jeep and beaten on his 

knees and back. Nadukaruppasami was then taken to a police station where police beat him 

and put chillies in his eyes. 

Hours later, his nephew Karuppasami was also arrested by the police. The police slapped 

Karuppasami. Nadukaruppasami’s brother Chinnakaruppasami went to the station to secure 

his nephew’s realease. Three police officers and the Periyanayakanpalayam Circle Inspector 

beat Chinnakaruppasami with lathis. The two brothers were handcuffed and taken to 

Sathyamangalam PS, where they were made to remove their clothes and kept handcuffed. 

Chinnakaruppasami was severely beaten when he refused to eat. 


2007

On 5 December 2002, they were interrogated about a burglary. During the interrogation 

sessions, they were again beaten. Nadukaruppasami was reportedly hung from the ceiling. 

Nadukaruppasami died as a result of the treatment. 


 

Human Rights Watch report 


16 

Murugesan and Ramasami, Thinniyam 

22 May 2003 

 

 

Two Dalits, Murugesan and Ramasami, were forced “to feed each other” human excreta at 

Thinniyam Village in Tiruchi district on 22 May 2003. The “crime”’ they committed was that 

they stood by another Dalit, Karuppiah, who was engaged in a prolonged struggle against a 

former Panchayat President and her husband to recover an amount of money given them 

as a bribe to get a house allotted for his sister. 

The principal accused in the Thinniyam incident, the Panchayat President’s husband, is a 

retired teacher. 


ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION - URGENT APPEALS PROGRAM - UA-60-2003 - 



2007 

Thirumavalavan, Boothalur 

16 May 2003 

 

 

 

The State Human Rights Commission directed the State Government to pay a compensation 

of Rs.1.50 lakhs to the family of a Tamil Pandit, who committed suicide following police 

torture, and recommended the Government take suitable action against three policemen, 

including an inspector, who committed the violations. S. Sambandham ordered that the 

Government initially pay the amount to the family and recover it from the salary of the erring 

police personnel. 

Sahaya Daisy said the Boothalur PI Ramaian, SI Nagavalli, and HC Balraj tortured her 

husband Thirumavalavan, a Tamil teacher in the Government Higher Secondary School at 

Karukkampatti in Orathanad taluk. 

In February 2003, Thirumavalavan went to Velankanni and committed suicide. In a note, he 

mentioned those who forced him to take the extreme step. 


 

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2003/05/16/stories/2003051603120500.htm

15 Individuals (mostly Dalits), Vittukkatti 

10 May 2004 

 

On 23 May 2004, the State Human Rights Commission received complaints from a group of 

mostly Dalits who complained that they were tortured at Thiruthuraippoondi PS and Thirukkalar 

PS between 10 and 16 May 2004. 


 

http://www.hinduonnet.com/fline/fl2016/stories/20030815002504800.htm 

M. Kannan, Chennai 

11 June 2004 

 

M. Kannan, a 22-year-old labourer, was admitted to the Stanley Medical College Hospital for 

injuries inflicted by Red Hills policemen. 

Policemen picked-up M. Kannan under suspicion of kidnapping his relative’s daughter. M. 

Kannan was assaulted and humiliated by the policemen. Later, the girl who was reported 

missing turned up and confessed that M. Kannan had nothing to do with the disappearance. 

But police still beat M. Kannan. M. Kannan was kicked and beaten on his legs, arms, chest, 

and back. 


 



17 

V. Mariappan, Tuticorin 

13 June 2005 

 

 

V. Mariappan, a 29 year-old Dalit from Mayilodai, was admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College 

Hospital for shoulder and leg injuries inflicted by Kurumbur policemen. 

V. Mariappan was in his farm when SI Radhakrishnan arrested him in association with 

allegations that Mariappan stole some valuables from the house where he worked. 

At the police station, police officer Ganapathi verbally abused V. Mariappan. When V. 

Mariappan asked Ganapathi to stop, everyone in the station started beating V. Mariappan. 

One officer attacked V. Mariappan with a bayonet, inflicting a bleeding injury on the right leg. 

They also threatened V. Mariappan at gunpoint to confess. V. Mariappan refused. 


 



2007


18 

Pethammal, Sethur 


 

 

 

 

 

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) received an urgent appeal regarding 

Pethammal, a 42 year-old Dalit woman who was beaten and severely tortured by SI Kannan 

and PI Vijayakumar at the Sethur PS in Tamil Nadu on 3 January 2005. 

When police failed to locate her husband, the police tortured Pethammal. Pethammal’s 

husband, Pazhani, volunteered himself to the police in exchange for his wife’s release. 

The police released Pazhani after detaining him for four days. They were unable to prove 

the complaint against him. 

After their release, Pethammal and Pazhani filed charges against the SI, the PI, and several 

policemen from Sethur PS before the State Human Rights Commission, and requested 

several relevant authorities to intervene and take appropriate action. However, six months 

after the complaint was filed the authorities have failed to act. 

Since the complaint was filed, the SI and the PI have threatened and intimidated the couple 

in an attempt to force them to withdraw their complaint. 


 

AHRC, UA-121-2005, or at 

http://www.nuke.humanrightskerala.com/index.php?name=News&file= 

article&sid=6135 


2007 

Bharati Ganesan, Chettipalayam 


 

 

On 29 January 2006, SI Ranjith of Chettipalayam beat Bharati Ganesan in custody. 

District Collector S. Kosalaraman ordered a magisterial enquiry, to be conducted by Sub- 

Divisional Magistrate and RDO (Coimbatore) G.S. Ramadoss under s. 150(i) of the Police 

Standing Order (PSO), at the RDO Office on 19 May 2006 at 11.00am. 


 

http://www.hindu.com/2006/05/11/stories/2006051110330400.htm

IV. Police Violence 

Shri Karunanidhi and 150 journalists 

29 June 2001 

 

 

 

Two days before the incident, 150 journalists were arrested and roughly handled while they 

were going to meet the Chief Minister in order to give him a memorandum demanding 

release of one of their colleagues. 

The facts of this incident are partly contested, but it is certain that Shri Karunanidhi was very 

roughly handled while being taken to a police vehicle after being arrested without a warrant. 

The Principal Sessions Judge, S. Ashok Kumar, stated that the police did not observe the 

Court’s instructions regarding Shri Karunanidhi’s medical examination. 


 

http://www.pucl.org/reports/TamilNadu/2001/chennai.htm 


19 

Guna Seelan and others, Bangalore 

2002 

 

 

 

 

Guna Seelan (alias Bangalore Guna), age 65, and Prof. Nedunchezhian of Tanjore Tamil 

University, age 55, are prominent writers whose works attracted many Tamil intellectuals and 

youths. Guna Seelan, in particular, decried racism against Tamils. 

Guna Seelan, Nedunchezhian, and eleven others were arrested by officers of the Frazer 

Town PS in Bangalore. The officers charged them with: inciting Tamil populations in other 

Indian states to fight covertly with non-Tamils in order to create a separate Tamil nation; 

adhering to the principles and ideology of the LTTE; acquiring and manufacturing improvised 

explosive devices; and conspiring to spread hatred and linguistic disharmony between 

Tamilians and Kannadigas in order to destabilise the government and to disturb the public 

peace. The charges were filed under: ss. 120B, 121, 121A, 122, 124A, 153A, and 153B IPC; 

ss. 3, 4, 5, and 6 of the Explosives Substances Act, 1908, s. 5 r/w 9(B) of the Explosive Act, 

1884; and ss. 3, 7, and 25 of the Arms Act, 1959. 

The group was detained in the Bangalore Central Prison for more than three years. 

On 8 July 2005, the Manitham human rights organisation, represented by its Executive Director 

Subramanian, filed a petition with the NHRC. 


 

http://www.tamilinfoservice.com/manitham/pr/2005/2.htm 


2007


20 

Dalit villagers, Sankaralingapuram and Challichettipatti 

12 April 2002 

 

 

 

 

 

In October 2001, Panchayat elections were held, and the results were contested. 

On 16 November 2001, a PC died while addressing an ensuing road blockade by Dalit 

villagers. 

The police responded to the PC’s death by arresting and beating at least 180 persons, 

including women, children, and infants. Almost one-fifth of the villages’ Dalit population 

was arrested. 

A six-member panel headed Justice H. Suresh, formerly of the Bombay High Court, indicted 

the police officers for their actions. 

Similar incidents have been reported elsewhere and at other times, including a police 

action in the all-Dalit village of Kodiyankulam on 31 August 1995. 


 

 

The Hindu, vol. 19, issue 07, 30 March – 12 April 2002, or at 


Kurava family, Dharmapuri District 

June 2002 

 

 

All members of the victims’ community (the Kurava tribe) were labelled as “born criminals” 

under the British Criminal Tribes Act, 1871; though this Act was repealed forty years earlier, 

its stigma remains. 

The police arrested and harassed the victims. 


 

 

The Hindu, vol. 19, issue 12, 8-12 June 2002, or at 



2007 

Six movie fans, Madurai 

21 June 2004 

 

Members of a crowd, mostly youths and fans of actor Vijay, were watching a movie shoot 

near the west tower of the Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple. They perched on the sides 

of the tower and the roofs of shops and standing on the pavements. They waved at their 

hero.

The police did not divert the traffic on West Chithirai Street, leading to traffic jams lasting 

nearly one hour. 

At around 11.45am, the movie shoot ended. The police immediately began to wield their 

lathis against the crowd. The crowd ran helter-skelter. Some fell down, and many were hurt. 


 


K. Chandrasekhar, Kulithalai 

23 April 2005 

 

 

 

A CB-CID team probed the case of Meenakshi, a teacher from Kulithalai. 

Five days before its report was due, the CB-CID interrogated Chandrasekhar of Anna Nagar, 

Kulithalai. The interrogators beat Chandrasekhar and threatened to implicate him as an 

accused in the case if he did not comply with their instructions. Chandrasekhar thus gave 

his interrogators a statement implicating Meenakshi’s brother-in-law L. Pasupathy. 

At 12.00am, the CB-CID released Chandrasekhar. The Kulithalai Government Hospital 

denied him admission after the CB-CID intervened. Chamdrasekhar was then admitted to 

the Musiri Government Hospital with severe injuries. 


 

http://www.nuke.humanrightskerala.com/index.php?name= News&file=article&sid=5523 


21 

Slum colony members, Kallukuttai 

30 May 2005 

 

 

On 30 May 2005, members of Kallukuttai colony, an unauthorised slum on 250 acres in 

Perungudi, were travelling to Fort St. George in lorries. At Adyar, the police stopped them. In 

the confrontation that followed, colony members threw stones and the police performed a 

lathi charge. 

A fact-finding team of civil rights activists, under the aegis of the Chennai Slum Dwellers 

Rights’ Movement, recommended the immediate improvement of civic amenities (including 

water supply, electricity, roads, drainage facilities, garbage collection, schools, and noon 

meal centres) in Kallukuttai. They have also demanded action against police officers who 

ordered the aforementioned lathi charge. 


 

http://www.hinduonnet.com/2005/06/13/stories/2005061310870300.htm 


2007


22 

V. Perumal and five others, Chennai 

12 August 2001 

 

 

 

V. Police Firing 

There was an ongoing confrontation between the governing All India Dravida Munnetra 

Kazhagam (AIADMK) and opposition Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) Parties in Tamil 

Nadu. 

On 12 August 2001, the DMK Party staged a rally in Chennai. The police opened fire, and 

five men were killed. DMK legislator Perumal, elected from Saidapet in the preceding May, 

was injured. 

On 13 August 2001, Perumal died. 


 

 

The Hindu, vol. 18, issue 17, 18-31 August 2001, or at 


Rangan, Karcheri village, Kinathukadavu 

14 May 2001 

 

 

On 14 May 2001 at 8.30pm, at Karacheri village, some Gownder people told Rangan, an 

Arunthathiyar, to get down from the bus he was riding towards Chettipalayam. They beat 

Rangan brutally before taking him the house of Village Gownder. There, while Rangan was 

bleeding and semi-conscious, the Gownder people forced him to sign a blank paper before 

releasing him. 

Rangan filed a complaint with the police, but they refused to register it. 


 

VI.Police Inaction 

http://www.pucl.org/reports/TamilNadu/2001/karacheri.htm 


2007 

Dalit persons, Kalappatti 

16 May 2004 and subsequently 

 

 

On 16 May 2004, violent incidents in Kalappatti village left about seventy-five houses in 

ashes. The affected Arundhathiyas ran away fearing for their lives; the eight in the worst 

condition underwent treatment in the emergency ward of the Government Hospital. 

The police, who arrived after the violence, banned entry of any new persons to Kalappatti. 

They denied permission to human rights organizations, social organizations, political parties,

and other such groups. They did not provide newspapers such as Nakkeeran and Kumutham 

with complete information about the incidents. 


 

http://www.pucl.org/Topics/Dalit-tribal/2004/kalappatti.htm 

M. Valliyammal, Ravanasamudhram 


 

 

 

 

 

Valliyammal, age 39, worked as a sweeper in the Ravanasamudhram Panchayat, Tirunelveli 

District. She was the only female worker in the office. 

In February 2004, an upper-caste clerk tried to rape Valiyammal. On seeing her husband, 

who also worked at the office, the clerk ran away. 

Valliyammal went to the Kadayam Union Office with her torn-up blouse and bruises on her 

body. There, she told officials, including the Block Development Officer and the Kadayam 

Union Chairman, what had happened. No action was taken. 

When Valliyammal approached the police, she was taken for a medical examination after 

being kept in the Ambasamudhram All Women PS for three days. 

Valliyammal and her husband both lost their jobs after seeking redress with the police. 


23 


 


Pappathi, Vengamedu 

31 March 2005 

 

 

 

On 31 March 2005, Pappathi, a Dalit woman residing in Vengamedu village, Perunthrai 

Taluk, Erode District, Tamil Nadu, used a path that she was forbidden to use. An upper-caste 

man, Ramasamay Goundar, assaulted Pappathi in front of other passers-by. He pulled off 

her saree, tore off her blouse, and beat her twenty to thirty times on her left breast, right 

shoulder, and right arm. Ramasamy Goundar also insulted Pappathi with caste-related 

terms. 

Pappathi was humiliated and experienced considerable pain. 

People’s Watch Tamil Nadu learned of the incident and informed the Asian Human Rights 

Commission (AHRC). 


AHRC, 28 July 2005, UA-128-2005, or at 

 

http://www.nuke.humanrightskerala.com/index.php?name=News&file=article 

&sid=6256 


2007

VI. Illegal Detention 


24 

Loganayaki, Muthamil Selvi, and others, Ogalur Village 

26 September 2000 

 

Loganayaki, Muthamil Selvi, thirty-four women and elderly persons, and several children 

were arrested in Ogalur village. The police did not follow the D.K. Basu guidelines. 

The NHRC registered a case (No. 772/22/98-99). 

 

On 26 September 2000, the Commission recommended that the State of Tamil Nadu pay 

Loganayaki Rs. 1 lakh, Muthamil Selvi Rs. 50,000, each of the women and elderly persons 

Rs. 10,000, and the family of each child arrestee Rs. 5,000. The Commission also called 

for appropriate departmental action to identify the errant police officials, to punish them for 

not following the D.K. Basu guidelines and to further ensure that the guidelines were circulated 

to all police stations. 


 

 

NHRC Case No.772/22/98-99, or at 

http://nhrc.nic.in/Publications/documents/AR01-02e.pdf 


2007 

M. Karunanidhi, Murasoli Maran, T.R. Balu, and others, Chennai 

30 June 2001 

 

On 30 June 2001, the Tamil Nadu Police arrested M. Karunanidhi, Murasoli Maran, and 

T.R. Balu, along with several others, without following the guidelines laid down by the 

Supreme Court of India in D.K. Basu vs. State of West Bengal, 1997 (1) SCC 416. 

People’s Watch Tamil Nadu (PWTN) brought a complaint to the NHRC (Case No. 280/22/ 

2001-2002, linked to Case No.275/22/2001-2002). PWTN asked the Commission to enquire 

into the violations of the arrested persons’ human rights and to take further consequential 

action. 


 

 

NHRC Case Nos. 280/22/2001-2002 and 280/22/2001-2002, or at 

http://nhrc.nic.in/Publications/documents/AR01-02e.pdf 

Kuppan, Murugan, and two others 

November 2002 

 

One Bommi petitioned for a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the encounter

killing of three persons in November 2002. 

Kuppan and Murugan, along with two others, were illegally detained in order to pressure 

Bommi to withdraw her petition, even though Public Prosecutor K. Duraisamy had stated that 

their further custody was not required for any other case. 

A Division Bench of the Madras High Court, comprising Justices P.D. Dinakaran and S.K. 

Krishnan, ordered the immediate release of Kuppan, Murugan, and the others. 


 

http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/AR06/tamil.htm 

428 persons, Perumanallur and elsewhere 


 

 

On 21 January 2004 at night, the Tamil Nadu Police conducted combing operations in the 

areas of Perumanallur, Anupparpalayam, and Mangalam, as well as some pockets in the 

jurisdiction of Tirupur North, South, and Rural police stations (Tirupur, Coimbatore District). 

The police took 428 persons into custody arbitrarily, detained them for the night, and released 

them the next day after taking their fingerprints. The police provided no reason for the arrests. 


 

http://www.achrweb.org/reports/india/AR05/tamilnadu.htm 


25 

Henri Tiphagne and fifteen others, Cuddalore 


 

 

 

On 11 October 2004, Henri Tiphagne, NHRC Advisory Committee Member and Director of 

People’s Watch, was scheduled to address a meeting in the Town Hall of the Campaign 

Against Torture. 

A police team led by DSPs K. Ferozekhan Abdullah and P. Kumaresan, came to arrest 

Thipagne. Thipagne asked the police to produce a custody memo, but they dragged him 

and fifteen others into a van and took them to the New Town PS. Other than Thipagne, the 

arrestees included Nizamudeen (of the Federation of Consumer Organisations, Tamil Nadu 

and Pondicherry), Raja Thandavarayan (a Pattali Makkal Katchi State Executive Committee 

Member), Vijayanthimala (a PMK functionary), and Balki (a State office-bearer of the Campaign 

Against Torture) 

At the station, Thipagne and the others were charged under various sections of the IPC, r/w 

s. 7(1A) of the Criminal Law Amendment Act, for attempting forcibly to enter the hall, for picking 

a quarrel with the police, for obstructing police work, and for defying s. 30 of the Police Act in 

force. 


2007


26 

 

All of the arrestees were later released. 


 


Kathiravan, Karaikudi 


 

 

Kathiaravan was kept in custody for several days illegally. 

General Secretary H. Raja demanded severe action against the investigating officers and 

said the police could not keep a person in police custody for more than 24 hours. 


 


Police Intimidation 

(Although the following cases are not examples of toture, the cases demonstrate police attempts to silence 

human rights organizations and the press.) 

Staff of People’s Watch Tamil Nadu, Madurai 


 

 

The staff of People’s Watch Tamil Nadu (PWTN) had been active in public hearings 

conducted by the National Commission for Women and the State Commission for Women 

in Virudhunagar, Madurai on 27-28 October 2003. They had assisted in deposing numerous 

victims of police excesses. 

On 5 November 2003 in the early morning, the police raided the offices of PWTN, allegedly 

searching for the accused in a criminal case registered at M. Pudupatti PS, Sivakasi Taluk. 


2007 

Malini Parthasarathy and others, Chennai 


 

 

The Tamil Nadu Assembly sentenced the Executive Editor of The Hindu, Malini 

Parthasarathy, as well as its Publisher and Editor and two senior journalists, to fifteen days’ 

imprisonment for breach of privilege. The Assembly also sentenced S. Selvam, Editor of 

Murasoli, the DMK Party newspaper, on the same count. 

About thirty minutes after the Assembly passed its order, police jeeps carrying about two 

dozen policemen, some of them in riot gear, arrived at the head office of The Hindu in 

Chennai.

The officers spread out in front of the building. Some of them went up to the first floor, 

intimidated the staff, and asked them to unlock the room of the Editor, N. Ravi. 

A short while later, the Editor-in-Chief, N. Ram, asked to meet the officer-in-charge. As none 

of the police officers responded, Ram approached the Deputy Commissioner of Police, R. 

Chinnaraj, introduced himself, and enquired about the purpose of the police visit. The 

Deputy Commissioner asked Ram whether Ravi and Parthasarathy were present. Ram 

replied that they were not, and then asked the Deputy Commissioner on what authority the 

police had entered the premises and whether they had any papers. 

The police left immediately. 

Meanwhile, television crews had started to arrive. Ram made a statement condemning the 

police action as an assault on the freedom of the press. 


http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2003110810430100.htm 

&date=2003/11/08/&prd=th& 


27 


2007

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/TAN 07/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : S. Kamaraj 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Almasali, DSP; 

2) Padmanathan, PI, South PS; 

3) Venkatesan, PI, West PS 

Location : Trichy Central Jail 

Date of incident : 18/01/2007 

Victim Kamaraj was a resident of Tanjore. 

The Marikulam Tank is an old one that caters to the needs of the public with regard to drinking water by 

collecting rainwater. Because of silt pile-up, the Tank became blocked. If the Tank were de-silted, it would 

greatly benefit the people of the area. Agriculture in Tanjore is wholly dependent on water sources of this kind 

and hence de-silting would significantly benefit the agricultural community. 

However, the government was trying to convert the Marikulam Tank into an underground sewage tank without 

any prior announcement to or consultation with the people involved. To stop the progress of this project, the local 

people determined to ‘fast till death’. Their protest started at around 10.00am on 17 January 2007. 

Within 30 minutes, a police team led by DSP Almasali, along with PI Padmanathan and Venkatesan and 

several HCs and PCs, arrived in ten to fifteen police vehicles. They parked their vehicles in front of the 

Subramanyar Temple in the Flower Bazaar Street; the vehicles blocked access to the whole flower bazaar 

and hindered the public. 

DSP Almasali arrested the protestors and detained them at the South PS. At about 6.00pm, the police took the 

detainees to court and present them before the Magistrate, who remanded them to the Trichy Central Jail. 

From the morning of 17 January 2007 through the morning of 18 January 2007, the prisoners did not even 

have any water. 

On the morning of 18 January 2007, the jailor Jayaraman said that the prisoners could not fast in the jail, so they 

took some breakfast. While resting at around 4.30pm, Kamaraj threw up phlegm and fainted. Jail staff 

immediately took Kamaraj to the clinic within the jail grounds. Since there was no doctor available, the clinic 

staff informed the authorities that Kamaraj had to be taken outside in order to be treated. The authorities then 

arranged to fetch a doctor who then attended to Kamaraj. The doctor then said that Kamaraj’s condition was 

critical due to a heart attack and that he would die on the way to the hospital. 

On 19 January 2007, Kamaraj’s fellow prisoners asked the warden about Kamaraj’s condition, to which the 

warden did not give an accurate reply. 

Around 300 policemen were deployed in the Flower Bazaar area when the news of Kamaraj’s demise was 

announced. Only then did the victim’s colleagues come to know of the death and that the Kamaraj had expired 

on the way to the hospital. 

Kamaraj is survived by two sons, Rajarajan and Ponnarasu. Kamaraj’s wife died the previous year after a 

prolonged illness. 


28 


2007

FF Code : TN/TAN 37/Nov/ 07 

Victim(s) : Akilandeswari 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sethumanimathavan, PI; 

2) Somasundaram, SI; 3) Ganesan, HC 

Location : Temple Tower Hotel, Thanjavur 


Case Details: 


2007 


29 

Victim Akilandeswari resided at Vadavalli, Coimbatore. She lived with her parents and worked as an 

engineer. 

On 27 October 2007, after being cheated out of some money, one Raviraj filed a complaint in which 

Akilandeswari was named. 

On 29 October 2007 a team of police headed by PI Sethumanimathavan, SI Somasundaram, and HC 

Ganesan went to Coimbatore and took Akilandeswari, her father Veerayi Vallatharasu, and her mother 

Lakshmi into their custody for enquiry. For some days, Akilandeswari and Lakshmi were kept at Guru Lodge 

in Trichy, while her father was kept in a rented house at Thanjavur. 

On 2 November 2007, Akilandeswari and her family were shifted to the Temple Tower Hotel at Thanjavur. 

Akilandeswari stayed there until 13 November 2007, and again from 16 to 19 November 2007; it is unclear 

whether she was detained by the police or (as the police allege) she stayed there of her own accord. The 

Hotel staff have stated that Akilandeswari and her family had previously stayed at the Hotel, but that this was 

the first time that Akilandeswari had stayed there alone. 

On 19 November 2007, PI Sethumanimathavan visited Akilandeswari. 

Later that day, Akilandeswari was found hanging in her room. The hotel staff informed the police. 

At 10.00pm, Veeray Vallatherasu filed a complaint with the police, and the police registered an FIR. The case 

was registered (Crime No. 368/2007) under s. 174 Cr. P.C., with the case of death listed as unknown. 

On 20 November 2007, when the press reported Akilandeswari’s death, the District Collector of Thanjavur 

ordered an enquiry by the RDO, who did as requested. The District Collector met with Akilandeswari’s 

parents. 

The RDO claims that an intimation of Akilandeswari’s death was sent to the NHRC within twenty-four hours, 

and affirmed that an autopsy conducted by Drs. Sukumaran and Arivukarasi was videographed. 

On 6 and 7 December 2007, the District Administration announced that there would be an enquiry into the 

cause of the death of Akilandeswari.

The SP reported to the DIG that PI Sethumanimathavan had kept Akilandeswari in illegal detention in a private 

lodge, so the DIG ordered the PI’s suspension. Further, the DIG ordered an enquiry by DSP Mutharasi. 

The DSP found that the PI had abetted Akilandeswari’s suicide. The FIR on Akilandeswari’s death was thus 

altered to invoke s. 306 IPC. 

Akilandeswari’s parents have stated that they were pressured to inform the RDO that Akilandeswari had 

committed suicide. 

According to press reports, when the DSP attempted to serve the PI with his suspension notice at the SP’s 

office, the PI fled in a police vehicle to a hideout; when the police attempted to arrest him, the PI threatened them 

with his service revolver. Alternatively, another officer has stated that the PI threatened to commit suicide if 

arrested. 

The PI was eventually arrested, brought to the SP’s office, and served with a suspension order. Instead of 

submitting himself to the formal custody of the police, the PI was admitted at the Government Hospital, complaining 

of chest pain. 

On 21 December 2007 in the evening, Judicial Magistrate No. 1 Uma Maheswari of Thanjavur went to the 

Hospital to remand the PI into judicial custody. 


30 

FF Code : TN/CHE 117/DEC/ 07 

Victim(s) : Syed Ali 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Adhimulam, PI 2) Subash 

Thiruvengadam, HC 

Location : Vadapalani R8 PS, Chennai. 


Case Details: 

Victim Syed Ali (50), residing at Vadapalani, Chennai, ran a tea shop at Vadapalani. On 12 th December 2007 

at 10.00 am, Vadapalani PI Adhimulam had tea at Syed Ali’s tea shop and bought a packet Cigarette. When 

Syed Ali asked for money, PI Adhimulam, arrested Syed Ali took him to the PS. PI Adhimulam beat Syed Ali 

until he fell unconscious. Syed Ali was taken to the hospital where he died. 

Members of CPM (I), DPI, and TMMK, the Malayali’s Association and the owners of the tea shop protested. 

RDO Subramanian promised to punish the responsible people. An enquiry was launched and PI Adhimulam 

and HC Subash Thiruvengadam were suspended. 


2007

FF Code : TN/CHE 77/SEP/ 07 

Victim(s) : Saravanan 

Perpetrator(s) : PI Sivamani and the police PCs of 

Chembiam PS 

Location : Chembiam PS 


Case Details: 


2007 


31 

Victim Saravanan (19 years-old) and his friends were involved in an altercation at TASMAC, a government 

liquor shop on 10 th June 2007. After their arrest, they were taken to the Chembiam PS and beaten. SI 

Anandan used his boot to kick Saravanan in the stomach, causing damage to the young man’s internal 

organs. Saravanan was then taken to KMC Hospital by a PC and then dropped off at his home. 

Saravanan’s condition worsened, and at 5.30am the morning of 11 th June 2007 he was taken to another 

hospital near his home and administered first aid. Later, he was taken to Stanley Hospital to undergo surgery 

for a blood clot. Four days later, on 15 th June 2007, Saravanan died. 

Saravanan’s parents and other relatives engaged in a protest against the police by blocking traffic and lodging 

complaints against the PCs’ actions. They lodged complaints with higher officials, but no action was taken on 

their behalf. 

FF Code : TN/SAL 62/AUG/ 07 

Victim(s) 

: Murugesan 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed POs 

Location 

: Central Prison, Salem, Salem 

District 


Case Details: 

Victim Murugesan, age 38, belonged to the Hindu Adi-Dravidar-Parayar community (Scheduled Caste). He 

lived with his family and worked as a farmer. 

A land dispute between Dalit peoples and those of the dominant Gounder caste resulted in a false charge filed 

by the latter against the former. Murugesan was thus arrested by police officers, remanded before a court, 

and sent to the Central Prison in Salem. 

On 15 February 2007, Murugesan’s parents saw him when he was produced before the court for a hearing. 

They observed that he was healthy, and happy that he would soon be released on bail. 

On 22 February 2007 at around 4.30pm, Murugesan’s mother received a telegram stating that Murugesan 

was not feeling well. 

At about 5.45pm, two policemen informed Murugesan’s mother that Murugesan was in serious condition.

At about 7.00pm, Murugesan’s mother went with two relatives to the Government Hospital and searched for 

Murugesan. 

At 1.00am, not having found Murugesan, Murugesan’s mother and her relatives returned home. There, the 

son of the Panchayat ex-President told them that Murugesan had died. 

On 23 February 2007 at about 7.00am, Murugesan’s mother and relatives returned to the Government 

Hospital. When Hospital officials tried to block them from entering the mortuary, they forced their way inside and 

saw Murugesan’s body. The body had nail scratches on the neck, bleeding injuries on the abdomen and 

midsection, and a swollen penis. Murugesan’s mother cried aloud that her son had been tortured and killed 

by prison officials. A post-mortem was conducted. 

At about 5.30pm, an RDO arrived, conducted an enquiry, and promised to take immediate action. Murugesan’s 

mother lodged a complaint before the RDO demanding justice against those who had killed Murugesan. 

The police of Rasipuram PS registered an FIR (Crime No. 68/2007), dated 22/02/2007 under s. 174 Cr. P.C. 

instead of under s. 176 Cr. P.C. 

Complaints were sent to the NHRC, the SHRC, and the NCSC. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/CHE 4 /JUNE/ 07 


Perpetrator(s) : Anand, SI 

Location : Sebbiyam PS, Perembur 


Victim Saravanan lived with his family. On 10 June 2007, he went to Tasmac with his friends. There, he was 

involved in a quarrel with the Tasmac workers. The owner of Tasmac informed the police, who took Saravanan 

and his friends to the station. There, SI Anand kicked Saravanan hard in the stomach. The police then took 

Saravanan to the hospital (KMC) before leaving him in front of his house at 1.30am. 

Saravanan’s father heard him shouting in front of his house and brought him inside. Although Saravanan had 

received treatment, he could not bear the pain. His family took him to Vignesh Hospital and later to Stanley 

Hospital. Saravanan continued to shout that the SI had kicked him in the station. He underwent an operation. 

The SI came to the hospital, spoke to the doctors, and asked for Saravanan’s parents’ signature. Saravanan 

succumbed to his injuries despite the operation. 

Saravanan’s parents believe that something happened between the SI and the doctors. They are also 

suspicious because one of Saravanan’s friends who had earlier said that the SI had kicked Saravanan later 

retracted his statement and said that the police did nothing. 

The SI asserts that by the time the police reached Tasmac, the workers had thoroughly beaten Saravanan, 

who was then taken to the hospital for treatment. 


32 


2007

FF Code : TN/CHE 62/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : Ravi; Guna 

Perpetrator(s) : Team of POs headed by Jangid, 

Additional Director General of Police, 

Chennai 

Location : Chennai 


Case Details: 

Victim Ravi lived with his wife and children, and did coolie work with his parents. They were all of the Parayar 

(SC) caste. Ravi’s associate, victim Guna, lived with his wife and children, and ran a vegetable store. 

Ravi had a long criminal record dating from 1991; there were twenty-five pending criminal cases against him 

for a variety of charges. The police thus began to trouble him frequently. However, Ravi sought to reform his 

ways and informed the police that he had begun to lead a crime-free life. 

In 1998, Ravi served as secretary of the youth wing of the Revolutionary Bharath Party. In 2001, Ravi and 

a fellow former criminal, Seraw, declared to the Deputy Commissioner of Police, Shakil, that they had 

mended their ways. Ravi also sought election to the Legislative Assembly for Perambur constituency, but did 

not win. 

Despite these supposed improvements, many complaints were lodged against Ravi, stating that he was 

threatening cable television proprietors and extorting money from them. The police considered Ravi to have 

a bad reputation, and began to file criminal charges against him. The then-Commissioner of Police for 

Chennai, Ms. Lathikacharan, apparently threatened Ravi’s mother that Ravi would be shot if he entered 

Chennai. 

Notwithstanding these developments, Ravi began to work for the welfare of the people of the Viyasarbody 

area, spending his own money to solve social problems and protect them. These acts began to reduce the 

number of complaints filed against Ravi – which angered the police. 

To restore Ravi’s bad reputation, a story was run in many news dailies on 29 May 2007 about the kidnapping 

of an industrialist named Rajkumar, alleging that Ravi was responsible. Though this news was supposedly 

false, the police organised a special team under the leadership of Jangid, the Additional Deputy Commissioner 

for Chennai, to secure Ravi’s arrest. The team searched for Ravi in several states. 

On 1 August 2007, the team supposedly received secret information that Ravi, Guna, and others were 

planning to kidnap an ex-MLA, Vankatasamy, in order to extort money from him. According to the police 

team, it rushed to Jayandravanam Forest, the spot of the supposed kidnapping. On seeing the team, Ravi, 


60 


2007

Guna, and their associates attacked it. The police team returned fire to protect itself. Ravi and Guna were said 

to have been killed in this encounter at about 5.30pm. 

However, other sources and the victims’ families maintain that both Ravi and Guna were arrested by the police 

team on 31 July 2007 at about 2.00am. Further, the families point to an interview that Vankatasamy gave on 8 

August 2007 stating that he had received no police protection, which would not have been the case had there 

been any genuine threat against him. Vankatasamy believes that the police have unnecessarily involved his 

name in the deaths of Ravi and Guna, and has written a telegram to this effect to the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu. 

The bodies of both victims were autopsied at about 5.10am on 2 August 2007 at the Government Hospital, 

Hozur, Krishnagiri District, before the bodies were given to the victims’ families for cremation. 


61 

There are sufficient contradictions between the stories of the police and of the victims’ families to create 

suspicion about this alleged encounter death. Ravi’s mother has lodged a complaint before the PI of the 

Bagalur police station, requesting that a criminal case be registered as per the NHRC guidelines on encounter 

deaths; the RDO, Hozur, has conducted an extensive enquiry but the results have not (yet) been released. 

Complaints have also been sent to several other persons and organisations. 

2007

FF Code : TN/MDU 89/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Mr. Pitchai 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Meenakshi, SI 

2) Subbhiah, HPC 

Location : Villur PS 

Date of incident : 02/11/2007 & 20/11/2007 

Case Details: 

The victim Mr. Pitchai, aged 50, resides in Kallikudi, Thirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District, and belongs to 

Agamudiar caste. On 2 nd November 2007 at 12.00pm, Pitchai prevented Villur HPC Subbhiah and SI Meenakshi 

from unnecessarily torturing one Mr. Kaliappan. Because he questioned the police, the SI got annoyed and 

she slapped Pitchai’s cheek. When the SI came to beat Pitchai, he stopped her by grabbing her hands. The 

SI called Head PC Subbhiah to drag Pitchai inside. HPC Subbhiah held Pitchai’s shirt and dragged him inside 

the PS. HPC Subbhiah punched Pitchai in the mouth for back answering. Immediately SI Meenakshi hit 

Pitchai’s right hand and left knee with a baton. SI Meenakshi commanded Pitchai to sit down. The SI said she 

would detain Pitchai and charge him with a false case. As soon as Pitchai’s younger brother Pandi learned 

about this matter, he went to the PS with Villur Panchayat President Mr. Shakthivel. After talking to the SI, the 

police took Pitchai’s signature and released him. 

On 18 th November 2007 at 12.00am, when Pitchai was sleeping, ten policemen came to his house and woke 

him up. They asked Pitchai to put on his shirt and come for an enquiry. The police hit Pitchai with baton telling 

to walk fast. He was taken to T. Kallupatti PS in a Jeep. 

At the PS, the Police told Pitchai that they were going to file a false case against him for obstructing the SI. The 

police filed a case against Pitchai for Highway robbery. Pitchai was detained in Thirumangalam Sub Jail for 33 

days. He was released on bail, and now must regularly report to the Vellore PS. 


33 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/MDU 42/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Pazhanivel 


Location : Town PS, Bodi, Tamil Nadu; 

Kanthamparai PS, Idukki District, Kerala 


Victim Pazhanivel belongs to the Kal-Ottar community. 

On 23 April 2007, officers from the Bodi Town PS arrested Pazhanivel and Marimuthu on charges that they 

had attempted to steal from a jewelry shop. The police filed false cases against both men and remanded them 


2007

to the Bodi Court. Pazhanivel and Marimuthu spent four days at the Uthamapalayam Sub-Jail before being 

released on bail, on the condition that they sign in daily at the Town PS. 

On 15 May 2007, Pazhanivel received a telephone call allegedly from Comrade Ravimurugan of the CPI, 

requesting Pazhanivel to come to the tea-shop run by one Selvam. 

When Pazhanivel arrived at the tea-shop on his two-wheeler, he realised that the telephone call had actually 

been from the Kerala Police, of which twenty officers were waiting for him. The police took the key to 

Pazhanivel’s two-wheeler, made him get into their vehicle, and took him to the Kanthamparai PS, Idukki 

District, Kerala. 

At the time of the fact-finding, Pazhanivel remained in custody. He alleges that he has been illegally detained 

because he is a member of the Kal-Ottar community. 


34 

FF Code : TN/SAC 50/JULY/07 


Perpetrator(s) : Murugan, PC 

Location : Annathanapatti PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Saravanan, age 32, resides with his family at Thatagapatti, Salem. 

In 2002, a fellow villager named Madeshwaran asked Saravanan to borrow some money to help address 

a land dispute. Saravanan gave Madeshwaran Rs. 13,500 on two occasions and Rs. 12,000 on two other 

occasions, asking Madeshwaran’s signature each time. 

When Saravanan asked to have the money returned, Madeshwaran paid him only Rs. 15,000 and refused 

to pay any more. Madeshwaran then filed a case against Saravanan at the Annathanapatti PS, alleging that 

Saravanan had sexually harassed his wife. The police arrested Saravanan, and he was fined in court. 

Frustrated, Saravanan tore Madeshwaran’s statement to pieces in front of the police. 


2007 

On 14 January 2007, the police brought Saravanan to the station and forced him to sign a statement that he 

owed Madeshwaran four gold sovereigns. 

On 5 March 2007, Madeshwaran attacked Saravanan. Saravanan tried to file a complaint at the station, but 

PC Murugan refused to register the case. Instead, the PC charged Saravanan with torturing Madeshwaran’s 

wife and daughter. The police beat Saravanan with batons all over his body and accused him of filing false 

charges.

FF Code : TN/SVG 33/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Thockan 


Location : Kalayarkovil PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Thockan, age 45 and of the Hindu Pallar caste, resides at Koithamangalam, which is within the 

jurisdiction of the Kalayarkovil PS in Sivagangai District. 

On 31 March 2007 at 8.00pm., Thockan was a witness as men named Kannappan, Murugesh, and Rasa 

Kannu beat Sockoor Muniaswamy and his wife over an irrigation-water dispute. 

Sockoor Muniaswamy filed a case in the court. Murugesh and Kannappan went to his house and threatened 

to “wipe out” his entire family if he told the truth. 


35 

The next day, Sockoor Muniasamy and Thockan went to the station to file a case. The police collected their 

statements and asked them to return in two days. 

Also at the station was a man named Ravi. As Sockoor Muniasamy and Thockan were leaving the station 

and crossing the road, Ravi approached Thockan, grabbed his shirt, and tried to beat him. Some bystanders 

saved Thockan from Ravi’s attack. 

Ravi returned to the station and reported that Thockan had attempted to beat him. In turn, Thockan went to the 

station along with witnesses to Ravi’s attack – but the police would not listen to him. Instead, the police filed a 

case against Thockan and detained him all day. 

The next day, Thockan went to the station, where the police told him to go to the court and pay a penalty. 

FF Code : TN/SVG 22/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : Murugan 


Location : Ponnali village 


Case Details: 

Victim Murugan participated in an auction of Karuvela Trees and quoted a rate. Infuriated, some people from 

the dominant caste tied him to a tree and had thrashed him. The same people bribed the police to file a false 

case against Murugan. They also pilfered his goats and jewels while he was being treated at the hospital. 

Murugan filed a case under the Atrocities of SC/ST Act, but no immediate action was taken. 

Murugan has since repeatedly shifted residences and jobs, but members of the dominant caste have followed 

him and harassed him regularly. 


2007

FF Code : TN/TAN 38/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Nehru 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Melattur PI 2) two PCs 

Location : Melattur, Nayakkanpatti Village, 

Tanjore Taluk 



36 

Case Details: 

Nehru is a heart patient that drives a van for living. Nehru’s friend Govindaraj asked to borrow the van for two 

days. At 11.00pm that night, three people asked Govindaraj to drive the vehicle to pick up and deliver some 

goats. Govindaraj took the vehicle to Uranipuram and, while loading the goats, the village people surrounded 

him and called the Melattur PS. They accused Govindaraj of stealing the goats. The police arrested him, but 

the other three individuals escaped. After two months, and with the assistance of Justice J.M 1 Tanjore, 

Nehru received his van. 

On 17 th July 2007 at about 2.00am, the Melattur PI and 2 other officers in civilian clothes took Nehru to the PS 

in an Ambassador. The PI slapped Nehru’s cheeks and threatened him for going to the court to get his vehicle 

back. The police filed a false against Nehru alleging he was caught stealing goats. The police detained Nehru 

in the Trichy Prison for 34 days. 

After he was released, the police returned the vehicle to him and told him not to take any further actions 

regarding this case. 

FF Code : TN/SVG 42/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : Kandasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed female SI; 2) unnamed POs 

Location : Illayankudi PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Kandasamy, age 32, belongs to the Hindu Pallan community (Scheduled Caste) and works as a 

mechanic. He resides in Thiruvallure Puthure post, Illyankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District. There was enmity 

between Kandasamy’s family and the family of village president Sagaia. 

On 10 July 2007 at around 7.00pm, Kandasamy was walking near the village tea-stall when Azlagan, 

Sagaia, and Saugan (members of Sagaia’s family) attacked him with knives and sticks. Kandasamy 

escaped to the Illayankudi PS, where he sought to present a petition. Becaue there was neither a PI nor an 

SI present, Kandasamy went to Kama, where he presented his petition to a female SI. The SI told Kandasamy 

to get medical treatment and to return the next day.

Kandasamy went to a hospital for treatment, and then to work. 

Meanwhile, Sagaia’s family allegedly contacted the SI and filed a case against Kandasamy and his brother, 

alleging that they had attacked one Muthulakshmi. Muthulakshmi paid the SI money to support the false case. 

The SI thus ignored Kandasamy’s petition. 

On 11 July 2007, the police tried to arrest Kandasamy. However, Kandasamy obtained advance bail and 

escaped. 

With the help of an advocate, Kandasamy drafted a petition for an FIR. However, the SI ignored the petition. 

The police summoned Kandasamy and his brother to the station, where they threatened to put them on the 

rowdy list and to ruin their lives. 

The police made Kandasamy and his brother stay at the station all evening, during which time the SI attempted 

to coerce them to compromise. 

At the time of the fact-finding, there was a case pending against Kandasamy at the Illayankukdi District All Rights 

Court. Kandasamy thus cannot continue his work with full freedom, because he must check in every day at 

the Court. 


37 

FF Code : TN/TAN 20/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Paramasivam 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajenderan, SI 

Location : Boodhalur PS 


Case Details: 

Paramasivam, age 43, resides in Thiruvaiyaru Taluk. He is from a backward caste. 

One day, there was a clash between two groups from different castes during the consecration ceremony for the 

village temple. The police registered a case against both groups and conducted an enquiry. 

A woman from one group filed a false complaint against members of the other. The police included on the list 

of persons implicated by this complaint the name of one Nagaraj. 

Paramasivam went to the Boodhalur PS to ask why Nagaraj’s name had been included. SI Rajenderan told 

Paramasivam that if he paid Rs. 5,000, they would release the persons [detained under the aforementioned 

complaint]. Paramasivam responded that he could not pay that amount. The SI, annoyed, hit Paramasivam 

and insulted him with caste-related terms before grabbing his neck and pushing him out the door. The SI also 

threatened to lock Paramasivam up wearing only his underwear. 

The next day, a group of people protested against the SI in front of the station. 


2007


Victim(s) : Shahul Hameed 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kannadasan, PI; 

2) Mannivannan, SI, Adhirampatinam PS 

Location : Adhirampatinam village 




38 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Shahul Hameed, age 37, is a resident of Pattukotai. He was the Town President of TMMK at 

Adhirampattinam. 

Shahul Hameed had planned to construct a mosque on his land, with the permission of the VAO. However, 

Chairman Abdul Vahaab objected – saying that the area belonged to the Panchayat – and blocked the way 

with a tractor. Angry, the villagers, pushed Abdul Vahaab’s tractor. The Adhirampatinam police responded 

by engaging in a “lathi charge,” injuring between thirty and forty people. 

Shahul Hameed thus filed a complaint with higher officials. Abdul Vahaab thus planned to kill Shahul 

Hameed. 

In order to escape from Abdul Vahaab, Shahul Hameed went to Chennai. He also arranged for a massive 

public meeting, presided over by Hyder Ali, District Secretary of the TMMK. At the meeting, Hyder Ali 

criticised the police. 

The police responded by arresting Shahul Hameed and filing two false complaints against him. 

Shahul Hameed was later released on conditional bail. 

Case Details: 

FF Code :TN/VEL 30/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) :Arun Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) :1) Renganathan, SI; 

2) unnamed POs 

Location :Virinjipuram PS, Vellore Taluk, 

Vellore District 

Date of incident :01/04/2007 

On 1 April 2007, a child and a friend of victim Arun Kumar passed away in Karugampathur village. When the 

two bodies were taken to the cremation ground, an oral squabble started between Arun Kumar, Beemsingh, 

Sankar, Kanthan, and Gunasekaran. The group ended up exchanging blows and attacking each other with 

big sticks.

Later, the fight was resolved, and all of the men went home. 

Even later, Sugan Kumar filed a complaint against Arun Kumar with SI Renganathan. The SI remanded and 

arrested Arun Kumar without any prior intimation. 

Arun Kumar’s father, Ashokan, lodged a complaint against Sugan Kumar. 

On 6 April 2007, the SI came to Karugampathur village in an auto in order to conduct an enquiry. The villagers 

surrounded him near the Mariamman Temple and demanded justice. The SI spoke to DSP Saravanan on 

his cell phone. The DSP arrived with a police team, had a discussion with the villagers, chided the SI, and 

departed with the SI. 

Later, the police took seven villagers, including men and women, into custody under the pretext of an enquiry. 

The police filed false charges against all seven and detained them until midnight. 

News of the false charges was published on 7 April 2007. 


FF Code : TN/SVG 17/MARCH/07 

Victim(s) : Balasundaram 

Perpetrator(s) : Amalarani, PI 

Location : Sivagangai All Women’s PS 

Date of incident : 24/12/2006; 10/01/2007 

39 

Case Details: 

Victim Balasundaram married Ramya on 1 September 2004. Immediately, Ramya began to behave unusually 

and regularly expressed her wish to be alone and independent. Balasundaram and his mother often tried to 

advise Ramya, but she would not heed their words. Balasundaram also tried to speak to Ramya’s mother, but 

he had no success. As days passed, Balasundaram’s relations with his wife were strained. She continuously 

expressed her unwillingness to live with him and also stated that she desired to return back to her house. 

On 7 June 2005, Ramya gave birth to a baby girl. Shortly thereafter, she lodged a complaint against 

Balasundaram and his parents at the Sivagangai All Women’s PS, alleging that they had demanded a dowry 

from her family. 

PI Amalarosemin, who was bribed by Ramya’s parents, called Balasundaram and his parents to the police 

station and asked them to “repay” Rs. 2 lakh to Ramya. Balasundaram’s father said that he could not produce 

such a huge amount. The PI threatened to file a case against the family. 

Balasundaram’s father filed an application for anticipatory bail at the Madurai Bench of the High Court, but his 

application was rejected because PI Amalarosemin gave false information to the court. 

PI Amalarani, at the urging of SI Malaichamy (who was having an illicit affair with Ramya’s mother) charged 

Balasundaram’s family with demanding a dowry, based on Ramya’s complaints. Later, it was discovered that 

Ramya’s parents had bribed PI Amalarani. 


2007

On 24 December 2006, after being granted anticipatory bail, Balasundaram’s parents went to the All Women’s 

PS to check in as per the rules of their bail order. There, the PI verbally abused them and threatened to kill 

their entire family if they failed to pay Rs. 1 lakh. 

On 30 December 2006 and 4 January 2007, Balasundaram’s parents sent petitions about their case to 

higher officials. 

On 10 January 2007, Balasundaram’s father went to the PS to check in. There, the PI threatened him and 

demanded that he withdraw his petitions. Balasundaram’s father refused to do so, so the PI detained him at 

the station from 10.00am to 12.00am. Balasundaram’s mother sent a telegraph to higher authorities about 

her husband’s captivity; he was released late that night and walked home. 


40 

Balasundaram’s parents have sent a petition to the DSP, but so far no action has been taken. 

FF Code : TN/TIR 25/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Murugan; 2) Lakshmanan 


Location : PS, Vannarapettai 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victims Murugan and Lakshmanan had cases pending against them in court. 

On 25 May 2007, residents of the Vannarapettai area, Tirunelveli District, organised their annual festival at the 

Perachiamman Temple. 

During the festival, when the devotees approached the statute of Thevar, a quarrel broke out between 

members of the Thevar and Washerman communities. 

The local police filed a petty case under some members of the Thevar community – including victims 

Murugan and Lakshmanan – under s. 75 IPC, and sent them to court. The community members were 

fined. 

On the next day, Murugan and Lakshmanan quarrelled with members of the Thevar community who came 

to watch the festival. 

The police filed a case against Murugan and Lakshmanan (Crime No. 307) and remanded them to the court. 

They were then sent to jail. 

A group of sixty persons led by Ganesan (Secretary, Hindu Front) processed to the District Collector’s Office, 

where they presented a petition [in support of Murugan and Lakshmanan]. The District Collector forwarded 

the petition to the RDO. The RDO conducted an enquiry. 

Lakshmanan was released on bail. Murugan, at the time of the fact-finding, remained in jail.

FF Code : TN/TIR 97/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : P. Mariyappan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Aathish, SI; 2) unnamed HC 

Location : Alangulam PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Mariyappan works as a van driver and resides Azad Nagar, Tenkasi. 

On 22 October 2007, someone approached Mariyappan and asked to hire his van for a wedding. The person 

provided Mariyappan with a telephone number. 

Later, to learn more about the rental, Mariyappan dialled the wrong number and reached one Saraswathi’s 

house. He explained his mistake to Saraswathi. 

On 25 October 2007 at around 9.00pm, officers from Alangulam PS came to Mariyappan’s house and took 

him to the station. 

At SI Aathish told Mariyappan that Saraswathi had filed a complaint alleging that someone had disturbed her 

over the telephone over the period of a month. Saraswathi alleged that if her husband answered the telephone 

instead of her, the caller would hang up. When she traced the caller’s number, it was revealed to be Mariyappan’s 

number. 

Mariyappan explained to the SI what had happened three days earlier, but the SI said that he could not do 

anything and proceeded to file an FIR against Mariyappan for making vulgar telephone calls. 

The SI and an HC then beat Mariyappan with a lathi. 

The next day, the police produced Mariyappan before a court, where he was remanded to jail. 

After fifteen days, Mariyappan was released on bail. 

Fearful of reprisals, Mariyappan did not take action against the police. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/VEL 47/JUNE/07 


Perpetrator(s) : Pooncholai-PI Thirupathur Town PS 

Location : Thirupathur 


The victim Saravanan, aged 34, was involved in social service and worked for the prevention of social 

degradation and promotion of Human Rights. Saravanan was a resident of Shivarajpettai which had several 

illicit liquor shops. He brought attention to the matter that school children were employed at these shops. 


41 


2007

The Police and the liquor shop owners were frustrated by his actions. Police lodged 9 fake cases against 

him, but Saravanan was acquitted in 8 cases. 

Saravanan lodged a complaint to the Chief Minister’s Special Cell and DIG, Vellore, but no action was taken. 

Saravanan then brought the issue to a Tamil magazine, ‘Kumutham’. 

The Police went to Saravanan’s house and abused him in public. They threatened to kill him. Subsequently 

Saravanan, sent a letter to the Chief Magistrate, Vellore to provide him security. The magistrate ordered the 

police to provide security to the victim. But the police barged into his house, beat Saravanan, and took 

Rs.3,000. The police told Saravanan withdraw his complaint, but he refused. The police then filed another 

false case against Saravanan, alleging that he attempted to rape prostitute Selvi. 


42 

FF Code : TN/VEL 99/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Annathurai 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kesavan, SI, Kodiyur PS; 

2) Govindaraj, HC, ASP Office 

Location : Thamanaerimuthu village, 

Thirupathur Taluk, Vellore District 



2007 

Case Details: 

Annathurai, age 50, resides in Thamanaerimuthu village, Thirupathur Taluk, Vellore District. He belongs to 

the Hindu Adi-Dravidar caste. 

Annathurai used to sell illegal arrack, but had reformed and was working as a coolie. The police had 

previously foisted false cases against Annathurai, as well as against his wife, and against his son Ranjith 

Kumar under the Goondas Act. 

On 21 October 2007 at 5.00pm, a PI arrived with three PCs. Some arrack markers ran away. Ranjith 

Kumar also ran away, but the police caught him and slapped him. Ranjith Kumar told the police that he had 

just been released from the police station, and asked whether they were going to file another rfalse case 

against him. The officers let Ranjith Kumar go, and he ran away. 

The police arrested Annathurai. They asked Annathurai about his son and beat him. 

The ASP arrived, as did the press.

FF Code : TN/TIR 77/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Krishnasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Charles Kalaimani, 

PI Serinthamangalam PS 

Location : Serinthamangalam PS, Thenkasi Taluk, 

Thirunelveli. 


Case Details: 

Victim Krishnasamy resides at Valasai Village and works as the driver of Mr. Ilango. About a month back, 

Ilango was arrested by the police for mining sand. On 12 th October 2007, at 1.45a.m., Krishnasamy was 

sleeping in his house when seven PCs, not wearing uniforms, knocked on the door of his house. Krishnasamy’s 

wife Veerammal answered the door. The police pushed her down and entered the house. They told Krishnasamy 

to come to the PS because the PI wanted to see him. Krishnasamy asked them why, and they responded that 

there was a complaint against him. But the police refused to tell him what the complaint was or who had lodged 

it. The police dragged him into the police vehicle. One of the PCs slapped Krishnasamy. Inside the vehicle, 

three others were detained, Murugaiya, Chandiran and Palraj. 

The police took Krishnasamy to Serinthamangalam PS. They arrived at about 3.00a.m. The police interrogated 

Krishnasamy about how long he had worked for Ilango and whether he mined sand. PI Charles Kalaimani 

punched Krishnasamy in his lower abdomen and verbally abused him, calling him a ’Thaioli’ (bastard). He 

also accused Krishnasamy of beating a police officer. Then, he punched Krishnasamy’s back. Krishnasamy 

asked why they were beating him when he had not committed any offence. He denied beating a policeman and 

sand mining. He said that the tractor he drives was utilized only for agriculture. The police called Krishnasamy 

a ‘Rascal’ and told him not to cross-question them. 

The police held a pistol close to Krishnasamy’s chest and said a gentle press on the trigger would kill him. The 

police told him to listen if he wanted to see his wife again. Krishnasamy asked the police not to harm him. Later 

the police asked Krishnasamy to sign a document without showing him its contents. After Krishnasamy 

signed, the police called the three others and asked them to sign the document. They also signed the 

document. At 8.00am the police took the four men to the Kadayanallur PS. 

When the Kadayanallur PI arrived, the police asked all four men to sign another document. When they asked 

why they had to sign, the police pointed a rifle at them and told them to sign it if they wanted to live. Because they 

were scared, they signed. 

The police took them to the Thenkasi Court. The police threatened the men at the Court telling them not to say 

anything to the judge. Out of fear, the men remained silent. When the police produced them before the Judge, 


43 


2007

the judge refused the FIR. The police corrected the FIR and then produced it in the Court. Only then did the 

men learn that the police filed a false case against them for attacking police officers and for sand mining. 

The Judge ordered them to remain in judicial custody for 14 days. Krishnasamy was detained at Thenkasi 

Sub-Jail for 14 days and was later released on conditional bail. Krishnasamy must sign at the PS every day. 

Out of fear that the police will file additional false cases against him, Krishnasamy has not filed a complaint. 


44 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/CHE 46/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : Rajenderan 

Perpetrator(s) : Govindaraj, HPC 

Location : PS 


The victim Rajendran, aged 32 years was enrolled in a list of 13 goondas regarding a clash among 35 people 

in 1992. Since then, the police arrested Rajenderan once in every 3 months and then let him free without giving 

him any explanation. 

On 10 th June 2007, when Rajenderan was having his breakfast at his house, HPC Govindaraj and SI 

arrested Rajenderan and took to the PS for an enquiry. At around 5.00pm, the police took Rajenderan to 

Poonamallae Sessions Court and then remanded him. 

When Rajenderan questioned the police, they said that it was due to the pressure from their higher officials and 

nothing could be done. 


Victim(s) : Dhakashanamoorthy 

Perpetrator(s) : PI, J-5 Besant Nagar PS 

Location : J-5 Besant Nagar PS 

Date of incident : 30/ 07/ 2007 


2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Dhakashanamoorthy is a student. 

On the date of the incident at about 9.00pm, Dhakashanamoorthy’s mother was cooking when she heard a 

loud bang on a window outside – but could not find its source. A few minutes later, there was another bang. 

Dhakashanamoorthy rushed outside and saw Ravi, who was too drunk to stand straight. Dhakashanamoorthy 

asked Ravi to leave, but Ravi banged the window once more and broke it.

Dhakashanamoorthy went to the police station to report the break; meanwhile, Ravi broke another window. At 

the station, SI Loganathan refused to file a case because the PI was absent; he asked Dhakashanamoorthy to 

return the next morning. SI Akil told Dhakashanamoorthy to dial 100 if he had any (other) problem. 

SI Loganathan went to investigate the broken window. He called the perpetrator, Ravi, whom he soon recognised 

to be his own nephew. Noticing an injury on Ravi’s forehead, he asked why Ravi had not reported his injury, 

so that the SI could have taken care of it. 

The next day at 10.00am, Dhakashanamoorthy returned to the police station. Ten minutes later, Ravi arrived; 

he was injured and still drunk. The two argued. Dhakashanamoorthy insisted that the PI file a complaint against 

Ravi. When Dhakashanamoorthy asked for a copy of the form, the PI slapped him. Dhakashanamoorthy’s 

lip was bleeding, but the police would not let him go to the hospital. Dhakashanamoorthy became angry and 

asked why the PI refused to file a charge as asked. The PI responded that murderers are always the first ones 

to complain [about police inaction]. 

The police remanded Dhakashanamoorthy and his brother, Velmurgan, to jail for five days. They filed a case 

against Dhakashanamoorthy for vulgarly scolding Ravi, and against Velmurgan for attempting to murder Ravi. 

Further, they filed a case against Dhakashanamoorthy’s father for pushing Ravi against a gate. 

Dhakashanamoorthy’s fellow villagers have given depositions that Ravi is regularly drunk and quarrels. 

Dhakashanamoorthy worries that his future has been spoiled because he has a criminal record. 


45 

FF Code 

: TN/TAN 24/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Dhandapani 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Parithunisa, SI; 2)Ikpal, HC 

Location : Iyampaetai PS, Annal Agraharam Post, 

Kumbakonam Taluk, Tanjore District 


Case details: 

Victim Dhandapani resides with his family at Kalimuthu Nagar, Annal Agraharam, Kumbakonam Taluk, 

Tanjore District. He works as a teacher. 

Dhandapani’s sister and brother-in-law (Rajarajan) had borrowed a sum of money from him. They repaid 

Dhandapani with a cheque that bounced because the account has been closed. Dhandapni thus filed a 

cheque-defrauding case with the Criminal Judicial Magistrate. 

On 15 April 2007, Dhandapani went for a meeting in Tanjore organized by the TN Elementary School 

Teachers Association and returned home at 10.00pm. However, [presumably in response to his chequedefrauding 

complaint] a case was filed against Dhandapani at the Iyampaetai PS, stating that Dhandapani had 

gone to Rajarajan’s house on 15 April 2007 at 7.00pm and tried to attack his sister and Rajarajan with a 

machete. 


2007

On 17 April 2007, SI Parithunisa, HC Ikpal and Rajarajan came to Dhadapani’s house in a car and asked 

him to appear at the station. To this Dhandapani replied that he would come when his father-in-law arrived. 

Immediately, the SI said “Don’t speak like a rowdy. Go and bring your things.” 

At 9.00am, the police took Dhandapani was taken to the spot where the alleged machete attack occurred. 

There, the police took statements from some local men. 

At 9.20am, the police took Dhandapani to the Iyampaetai PS. There, they threatened Dhandapani with 

imprisonment unless he signed a paper stating that Rajarajan had repaid him fully. The police then pulled 

Dhandapani’s shirt and slapped him twice on his cheeks. 

At 5.30pm, the police took Dhandapni to a judge of JM3, who remanded him to the Tanjore Sub-Jail. 


Dhandapani was in jail from 28 April 2007 to 04 May 2007. 

Rajarajan has again lodged a false complaint against Dhandapni at the West PS, Kumbakonam. 

46 

FF Code : TN/VEL 25/MARCH/07 

Victim(s) : 1)Muthamilselvi 

2)Murugan 3) Anbarasi 

Perpetrator(s) : Jayalakshmi, SI 

Location : Annaikattu PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

The victims Murugan, aged 35, his mother Muthamilselvi and sister Anbarasi were attacked by Ravichndran 

and others on 5 th November 2007. The victims were admitted at Addukamparai Government Hospital for 

treatment. 

Murugan went to the Annakattu PS to file a case against the men who attacked them. At the PS, POs 

threatened to kill Murugan if he filed a case. Murugan then attempted to call the Annaikattu police and file a 

complaint over the phone. 

The next day, the SI Jayalakshmi called Murugan to the PS because a false case was lodged against 

Murugan.

FF Code : TN/VEL 29/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : Thangamani 

Perpetrator(s) : SI, Natrampalli PS 

Location : Thirupathur-Vaniampadi Road, 

Vellore 


Case Details: 

The victim Thangamani, aged 47, earned his living by driving an auto. On 26 th March 2007, Thangamani 

bought a new share-auto and went to register it at the RDO office in Vaniampadi. Thangamani was returning 

when SI Ms. Jeyakanthi stopped him to check his vehicle. The SI collected money from all the vehicles. SI 

Ms. Jeyakanthi asked Thangamani why his vehicle was overloaded. Thangamani said that there was no one 

inside, and that he had just registered the auto. The SI yelled at Thangamani with abusive words. The SI 

attempted to force Thangamani to sign a document stating that his auto was overloaded. Thangamani refused. 

The SI took Thangamani to Jolarpet PS. 

At the PS, a FIR was lodged against Thangamani. The police took Thangamani to Sub-jail, and then to Vellore 

Central Jail. Five days later, Thangamani was released on bail. 

Thangamani appointed advocate Mohan named to defend his case. 


47 


Victim(s) : Punithavathi 

Perpetrator(s) : Pugazhu, SI 

Location : Vepaankulam PS, 

Odugathur, Vellore 


Case Details: 

The victim Punithavathi, aged 36, questioned her neighbor Kasi and his wife about water they had taken from 

her house. Kasi struck Punithavathi in the head with the handle of his knife. On 22 nd November 2007, 

Punithavathi wrote a complaint and took it to the Vepankulam PS. 

After reading it, the SI went and got SI Pugazhu. SI Pugazhu said he would investigate the case. The police 

asked her to sign a note, and then forced her to get into the police jeep to meet the SP. On the way, the SI told 

Punithavathi to pay him Rs. 10000. Punithavathi told him that she did not have any money, and said she would 

report the SI’s actions to the SP. Instead of taking her to SP, the SI took Punithavathi to the Court. From the 

Court, the police took Punithavathi to Women’s Jail. 

On 29 th November 2007, Punithavathi was released on conditional bail. She has to sign in at the PS weekly. 

The SI again told Punithavathi that if she paid him Rs. 10000, he would dissolve the case. 

Punithavathi borrowed and paid him Rs. 5000. But the SI did not dissolve the case. Instead he threatened to 

splatter acid on her face is she told anyone about paying the bribe. 


2007

FF Code : TN/VEL 53/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : K. Kamarudeen 

Perpetrator(s) : Balakrishnan, SI 

Location : Taluk PS, Vellore 




48 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Kamarudeen is a member of the Muslim Lebai community. 

On 17 July 2007, Kamarudeen went to meet one Hussain in order to buy some steel plates. Just afterwards, 

two men – later revealed to be policemen – who had accompanied Hussain grabbed Kamarudeen by his 

arms and dragged him through Pudhukadai and Mullipalayam. When Kamarudeen saw his father, he 

called for him; however, when his father approached the officers, they put Kamarudeen on a motorbike and 

sped away. 

The officers snatched Kamarudeen’s cell phone and Rs. 250. They asked Kamarudeen where he had 

hidden the money and gold jewellery that Esa had given him. Kamarudeen responded that he had no idea 

what they were talking about and that Esa would never do such a thing. The policemen insulted Kamarudeen 

by asking if he was keeping Arul’s wife Usha as his concubine. They then took Kamarudeen to the Vellore 

Taluk PS. 

At the station, SI Balakrishnan refused to let Kamarudeen take the telephone call he received from the 

advocate Selvi. The police handcuffed Kamarudeen and took him to the Government Hospital in 

Addukamparrai. 

At 12.00pm, the SI received a telephone call; to his interlocutor, the SI confirmed that Kamarudeen was with 

him. The SI asked Kamarudeen again where he had hidden the jewels and money. Kamarudeen replied 

again that he knew nothing about the matter. The SI made Kamarudeen listen to a tape of Esa’s confession. 

At 2.30pm, the police removed Kamarudeen’s handcuffs and gave him lunch. Then they threatened to 

remand Kamarudeen to jail unless one of his relatives posted bail for him. Kamarudeen asked his cousin 

Ismail to post bail with an area councillor, Mr. Megahnathan. 

At 6.00pm, Ismail and Megahnathan arrived and posted bail for Kamarudeen. The police returned 

Kamarudeen’s cell phone and cash. The SI told Kamarudeen to bring Rs. 16,000 worth of gold and 

demanded that he learn where Esa had hidden the money. 

By 7.00pm, Kamarudeen returned home. 

Kamarudeen has sent petitions about this incident to the DIG and the SP. 

Offiers of the Taluk PS have since tried to file a false charge against Kamarudeen.

FF Code : TN/CHE 73/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Haridas 

Perpetrator(s) : Ramesh Babu, PC 

Location : PS, Mathur Panchyat, Ambathur Taluk, 

Thiruvallur District 


Case Details: 

Victim Haridas, age 42, resides in Mathur and works as an auto driver. He has been described as shorttempered. 

On 21 May 2007, Haridas was returning from the Manali Hospital when he encountered a traffic jam. As he 

was driving slowly, PC Ramesh Babu insulted him and told him to move quickly. Haridas asked why the PC 

had insulted him. The PC became furious, took Haridas’s auto key, grabbed his collar, pulled him from the 

auto, and took him to the police station. 

At the station, the PC filed a false charge against him (Case No. 75) and fined him Rs. 550. Haridas was 

charged with driving drunk, refusing to stop his auto when asked, and attempted murder of the PC. The charge 

also states that Haridas ran away and was chased by members of the public before being caught by the police. 

PC Loganathan told the fact-finding team that PC Ramesh Babu was on medical leave, and that he had no other 

information about the case. The traffic police have refused to provide more information. 


49 

FF Code 

Victim(s) 

Perpetrator(s) 

Location 

Date of incident 

: TN/SVG 41/AUG/07 

: Madhavi 

: 1) Gnanavel, SI; 2) Ravi, PC; 

3) Ponnusamy, PC 

: Karaikudi-North PS 

: ongoing 

Case Details: 

Victim Madhavi resides with her children. Her husband works abroad. 

The Karaikudi-North PS informed Madhavi that her husband had been involved in cheating two persons from 

Aralikottai by taking money from them after promising to arrange jobs for them, and that these persons had 

lodged a complaint to retrieve the money. Madhavi told the police that her husband was working abroad and 

hence unavailable. PC Ponnusamy responded that Madhavi had to appear at the station in her husband’s 

stead. Madhavi initially refused, but was coerced to comply. 


2007

At the station, SI Gnanavel accused Madhavi of committing fraud and asked her to return the money; he 

threatened to charge her with a false case if she refused. Madhavi replied that she did not know anything. The 

SI insisted that she provide a written statement that she would provide the money within one week. She 

complied because she was frightened – but when she asked for a copy of the statement, the PC refused. 

When Madhavi’s husband returned, she told him what had happened. He insisted that he was innocent, and 

that he had simply directed his accusers to speak to his agents. Madhavi relayed this information to the SI, 

but he accused her of lying and ordered her to sit in the male convicts’ cell. Meanwhile, PC [Ravi] asked the 

SI why he was talking to such a “wretched woman,” urging him to thrash her with a stick instead. 

After two hours, the SI informed Madhavi that he would provide her with a time extension to pay the money, 

but that she would receive no further delays. Feeling that she had no option, Madhavi agreed. 


50 

In the days that followed, the PC often came to Madhavi’s house in a drunken state, asked for bribes, and 

demanded that she come to the police station. Concerned because she had two daughters and because her 

family dignity was threatened, Madhavi borrowed money from her relatives and paid nearly Rs. 40,000 to the 

SI. She told the SI that she had no more money to give him. The SI demanded her pass book and 

chequebook as collateral. 

Fifteen days later, the SI telephoned Madhavi, angry that there was no money in her husband’s bank 

account. 

As time went on, the SI frequently demanded that Madhavi come to the police station and pay more money, 

under threat of beating her and dragging her there himself. On other occasions, he threatened to burn her 

house down. 

On learning of this, Madhavi’s husband fell ill. The entire family has contemplated suicide, as they feel that 

they have no other option. 


2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Nagendran 

Perpetrator(s) : unnamed POs 

Location : Vyasarpadi, Chennai 

Date of incident : August 2007 

Victim Nagenderan, aged 37 years, is imprisoned for life for the murder of ADMK party member Stanley 

Sanmugam. He has served nine years of his sentence. The police are attempting to goad him into initiating 

a violent encounter and to endanger his life, but have not succeeded thus far.

Nagenderan’s wife is worried about him; she has had to send her children to a hostel to protect them from social 

insult and ill treatment. 

When Nagenderan returns home for parole, the police attempt to spark violent encounters with him and charge 

him with false complaints. For example: 

• In 2002, while Nagenderan was on parole, he was charged with stealing Rs. 400 and a mobile phone from 

Mundakannu Manoharan. The police demanded that Mundakannu Manoharan complain about 

Nagenderan – and when he refused to do so, the police cut his back. Mundakannu Manoharan revealed 

the details in court; the judge found that the charges against Nagenderan were fabricated and dismissed 

the case. 

• At a subsequent date, while Nagenderan was on parole, he was escorted by seven policemen. Three 

stood in his back yard, and four at his front gate. He was accused of plotting the murder of Basha. The 

police told the real murderers to include Nagenderan’s name in their confession, but they refused. 

Basha’s wife even confessed that Nagenderan was not involved in her husband’s murder. 


51 

• The police have threatened Nagenderan’s wife, saying that they will kill Nagenderan. Once, while she 

was concluding a sale, the police forced her customer to file a charge against her. The police have also 

alleged that she collects “rowdy mamul.” 

• The police have implicated in a false case of some kind every one of Nagenderan’s relatives who has 

supported him. They charged Nagenderan’s mother in three murder cases, and raided her house at 

midnight. 

The police have also tormented Nagenderan in prison. They have verbally abused him (using the word 

“parappaya”) for being from a schedule caste. They have deprived him of sufficient food. They have frequently 

abused him verbally by calling him names like “thirundavillai nagenderan.” They have instigated several 

clashes in the prison to endanger his life. They have repeatedly transferred him from one prison to another (an 

unnecessary procedure for life prisoners) with the sole intention of providing more opportunities for an encounter 

between Nagenderan and the police. 

Nagenderan has written several petitions, but none has affected his case. 

To date, no charges have been laid against Nagenderan, but the police continue to try to instigate encounters 

with him. Forty anonymous petitions have been written against him, and the police have responded by abusing 

his family members rather than investigating. The press has also placed Nagenderan’s name on the encounter 

list. 


2007

FF Code : TN/TAN 30/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : M.M. Rahamedulla 

Perpetrator(s) : Manivannan, PI 

Location : Athirampattinam PS, 

Pattukotai Taluk, Tanjore District 




52 

2007 

Case details: 

Victim Rahamedulla, age 57, resides at Athirampattinam in Pattukotai Taluk, Tanjore District. He is a wellknown 

social worker and the Vice-President of the Bahujan Samaj Party in Tanjore. Rahamedulla is also 

involved in “Friends of the Police.” 

On 3 October 2007, Rahamedulla hung some posters referring to the anniversary of a comrade’s death and 

saluting the Party’s President. However, his fellow villagers Pugari, Rafik, Abubakar, and Sarabutheen 

(members of the “Hawala Scam”) tore down the posters and wrote abusive things about some of the Party’s 

members. Rahamedulla asked them about their actions, and the men responded with caste-related insults. 

On 12 November 2007 at 11.00pm, PI Kannadasan called Rahamedulla on the telephone and asked him to 

appear at Vandaipettai, where his Party members were having a meeting. 

On the road to Vandaipettai, the PI was checking all of the vehicles that passed by, including a bike carrying 

Pugari and Abubakar. The latter two men thus asked Rahamedulla, who was also passing by, whether he 

was responsible for the search, given that he was a member of “Friends of the Police.” They abused him with 

caste-related insults like “Paraya Caste Party Member” and threatened Rahamedulla in front of the PI. 

At 11.30pm, Rahamedulla filed a complaint with SI Manivannan about the verbal abuse he had sustained. 

However, the SI replied that there was a case pending against Rahamedulla and threatened to lock him up by 

tying him to the “Hawala Scam.” When Rahamedulla asked for a written copy of the case against him, the SI 

beat Rahamedulla’s chest and scolded him indecently by his party name. 

Later, Rahamedulla learned that the members of the “Hawala Scam” had bribed the SI and filed a false case 

against Rahamedulla, accusing him of attacking and verbally abusing Pugari and Abubakar.

FF Code : TN/MDU 80/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Ramakrishnan 

Perpetrator(s) : Shobana, SI 

Location : Thirunagar PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Ramakrishnan resides at 188, T, Harveypatti, Thiruparankundram. He borrowed some money from 

Savitri, and he began to repay with interest. 

One day, Ramakrishnan went to Savitri’s house to ask how much he still owed. Savitri said that Ramakrishnan 

still owed the principal of Rs. 10,000, maintaining that Ramakrishnan had paid only the interest on this principal. 

Ramakrishnan disagreed. 

Savitri filed a complaint for forgery against Ramakrishnan at the Thirunagar PS. 

On 13 March 2007 at around 11.30pm, SI Shobana came to Ramakrishnan. The SI took Ramakrishnan and 

his brother-in-law into custody. He interrogated the men using offensive language and threatened to file a false 

charge against them. Ramakrishnan responded that he had paid half of the principal to Savitri, and offered the 

repay the balance, but SI rejected this assertion. 

At around 4.00pm, the police filed a charge against Ramakrishnan and his brother-in-law before handing them 

over to the Madurai Criminal Judicial Magistrate. 

The next day, a police officer told Ramakrishnan and his brother-in-law that a judge had given the police liberty 

to do what they wanted with the detainees. SI Shobana ordered Ramakrishnan and his brother-in-law to check 

in at the police station, and they did so. 


53 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/CHE 101/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Rosemani 

Perpetrator(s) : Muthurasu, PI 

Location : V6 PS, Chennai 


Victim Rosemani, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, has resided at No 25/75, Silanthi Kuttai, Kolathur, Chennai for the 

past 45 years. The property on which he resides actually belonged to Ramasamy Udayar, who had asked 

Rosemani’s father to take care of the house and to stay on the property. 


2007

In 2005, Ravichanderan, the District Secretary of Pattali Makkal Katchi, told Rosemani that the cohorts of 

Ramasamy had given him the power to sell Rosemani’s house. Rosemani and his family members 

opposed this decision. 

On 23 July 2007 at 10.00am, two police PCs and a Sub-PI game to Rosemani’s house and told him that PI 

Muthurasu wished to call him in for an enquiry. Rosemani insisted that he had done nothing wrong, but the 

police took his hands and asked him to come to the station with them. 


54 

At around 11.00am, the PI arrived and asked Rosemani to move out of his house. To this Rosemani replied 

that he had been living there for the past 45 years and thus refused to leave. The PI responded that he would 

ask Ravichanderan to give Rosemani Rs. 25,000. Rosemani asked the PI when and how he had become 

a land broker. 

In response, the PI became furious. He called Rosemani filthy words like “thevidar paiya,” slapped his left 

cheek, and kicked his abdomen with booted feet. Rosemani trembled and fell down. The PI yelled at him, 

saying that he pitied Rosemani’s poverty, and threatening to file a case and to detain Rosemani if the latter did 

not leave his house within one month. The PI also threatened to demolish Rosemani’s house with a 

bulldozer. 

At 12.00pm, the PI sent Rosemani out of the station. 

On 3 August 2007 at 6.00pm, the PI and Ravichanderan came to Rosemani’s house. Ravichanderan 

slapped Ravichanderan in the presence of the PI and threatened to kill him if he did not vacate the house. 

On 10 November 2007, Ravichanderan received a letter from the Chennai Court informing him that a case 

had been filed against him under Sections 143,147,148,447,506 II, and 149. 


Victim(s) : S.C. Balamurugan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Saravana Prabu, PI; 

2) unnamed SI; 

3) four unnamed PCs 

Location : Yenoor, Chennai 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim S.C. Balamurugan, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, is a resident of Chennai. On 26 October 2007 at around 

9.00pm, PI Saravana Prabu, a Sub-PI, and four PCs came to his house and demanded that he accompany 

them to the police station. Balamurugan refused, knowing that the police would file a false charge against him. 

Immediately, the SI told Balamurugan that the police would charge him with at least two offences under section

110 unless he came with them. The other police threatened not to let Balamurugan live peacefully unless he 

came with them to the station. They then grabbed Balamurugan’s collar and took him to their jeep. 

On arrival at the station, the police took Balamurugan’s clothes. Balamurugan spent the night there. 

The next day at 10.00am, Saraswathi, Coordinator of the Citizens for Human Rights Movement came with 

Balamurugan’s elder sister to the police station. The police gave Balamurugan back his clothes and let him 

leave. 

On 29 October 2007, Balamurugan told his story to the RDO, who assured him that he would take appropriate 

measures. Balamurugan also filed complaints with the Human Rights Commission, the Chief Justice, the 

District Superintendant of Police (Chennai), and the Chief Minister’s Special Cell. 

FF Code : TN/SVG 67/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Sasikumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Raja, PI; 2) Jegadeesan, SI 

Location : Devakottai PS 



55 

Case Details: 

Victim Sasikumar belongs to Hindu Pallar community. His father, Rajaram, had bought a house from 

Chokalingam Chettiar, and there was a dispute between the two regarding that property. A case regarding the 

dispute was pending in court, but in the meanwhile Chokalingam Chettiar bribed the police at Devakottai PS. 

The police thus threatened Rajaram, who accordingly signed an agreement to surrender his property within 

a year. 

Rajaram lodged a petition at the Madurai Bench of the High Court and obtained an injunction order preventing 

police intervention in the pending court case. For this reason, the police at Devakottai PS were angry with 

Sasikumar’s family. 

On 6 December 2006, Sasikumar witnessed a man named Pandian abusing one of Sasikumar’s relatives. 

Sasikumar tried to stop Pandian, who unexpectedly attacked Sasikumar, cutting his right arm. 

The police arrived and took both Sasikumar and Pandian to the station. They conducted an enquiry, obtained 

a written complaint from Sasikumar, issued a medical memo, and sent Sasikumar to the Government 

Hospital at Devakottai for treatment as an in-patient. 

At 4.00pm, PI Raja and SI Jegadeesan came to the Hospital and asked Sasikumar to come to the station. 

Sasikumar did as he was told. The officers asked Sasikumar for his father’s name. When Sasikumar told 

them, the police responded by saying “Are you son of Rajaram? Your father has sued the police in court! You 

dared to come to lodge a complaint with us? You dog! Where is your father?” The police then abused 

Sasikumar with terms such as “pundai magane” and beat him. 


2007

At around 5.30pm, the police made Pandian file a charge against Sasikumar and sent Pandian to the 

Government Hospital. They took Sasikumar’s out-patient card before filing charges of attempted murder 

against Sasikumar, Rajaram, and two witnesses to the dispute between Sasikumar and Pandian. 

The police produced all four of the accused before a judge at Karaikudi. Sasikumar cried and explained 

everything that happened to the judge, showing him his injuries. The judge remanded Sasikumar to the 

Pudukottai jail, where he was treated for ten days at the hospital on the jail campus. 

Sasikumar has since been released on bail. 


56 

FF Code : TN/SVG 96/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : Sunderrajan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Dhamodharan, SI 

2) Bhaskaran, PC3) Arumugam, HC 

Location : Salaigramam PS, Salem District 

Date of incident : 20/09/2007. 

On 4 th September 2007, victim Sunderrajan, a 52 year-old member of the Hindu Vellallar Community, had a 

fight with his neighbour Jacob. Sunderrajan lodged a complaint at Salaigramam PS. On 5 th September 

2007, while at the station, SI Dhamodharan called his neighbours to the station. SI Dhamodharan laughingly 

told them, “I will take care of it”. The SI forced Sunderrajan to sit at the station until 9.00pm. The next day he 

was forced to return to the PS. The SI told Sunderrajan that Jacob lodged a complaint against him, and again 

made Sunderrajan sit in the PS until 9.00pm. Sunderrajan was forced to return to the PS each day until 9 th 

September 2007. 

On 10 th September 2007, when Sunderrajan went to the station, the SI filed a case against Sunderrajan. 

Then the SI beat him hard on his back. PC Bhaskaran ordered Sunderrajan to remove his shirt and sit 

down. He slapped Sunderrajan in the face. HC Arumugam scolded Sunderrajan using abusive words, and 

beat him with a baton. Sunderrajan fell to the HCs feet asking what he did wrong. HC Arumugam threatened 

to file a ganga case against Sunderrajan. 


2007 

Sunderrajan sought permission to inform his family of his detention, but it was refused. The police took 

Sunderrajan to Ilayankudi Court, and then sent him to Madurai Jail. Sunderrajan was released on 17 th 

September 2007, and ordered to return to the court and sign in every day. 

On 20 th September 2007, SI Dhamodharan saw Sunderrajan in court and told him to come to the PS for 

inquiry. SI Dhamodharan then filed another case against Sunderrajan and produced him before the Ilayankudi 

Court. Again Sunderrajan was sent to Madurai Jail. When Sunderrajan asked SI why he was filing false 

cases against him, the SI threatened to file another case under the Gundas Act.

FF Code : TN/VEL 41/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Thirupathi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Chellaivan, SI; 

2) unnamed PCs, Taluk PS, Vaniampadi 

Location : Idayampallam village 


Case Details: 

Victim Thirupathi’s daughter attended S.S.A Primary School. The Headmaster of the School, Mr. Alaban 

Kennedy, sexually abused one of his female students, so Thirupathi filed a case against him at Vaniampadi 

Taluk PS. 

The police did not do anything, so Thirupathi filed a complaint with higher officials. This action annoyed the 

police at the Taluk PS. 

At the same time, there was a community clash in the village, in which a person named Dhandapani was 

assaulted. 

The police attempted to file a false charge agianst Thirupathi, saying that he had assaulted Dhandapani. They 

arrested Thirupathi. 

Thirupathi later went into hiding. 


57 


Victim(s) : Vadivelu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ganesan, SI; 

2) unnamed POs, Kumar Nagar PS 

Location : Kodambakkam 


Case Details: 

Victim Vadivelu is an auto driver who resides at 4, Avis Nagar, Main Road, Kodambakkam. 

Vadivelu’s friend, Jeeva, used a stolen two-wheeler, so the police arrested him. Under interrogation, Jeeva told 

the police that Vadivelu was his friend – so the police arrested Vadivelu as well. The police asked both men 

about another person named Babu, but neither had heard of him. 

The police detained Vadivelu under a non-bail procedure through the Goondas Act after beating him and taking 

his money. 


2007


58 

Vadivelu was released on bail in 2001. During his time in prison, Vadivelu experienced unpleasant conditions: 

he was forced to eat from unclean plates; he was given 1.5g of food in the morning, 3.5g at midday, and 6.5g 

in the evening; he was made to clean drains and perform other unsanitary work; and he was given urine to 

drink when he asked for water. Clashes between the prisoners involved human rights violations. Vadivelu 

was afraid of those with power in the prison, who could do anything they wanted, including using mobile 

phones and “ganja.” 

Since 2001, the police have repeatedly summoned Vadivelu for enquiries and demanded money from him. 

Vadivelu is haunted by his time in prison. He has not yet married, and has attempted suicide many times. 

On 28 July 2007 at about 10.00pm, SI Ganesan and another policeman came to Vadivelu’s house, broken 

open the door, thrashed him four times, and dragged him to the police station at Ashok Nagar. 

The next day, the police asked Vadivelu to pay Rs. 150 for an auto fee and took his fingerprints. They 

released Vadivelu at 8.00pm, demanding that he inform them if he received any information about one 

Murugan who resided in Kodambakkan. Vadivelu replied that he did not know Murugan. The SI responded 

by threatening to arrest Vadivelu, saying that Vadivelu kept “ganja” in his auto and attempted to sell this “ganja.” 

On 31 July 2007 at 7.00pm, two policemen arrived from Kumar Nagar PS and asked Vadivelu to come with 

them. Vadivelu, as well as his father and friend, went to the station at 10.00pm. There, a PI asked Vadivelu 

for his telephone number before letting him go. 

FF Code : TN/CHE 90/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Valli (Parayar caste) 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajpal, SI, J6 Thiruvanmiyoor PS 




2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Valli works as a barber at the Velankanni Temple. 

For the four years preceding the incident, there was an ongoing land dispute between three areas: Odaima 

Nagar, Odai Kuppam, and Periyar Nagar (Thideer Nagar). Several families, including Valli’s, kept away 

from the dispute – but the area Panchayat nonetheless ordered them to leave and told all area shops to stop 

providing them with provisions and beverages. Some upper-caste persons also physically abused Valli’s 

family and told her to move away from the area. Valli told the police, but they responded by attempting to file 

a false charge against her. 

On 25 October 2007 at around 8.00pm, Valli’s brother and sister-in-law were going to Royapettah Hospital 

when a few men from Thideer Nagar blocked there way and verbally abused them, saying “You son of a 

bastard [thevadiya], Mayiru Siraikkum Ammattai Naaikal, you are banned from the area, why have you 

come here?” The men beat Valli’s brother with a wooden log; he fell down injured.

Valli and her mother rushed to the spot and tried to stop the men. However, the men continued with their 

physical abuse. They beat Valli’s brother with an iron rod until he fainted. They also struck Valli and her mother. 

On hearing the news, four PCs and SI Rajpal arrived in a patrol van. The SI asked what had happened; Valli 

explained the altercation. During her explanation, the SI grabbed her left hand and pushed her. The SI wanted 

Valli to come to the police station, but she told him that she would come in the morning. The SI responded by 

slapping her left cheek repeatedly. Valli was frightened and entered the police van. The police took her to J6 

PS. 

Valli was at the police station reception until 11.00pm, when the police transferred her to Adayar Women’s police 

station, where she spent the night. 

The next morning at around 8.30am, the police returned Valli to J6 PS. At 3.30pm, they threatened to kick her 

if she did not sign a paper. Valli signed the paper. The police took her to Saidapet Court. Valli was imprisoned. 


59 


2007

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/VEL 80/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Manjula 

Perpetrator(s) : City Police Commissioner 

Location : City Police Commissioner’s 

Office, Chennai 


Victim Manjula, age 27, resides at Gudiyatham Pudhupettai, Vellore District and belongs to the Hindu Vanniyar 

caste. 

Manjula was tortured for dowry by her husband Ramesh and his relatives. 

On 29 May 2007, Manjula’s relatives expelled her from their house. 

Though Manjula filed a petition to the City Police Commissioner, Chennai, adequate action was not taken. 

There was no FIR lodged and no case registered. 


62 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL 23/FEB/07 

Victim(s) : Gangaiyammal 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Pitchi, PI; 2) Kavitha, SI 

Location : Ethapoor PS 


Victm Gangaiyammal, age 26, is a widow who earns her living as a daily wage labourer. Her late husband’s 

brother, Murugan, beat her for cultivating her late husband’s land. Murugan also threatened to kill 

Gangaiyammal’s daughter by setting her head on fire. 

On 19 November 2006, Murugan arrived at Gangaiyammal’s house and attempted to rape her. He tore her 

sari and blouse. Gangaiyammal escaped. 

The next day, Murugan stopped Gangaiyammal from entering onto her late husband’s land and yelled at her 

indecently. 

Gangaiyammal went to the Ethapoor PS to file a case against Murugan. SI Kavitha asked her to return the 

next day. 

Although Gangaiyammal filed several complaints, including with PI Pitchi, nothing was done. 

On 24 March 2007, Murugan came to Gangaiyammal’s house with five rowdies. Murugan slapped 

Gangaiyammal’s brother when the latter asked what he was doing. 

Gangaiyammal seeks legal action against the SI and the PI for their inaction. 


2007

Case Details: 

FF Code :TN/SAL 30/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) :Members of the Arunthathiar caste 

Perpetrator(s) :Unnamed POs, Kakapalayam PS 

Location :At the Mariammal Temple Car 

Festival 


On 6 April 2007, at the Mariammal Temple Car Festival (celebrated at Illyampillai), a youngster of the Arunthathiar 

caste accidentally struck a man of the superior Vanniar caste. The man insulted the youngster with casterelated 

insults and then hit him. 

That night, members of the Arunthathiar caste approached Manoharan, a politically powerful man of the 

Vanniar caste, and questioned him about the injustice done to the Arunthathiar youngster. 

The next day, Manoharan’s sons, with ten other men of the Vanniar caste, entered the houses of the several 

members of the Arunthathiar caste on Pattappan Koil Street. They dishonored the Arunthathiar women by 

tearing their saris and blouses. The Vanniar men also beat several Arunthathiar youngsters with wooden logs. 

The injured members of the Arunthathiar caste were nervous to be treated at the Salem Hospital, so they went 

to the Erode Government Hospital instead. 

Police officers from the Kakapalayam PS met with the victims and collected statements, but did nothing about 

their complaints. 

Members of the Vanniar caste have since threatened the victims if they do not withdraw their case. Fearing 

Manoharan’s political power, most of the victims have relocated. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL 23/APRIL/07 


Perpetrator(s) : 1) Selvan, PI; 2) Shanmuga 

Sundaram, PI 

Location : Suramangalam PS 


Victim Kandasamy had a son named Kumerasan, age 30, who had worked as a mechanic at GTP Granites 

since 1991 and who lived on the first floor of his friend Iyyanar’s house. 

On 23 May 2004, Kumerasan went to his job as usual but did not return home. 

On 26 May 2004, Kandasamy went to GTP Granites and asked after his son; he received no response. 

Kandasamy thus filed a complaint at the Suramangalam PS, but PI Selvan did not take the case seriously. 

Kandasamy asked after his son at Iyyanar’s house, but learned nothing. 


63 


2007

On 1 January 2005, Kandasamy again filed a case, this time with the new PI at the station, Shanmuga 

Sundaram. The PI responded by speaking indecently to Kandasamy and threatening to incarcerate Kandasamy 

if he did not withdraw his case. 

Kandasamy asked a man named Perumal about Kumerasan’s whereabouts; Perumal’s wife told Kandasamy 

that Kumerasan had died two months previously. 

On 5 April 2007, the PI came to Kandasamy’s house and told Kandasamy’s wife to withdraw the case, given 

that Kumerasan had been missing for three years. Kandasamy was dejected. 

On 6 April 2007 at 7.30am, Kandasamy climbed a 650-foot Aircel tower and attempted to commit suicide. 

At 4.30pm, firemen and police officers arrived at the tower and talked Kandasamy down. 

FF Code : TN/SAL 35//MAY/ 07 

Victim(s) : Kumar 


Location : Kumar’s house and the PS, 

Rasipuram, Namakkal, Salem 



64 

Case Details: 

Victim Kumar resides in Rasipuram, Namakkal, Salem. 

On 28 July 2007, victim Kumar received a visit from his relative Prakash, who arrived by motorbike. 

Prakash parked the motorbike outside and went into Kumar’s house. 

Unfortunately, the granddaughter of a man named Asokan played with the motorbike, which fell on her an 

injured her toes. Asokan, who witnessed the injury, yelled at Prakash very indecently. 

A scuffle arose between Kumar’s and Asokan’s families. Asokan’s family members assaulted Kumar’s 

brother with tiles; they also injured Kumar’s wife. Asokan’s family members then dishonoured Kumar and 

removed his clothes. 

Kumar informed the Panchayat President about the incident before taking his brother to the hospital. 

The police came to the hospital, but failed to conduct a proper enquiry. That night, someone lit Kumar’s house 

on fire. 

On 30 January 2007, since the police had taken no action, Kumar went to the Collector’s Office and threatened 

to commit suicide outside. The police assured him that they would act to address Kumar’s losses, which 

have been estimated to total up to Rs. 1.5 lakh. 


2007

Case Details: 


Dhinakaran Office 

Victim(s) : 1) Gopi; 2) Vinoth; 

3) Muthuramalingam 


Location : Othakadai PS, Madurai 


Victims Gopi and Vinoth were both young men. Victim Muthuramalingam worked as a watchman at the 

Dhinakaran newspaper office. 

Dhinakaran published an opinion poll on the topic of who was the political heir to M. Karunanidhi. In the poll, 

M.K. Azhagiri received fewer votes than the son of M. Karunanithi. The supporters of M. K. Azhagiri thus 

became infuriated and staged a demonstration in protest against the publication of the poll. They burned 

copies of the newspaper. One hundred people, let by the advocate Gopinathan, went to the Dhinakaran office, 

threatened the security men, and broke several glass windows. Also, the son of the ex-Minister Muthu 

Ramalingam went to the office armed with weapons, smashed windows and machines, and threatened to kill 

the staff with his weapons. 

Gopi and Vinoth, unaware of these happenings, were trapped inside the office building and somehow 

asphyxiated. They were taken to the Meenakshi Mission Hospital, where they were declared dead. Similarly, 

Muthuramalingam was declared dead by suffocation on arrival at the Government Hospital, Madurai. 

The News Editor of Dhinakaran lodged a written complaint at the Othakadai PS. In the complaint, he stated 

that M.K. Azhagiri was responsible for the attack on the Dhinakaran office. The Othakadai police have 

refused to accept the complaint. 


65 

Case Details: 

FF Code 

: TN/SAL 41/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Kariakapatti villagers 


Location 

: Jalahandapuram PS 


The government had allotted land for construction of a school in Karikapatti village. On 17 April 2007, when 

the foundation stone was laid, DMK Party members opposed construction of the school, saying that they 

were going to build a temple there instead. 


2007

The villagers reported the incident at the Jalahandapuram PS, but no action was taken. 

In June 2007, the school was inaugurated under police protection. However, approximately one hundred 

DMK men arrived and caused a disturbance. 

The villagers complained to the DSP, but he took no action. The police said instead that the area had been 

allotted for construction of a temple. 

The police beat many villagers with batons. 

FF Code 


Victim(s) 

: Eswaran 


Location 

: Poolampatti PS 

Date of incident : 06/2006 


66 

Case Details: 

Victim Eswaran, age 30, resided with his family in Sittur village, Edapadi, Salem. He is a Hindu of the Adi- 

Dravidar caste. 

Eswaran’s wife, Selvi, ran in the 2006 Panchayat election against Nagarajan’s wife, a woman of the Reddiyar 

caste. Nagarajan insulted Selvi with caste-related terms, alternately threatening her if she did not withdraw 

from the campaign and trying to bribe her to do so. 

Nagarajan’s wife won the election. 

A few days later, Nagarajan broke the pipeline that supplied water to the Adi-Dravidar people, ostensibly 

because a woman of a lower caste had contested the election. Eswaran filed a complaint with the BDO. 

The next day, Nagarajan met Eswaran at the Ration Shop and insulted him with caste-related terms. Nagarajan 

threatened to kill Eswaran’s family members. 

The next day, Eswaran went to the Poolampatti PS to file a FIR, but the police also insulted his caste and 

refused to receive his complaint. 

Fearful, Eswaran has since moved to Salem. 


2007

FF Code 


Victim(s) 

: Ronikammal 

Perpetrator(s) : Muralidharan, PI 

Location 

: Asthampatti Police Station 


Case Details: 

Victim Ronikammal, age 63, is married to a retired PI. Near her lives a man named Govindan. 

Govindan sold alcohol mixed with a powder that made the entire street smell of poisonous alcohol. In October 

2005, Ronikammal filed a complaint at the Asthampatti PS. The police arrived and spoke secretly with 

Govindan, but left without conducting a proper investigation. 

Ronikammal filed several other complaints, but the police did not give her the CRS. 

On 20 September 2007, Govindan damaged Ronikammal’s house with a crowbar. Ronikammal filed a 

complaint with PI Muralidharan. The police did nothing to punish Govindan. 

Ronikammal fears for her life and security. 


67 

FF Code 

: TN/TAN 27/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Nasbudeen, 2) Naina Mohammed, 

3) Mohammed Ibrahim, 4) Sakuber Sadhiq, 

5) Pavuthammal Miran 6) Hussain, 

7) Hyder Ali, 8) Rahmat Nisha 9) Shakila, 

10) Sukartho, 11) Unidentified members of the 

Muslim Community 

Perpetrator(s) : Chandra, SI, 2) Chandrasekaran, IAS, 

3) Chinnasamy, PI 4) Nataraj, PI, 5) Tanjore POs 

Location 

: 1) Muthupettai 2) Tanjore PS 


Case Details: 

At around 10.30am on 11 th October 2007, Shankar from Thillai Valagam area, asked Nasbudeen, the owner 

of Best Computer Shop, to recharge his mobile SIM card for Rs. 100/-. The recharge was unsuccessful. 

Nasbudeen asked Shankar not to wait, and told him that he will recharge the phone later. But Shankar, who did 

not agree, reported this matter to Marimuthu, the Town Secretary of the B.J.P. At around 10.50 am, Marimuthu 

along with four others went to Nasbudeen’s computer shop and smashed it up. 


2007

A scuffle between Nasbudeen and a Hindu man from Muruganandham followed. Thereafter, a 50-member 

group of B.J.P headed by Union Level Secretary Kumaravel engaged in a road blockade near the old bus 

stand. The shops owned by Muslims, like HMS Book Shop, Bishmillah Foot Wear and Royal Furniture were 

attacked. Muthupettai Police did not arrive during this incident. 

At approximately 12.00pm the rioters set fire to an auto owned by Naina Mohammed. Only then did police 

come to the scene. The Tanjore POs force from the Pattukotai, Thiruvarur and Muthupettai districts arrived. 

A Special Striking Force also arrived at approximately 1.00pm. 

At around 3.00pm, after the police already had arrived; five people led by Karuppu went inside a bus at the 

Ayyappan Temple Bus Stop with deadly weapons. They stabbed Mohammed Ibrahim who was traveling in 

a private bus to Muthupettai. A case was filed regarding this incident; Crime No. 338/07 under sections 147, 

148, 341, 324, 506 (ii) of I.P.C. 

On 12 th October 2007, Muthupettai fell under the 144 th order and all the shops were closed. On 13 th October 

2007, Sakuber Sadhiq was traveling to Muthupettai in a private bus when his bus was attacked by a group of 

four individuals. They asked Sakuber Sadhiq if he was from Muthupettai. When he replied in the affirmative, 

the group hit him, tore his clothes, kicked him and subjected him to torture. Since the incident took place within 

the jurisdiction of the Tanjore police, a case was filed with crime No. 248/07 under sections 153 (a), 294 (b), 323 

and 379 of I.P.C at the Keezh Athirampattinam PS. 

On 15 th October 2007, at 6.00pm during a Kandhoori procession on the day of Ramadan, some rioters threw 

petrol bombs from a B.J.P office. No perpetrators have been identified by the police. A case was filed under 

Crime No. 341/07 under sections 307, 511 of I.P.C. r/w- 3 of Explosive Substances Act at Muthupettai PS. 

At around 9.30pm on 15 th October 2007, four policemen knocked on the door of Hyder Ali, who was a victim 

of the atrocities of the police at Muthupettai. When he opened the door, the PI of Muthupettai PS asked Hyder 

where his uncle Maideen was. Hyder said did not know Maideen’s whereabouts. The PI hit Hyder hard on 

the right cheek. They took Hyder to the neighboring colony. There, the PI hit Hyder twice on his back and asked 

told him to produce his uncle. When Hyder insisted that he didn’t know where Maideen was, some police 

officers, in disguise, hit Hyder’s shoulders with their batons. Hyder’s father later went to attempt to secure the 

release of his son. 

At midnight on 17 th October 2007, a police team led by SI Chandra of Muthupettai PS entered into Muslim 

houses in the area and verbally abused women who were alone, torturing men, and smashing windows and 

doors. 

At around 2.00am on 17 th October 2007, Shakila, who was a Muthupettai police violence victim, heard 

someone repeatedly knocking at her door. After some time they broke a window to enter the house. She told 

them no men were home, and asked them to return in the morning. Still, 12 police broke the door and entered 

her house. On seeing Shakila’s eighteen year-old son sleeping, the police man hit Sukartho on his back. He 


68 


2007

called him a “dog” and asked where “Seeman” was. When Sukartho said he didn’t know a Seeman, the 

police searched the entire house. Finding no one else, they left. 

On 17 th October 2007, at around 3.00am, Rahmat Nisha, who was a Muthupettai police violence victim, 

heard someone knocking at her door. Police told her open the door and produce her husband. When she 

said he was not there, the police shouted at her, broke a window and smashed open the door. The police 

beamed a torch light on Rahmat Nisha. She said she was alone in the house. Then 13 police officers entered 

her house, 5 were in uniform, 4 were in disguise and 4 were policewomen. Seeing that Rahmat Nisha was 

alone, the police instructed her to send her husband to the PS the next day. 

On 23 rd October 2007, Pavuthammal of Muthupettai heard that SI Chandra of Muthupettai PS had arrested 

her grandson Miran Hussain. Pavuthammal immediately went to the Muthupettai PS to enquire about Miran 

Hussain. SI Chandra pushed her chest causing her to fall down. He yelled at Pavuthammal, stating, “I don’t 

need to answer you! Get out!” The police brought Miran Hussain out after an hour. The police told her that they 

will arrest 35 more people, so they will Miram Hussain. Pavuthammal waited for Miram Hussain. Instead 

of releasing Miram, she saw the PO put him in a jeep. When SI Chandra saw Pavuthammal, he shouted at 

her and punched her back for not going home. He then grabbed her, pushed her, and ordered her to leave. 

Two police women, who were with the SI, punched Pavuthammal and told her to leave. The police jeep then 

left. Later, Pavuthammal was admitted to the Thiurthuraipoondi Government Hospital, and was then referred 

to the Tanjore Medical College Hospital for x-rays and scanning. 


69 

FF Code 

: TN/SVG 32/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) 

:Muniyandi 

Perpetrator(s) :1) Samson, SI; 2) Kuzhandhai, HC 

Location 

:Kalayarkovil PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Muniyandi, age 62, resides at Katiyakraksiramam in Sivagangai District. He belongs to the Hindu Pallar 

caste and is a farmer. 

In Katiyakraksiramam, there are twelve families of the Nadar community, fifteen families of the Pallar community, 

two families of the Agamudaiyar community and an uncertain number of families of the Vallar community. The 

government built a public road to the village, but Santiyago (of the Agamudaiyar community) encroached into 

this public land by fencing a portion for his own use. Some of the villagers, including Muniyandi, filed a 

complaint against Santiyago with the District Collector. The case was heard in court, and a fair judgment was 

rendered. 


2007

On 14 March 2007 at around 2.00pm., government officers Krishna Kumar (Revenue Inspector of 

Maravamangalam village) and Muthu (VAO, Vannikudi) went with some of the villagers to clear the area 

occupied by Santiyago. After they were done, four persons – James Thangadurai, Arul Mary, Nallakannu, 

and Muthu Devar – arrived with weapons and beat the officers and villagers. Muniyandi tried to protect the 

officers, but James Thangadurai insulted him with caste-related terms and hit him on the head. As a result, 

Muniyandi fainted. 

The government officers and villagers carried Muniyandi to the Kalayarkovil PS, where they filed a complaint. 

Then they obtained a medical memo from the police and admitted Muniyandi at the Sivagangai Government 

Hospital. 

The next day, Muniyandi went to the station and asked HC Kuzhandhai to issue a receipt for the complaint, but 

the HC refused to do so. 

On 16 March 2007, Muniyandi met SI Samson and asked him to take action against those who had made 

comments about his caste and beaten him. 

That evening, the HC met with James Thangadurai and helped him to reoccupy the contested land. 

On 17 March 2007 in the morning, James Thangadurai approached Muniyandi, telling him that he was 

immune from police action because he had influence at the Kalayarkoil PS. James Thangadurai further told 

Muniyandi that he had filed a case against the government officers and Muniyandi. 

All of the officers at the Kalayarkoil PS are of the same caste as James Thangadurai. 


70 

Case Details: 

FF Code 

: TN / SVG 37/JULY/07 

Victim(s) 

: Nadesan 


Location 

:Vivekaananthapuram, 

Devakottai, Sivagangai Dist. 


Victim Nadesan resides in Vivekaananthapuram, Devakottai, Sivagangai District. 

Nadesan’s son Jegathesh participated in a cricket game between two groups of students; the game ended 

in a scuffle between Jegathesh and another student named Manigandian. 

On 17 July 2007 at around 6.00pm, Manigandian told Jegathesh that a teacher wanted to see him. Believing 

Manigandian, Jegathesh accompanied him. However, Manigandian, with three friends – Arumugam, 

Muthu Khrishnan, and Dinesh – instead tool Jegathesh to the outskirts of the town, killed him, and burnt his 

body using petrol. 


2007

Nadesan, searched everywhere for Jegathesh before going to the police station to file a complaint. The police 

advised him to return the next morning. Meanwhile, the police went to Manigandian’s house and learned 

what had happened to Jegathesh. 

The next morning, when Nadesan returned to the station, the police took him to where Jegathesh’s half-burnt 

body remained. The police then sent Jegathesh’s body for a post-mortem. 

In the afternoon, the police came to the Nadesan’s house and asked him to recover Jegathesh’s body from 

the hospital. Instead, Nadesan and his relatives demanded Manigandian’s arrest. Nadesan’s demands 

annoyed the police, who tried to arrest him. However, the police were barred by the intervention of Nadesan’s 

relatives, who surrounded Nadesan’s house. The police charged at Nadesan’s relatives, broke open two 

doors to Nadesan’s house, went inside, and threw all of Nadesan’s property outside. When Nadesan’s 

relatives questioned the officers’ actions, the police responded “You dogs from the lower community! You 

bastards of the Palla [Scheduled Caste] community, you people cannot even suck our dicks!” 


The police grabbed Nadesan’s shirt, dragged him through the street, and threw him in their jeep. They took 

Nadesan to the hospital and forced him to file a complaint against his own relatives and friends; they also 

accused Nadesan of obstructing police action. The police demanded that Nadesan receive Jegathesh’s 

body; they then arrested Nadesan’s relatives. 

71 

Nadesan was physically and mentally disturbed by his experiences; he acts differently from before. 


Victim(s) : Kollidam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Rajesh, SI; 2) unnamed DSP, 

Manamadurai 

Location : VAO Office, Karisalkulam 


Case Details: 

Victim Kollidam resides in Manamadurai, Sivagangai. He gave a bribe of Rs. 20,000 VAO Boss of in order 

to obtain the auction of some fire logs; however, the VAO (despite taking the money) gave the auction to another 

person. 

Kollidam went to the VAO Office and asked the VAO to return the money that he had given. The VAO insulted 

him indecently with caste-related terms and – with his men – thrashed Kollidam. 

Kollidam complained to the DSP of Manamadurai, but the DSP refused to file a case. Kolldam appealed to the 

High Court in Madurai, which ordered the police to take immediate action. However, SI Rajesh has not taken 

any steps, terminating the enquiry instead. 


2007


Victim(s) : Arulammal 

Perpetrator(s) : Jeyachandran, ADSP, Prohibition Wing 

of Alcoholism 

Location : Illyankudi PS 


Case Details: 

Victim, Arulammal, age 43, resides with her father and elder sister in Illayankudi, Sivagangai. 

On 23 March 2007, four policemen from the Prohibition Wing of Alcoholism entered Arulammal’s house 

when her father was not at home. The police went into the kitchen, where they damaged all of the utensils. 

When Arulammal protested, the police insulted and yelled at her. 

Arulammal filed a complaint at the Illyankudi PS, but no legal action has been taken. Arulammal’s complaints 

to a higher official have also gone unanswered. 


72 

FF Code : TN/SVG 26/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Sheela 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed SI 

Location : Illyankudi PS 

Date of incident : 05/2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Sheela, resides with her family in Illayankudi, Manamadurai, Sivagangai. She had worked as a typist 

for eight years at a Xerox shop. The shop owner, James, frequently sexually harassed Sheela, threatening 

her with humiliation if she told anyone. Sheela, fearful and nervous, did as she was asked. 

In March 2007, James – while drunk – forced Sheela to have rough sexual intercourse. Unable to bear the 

pain, Sheela told her husband. 

Sheela’s husband filed a complaint at the Illyankudi PS. The SI conducted an enquiry but did nothing more. 

Sheela requested higher officials to take action, but no action was taken for two months. At that time, the police 

imposed a compromise, asking James to give Sheela a Tamil/English typewriter. Because of her poverty, 

Sheela felt she had no choice but to accept the compromise. 


2007


Victim(s) : 1) Muthumari; 2) Nagajothi 

Perpetrator(s) : Kumar, PI 

Location : North PS, Karaikudi 


Case Details: 

Victims Muthumari, aged 30, and Nagajothi, age 28, are residents of Karaikudi. 

Muthumari’s and Nagajothi’s parents, rice vendors, borrowed money at high interest rates and disappeared 

without repaying it. The lenders came to the victims’ house and asked about the money. Muthumari and 

Nagajothi did not know how much money their parents had borrowed. A lady named Meenambal insulted 

them and beat Muthumari for not paying the money. 

Muthumari and Nagajothi filed a case against Meenambal, and she was jailed. However, Meenambal was 

an influential person, so a Ward Member and a Councillor went to the police station and bribed the police to 

release Meenambal. 

The police threatened Muthumari and Nagajothi with false charges relating to brothels and arrack. Dejected, 

the victims said that they would consume poison, but the police were apathetic. Muthumari and Nagajothi 

thus consumed pesticide and fainted. 

Muthumari and Nagajothi were taken to the Government Hospital. The police arrived and demanded that 

they retract their case against Meenambal. Muthumari and Nagajothi refused. 


73 

FF Code : TN/TAN 10/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : Muthuvel 


Location : Idyatti 


Case Details: 

Victim Muthuvel, age 48, resides at Idyatti, Tanjore. 

A group of people, including Paneer Selvam and Govinda Rao, tried to kill Muthuvel. One of them tried to stab 

Muthuvel with a knife, but the knife just incised lightly at his shoulder. Others beat Muthuvel. 

Muthuvel filed complaints with the police, but they did not consider the case very seriously. 


2007


Victim(s) : Arogyam 

Perpetrator(s) : Krishnan, SI 

Location : Kalayarkoil PS, Sivagangai District 

Date of incident: 26/08/2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Arogyam, age 70, resides at Pagainjan village, Sivagangai District, where he belongs to the Christian 

Nadar Community and does agricultural work for living. 

Arogyam was involved in a property dispute with Savariappan; cases regarding the dispute were pending in 

the District Court and the Madurai HC. Meanwhile, Savariappan tried to construct a building on the disputed 

property. 

Arogyam filed a complaint with PI Shankar of the Kalaiarkoil PS, who later conducted an enquiry and obtained 

a written statement from both the parties that they would abstain from doing anything on the disputed property 

until the court reached its verdict. 

On 26 August 2007, while the PI was away, SI Krishnan received a bribe from Savariappan. The SI asked 

Arogyam to come to the station. Arogyam explained the dispute to the SI, who slapped his cheeks and 

verbally abused him. 

On 27 August 2007, Arogyam filed a complaint with the Sivagangai District SP. No measures have been 

taken. 

FF Code : TN/ SVG 81/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Arulanandam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kannan, PI 2) two unnamed PCs 

Location : Kalayarkoil PS, Sivagangai Dist 



74 

Case Details: 

Victim Arulanandam, age 60, resides in Mudithanai village and belongs to the Christian Parayar caste. 

On 2 November 2007, Arulanandam went to the Kalayarkoil PS to lodge a complaint against some of his 

relatives (namely, Ashirvadam, Muthammal, John, Gurupatham, Ganapthi, Siluvaimuthu, Velankanni, Konki, 

and VAO) who had seized his land and later tortured him. However, Arulanandam’s relatives had previously 

contacted the police and asked them not to receive the complaint. 

At the station, two PCs stripped Arulanandam half-naked and asked him to sit down. Arulanandam told the 

police that he had approached the station because he was unable to bear his relatives’ beatings and because 


2007

we wanted to seek justice. The PCs responded by insulting Arulanandam and asking him whether he desired 

to expropriate others’ property. 

At 2.00pm, PI Kannan came to the station and enquired about Arulanandam’s case. Arulanandam fell at the 

PI’s feet and begged the PI to provide him with security. The PI told Arulanandam to stand up and asked him 

why his relatives sought to kill him. 

Arulanandam’s relatives came to the station and spoke with the PI. The PI then sent Arulanandam away, 

threatening to detain him if he tried to file a similar complaint in the future. 

On 3 November 2007, Arulanandam filed a complaint with the District Superintendent and Deputy Superintendent, 

who assured him that they would take action immediately. However, no action was taken. 

The PI has stated that he encouraged Arulanandam to approach the court. He adds that the PI and DSP are 

going to take action against Arulanandam, since he has spoken falsely about them. 

FF Code 

: TN/VEL 94/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Nithya 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Babu, PC; 2) unnamed POs 

Location 

: All Women’s PS, Vellore; All 

Women’s PS, Gudiyatham 



75 

Case Details: 

Victim Nithya resides in Om Sakthi Nagar, Katpadi Taluk, Vellore District. She belongs to the Hindu Nayakar 

caste. 

Nithya married PC Babu. At her wedding, Nithya’s parents gave a dowry of Rs 50,000 in cash, fifteen 

sovereigns of gold, and other customary essentials. 

Six months after the wedding, problems started. The PC came home drunk every day. He asked Nithya for 

money and beat her. 

Nithya returned to her father’s house for some time, but then the PC came there as well. Nithya then went to 

stay at the Police Quarters in Katpadi. 

On one occasion, the PC arrived drunk and told Nithya to ask her father for a motorbike and money. The PC 

caught Nithya’s hair and slapped her. Nithya went to her father’s house and told him what had happened. 


2007

Because the PC was a policeman, Nithya and her father could not file a complaint against him. The PC called 

them on the phone and told them that he was immune to their complaints. 

Nithya went to the All Women’s PS in Vellore and lodged a complaint against the PC. No action was taken. 

On 13 August 2007, Nithya lodged a complaint at the All Women’s PS in Gudiyatham. In the complaint, Nithya 

mentioned that the PC had beaten her, asked for more dowry, and threatened her parents. The police tried to 

make Nithya compromise on her complaint. 

On 2 November 2007, the police conducted an enquiry and arrested Nithya’s father-in-law and mother-in-law. 

The PC obtained anticipatory bail. 

Nithya decided that she should not live with Babu and applied for a divorce. Nithya’s father has tried to broker 

a compromise. 



Victim(s) : Pitchaimuthu 

Perpetrator(s) : Kasi Viswanathan, PI 

Location : Pakayam PS, Vellore 


76 

Case Details: 

Victim Pitchaimuthu, age 60, belongs to the Hindu Adi-Dravidar community and runs a shop. 

On 8 October 2007 at 3.00pm, a PC arrived and asked Pitchaimuthu to come to the police station. Pitchaimuthu 

asked the PC for the reason. The PC replied that there was a complaint against Pitchaimuthu, alleging that he 

had gone to the Temple and used filthy words. Pitchaimuthu agreed to come to the station. 

At 4.00pm, Pitchaimuthu wrote down what had happened and went to the station. Since the PI was absent, 

Pitchaimuthu gave the document to the PC, obtained a receipt, and left. 

On 6 October 2007, under the supervision of the priest Sathishkumar, the Temple trust manager Sambath, 

Sowndarrajan and other men filed a false complaint against Pitchaimuthu and threatened to kill him with 

knives and crowbars. The men entered forcefully into Pitchaimuthu’s land and built a wall overnight. 

On 7 October 2007, Pitchaimuthu demolished the wall, but the men returned that night and rebuilt it with tin 

sheets. 


2007

On 8 October 2007, Pitchaimuthu filed a complaint at the station and obtained a CSR. 

At 7.00pm, Sambath and his men came to Pitchaimuthu’s house, insulted him with caste-related terms, 

asked him how he had the courage to speak against them, and threatened to destroy his family. 

On 12 October 2007, Pitchaimuthu filed a complaint with the DSP (Saravanan). Since the DSP was absent, 

Pitchaimuthu left the complaint at his office. Pitchaimuthu asked for a receipt, but was not given one. 

On 13 October 2007, Pitchaimuthu was summoned to the police station, where PI Kasiviswanathan threatened 

him with indefinite imprisonment if he did not cease to disturb the police. 

Sambath and his men also occupied thousands of acres of land near Pitchaimuthu’s house, with the help of 

the police. 


FF Code : TN/CHE 38/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Vijaya Srella 2) Ajit 

Perpetrator(s) : Jesuraj, PI 

Location : Ernavoor PS 


77 

Case Details: 

On 3 rd June 2007, victims Vijaya Stella (32 years-old) and her husband Ajit (38 years-old) accompanied their 

neighbor, Jeyalakshmi, to the Ernavoor PS to report that Jeyalakshmi and her husband had been attacked 

by their relatives. The PI Jesuraj yelled at them in an indecent manner and forced them to stand in the PS the 

entire day. Jesuraj did not allow them to use the bathroom while they waited. Vijaya Stella questioned him, 

and PI Jesuraj responded by yelling at her again and threatening to beat her husband if they continued their 

questioning. 

Vijay Stella used a telephone to contact a friend of hers at an NGO. She informed her friend that the police had 

detained her and her husband. 

People’s Watch was then informed of the situation and negotiated with the PI to release Vijay Stella and Ajit. 


2007

FF Code 

: TN/VEL 38/MAY/07 

Victim(s) 

: Chitra 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed Pos 

Location 

: All Women PS, Vellore 


Case Details: 

Victim Chitra, age 16, resides at Chatthiram, Nambirajapuram, Malaikodi village, Ariyur Post, Vellore District. 

One Manivannan abducted Chitra, raped her, and threatened to kill her if she told anyone. 

For six months, Chitra – fearful of Manivannan’s threats – told no one. 

On 11 July 2007, Chitra filed a complaint at the All Women PS, but the police did not register an FIR against 

Manivannan. 

FF Code : TN/ VEL 42/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : 1) G. Ekambaran; 2) Viswanathan 

3) V. Loganathan; 4) Ramesh; 

5) Masilamani; 6) Krishnamoorthy 

Perpetrator(s) : Gandhimathi, SI 

Location : Kaveripakkam PS 



78 

Case Details: 

The victims are all members of the Vanniar caste. 

On 3 June 2007, victim Ekambaran visited his niece Tamil Rasi at her friend’s house for a religious 

celebration. There, a group of Dalit boys attacked Ekambaran and his friend Viswanathan, taking their cell 

phones and the keys to their two-wheeler. 

Ekambaran and Viswanathan went to the village and informed their friends Loganathan, Ramesh, Masilamanni, 

and Krishnamoorthy about the incident. All six men went to the Dalit colony and ended up in a scuffle with the 

boys there. The boys beat them with wooden logs; Loganathan, Ramesh, and Masilamani were injured 

severely, sustaining wounds to their heads and internally. 

The victims filed a complaint at the police station; Loganathan, Ramesh, and Masilamani were admitted to the 

Valaja Government Hospital, and Masilamani was later transferred to the Adukamparai Hospital because his 

wounds were severe. 


2007

The police had detained the boys from the Dalit colony, but released them the next day. When members of 

the Vanniar caste asked SI Gandhimathi about this release, the SI seemed not to care. DSP Narayamoorty 

intervened and assured that he would act. So far, no action has been taken. 

This matter was reported in the Dinakaran (Tamil Daily), including a story that five hundred villagers came to 

the police station to demand police action. 

The SI has said the whole incident was a media fabrication of the media. 


Victim(s) : Hamitha Banu 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajalakshmi, SI, W-16 PS 

Location : Pulianthopu, Chennai 

Date of incident : 09.04.2007 


Case Details: 

79 

Victim Hamitha Banu, of No. 16/20 Parasuraman Street, Pattalam, Puliyanthopu, is married to Samusdeen 

Akbarasha. Samusdeen Akbarasha was previously married, but before marrying Hamitha Banu he 

promised her that he had divorced his first wife and that there would not problems. On this basis, Hamitha 

Banu married him. 

The couple lived happily for two months before Samusdeen Akbarasha began to threaten Hamitha Banu. 

She later learned that he had lied to her and had not divorced his first wife. When Hamitha Banu informed 

her parents of this fact, Samusdeen Akbarasha convinced them that no problem would arise. 

However, Samusdeen Akbarasha, as well as his uncle and aunt, began to humiliate Hamitha Banu by 

telling her that she belonged to a poor family that was inferior to their own. They physically abused Hamitha 

Banu, prevented her from visiting her parents, and did not provide her with enough food. 

Upset by this harassment, Hamitha Banu attempted to commit suicide by lighting herself on fire. She 

survived, but Samusdeen Akbarasha did not provide her with necessary first aid. Her parents cared for 

her; she presently resides with them. Meanwhile, Samusdeen Akbarasha is living again with his first wife. 

Hamitha Banu’s mother was humiliated when she asked Samusdeen Akbarasha about the matter; he 

called her family a “beggar family.” Hamitha Banu’s brother filed a case at W-16 PS, but SI Rajalakshmi 

accepted a bribe from Samusdeen Akbarasha and filed a false complaint against Hamitha Banu instead. 


2007

FF Code : TN/SAL 34/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Kunjammal 

Perpetrator(s) : Police, Kakkapalayam PS 

Location : Kakkapalayam PS, Sankagi Taluk, 

Salem District 


Case Details: 

Victim Kunjammal, a 40 year-old member of the adi dravidar arundadiyar community worked as an 

agricultural labourer, and was a widow living alone. On 1 st April 2007, Muthu, Kunjammal’s neighbour, 

sexually harassed her. The next day, while she was scolding Muthu for the incident, Muthu’s son Velu 

punched Kunjammal in the face. Kunjammal sustained a bloody lip. Velu pulled a money bag from 

Kunjammal that contained Rs. 3000. 


80 

Kunjammal’s nephew Venkitachalam came to assist Kunjammal, but Velu and his family attacked 

Venkitachalam with an iron rod. After the incident, Kunjammal and Venkitachalam lodged a complaint PS, 

but the PS did not issue a receipt. The police instead directed them to the hospital. Venkitachalm’s brother 

Kathirvelu waited at the PS for a receipt while Kunjammal and Venkitachalam went to Mohan 

Kumaramangalam Government Hospital at Salem 

Meanwhile, Velu, with the assistance of political influence, lodged a complaint with the Kakkapalayam PS. 

The police filed a false case against Kathirvelu and Marimuthu (who intervened in the earlier incident). The 

Kakkapalayam police forced them to sign blank sheets of paper. The police then handcuffed them, and took 

them to Sankagiri Court. They were remanded to judicial custody. 


2007

Case Details: 

FF Code :TN/SAL 44/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) :Ishwaran 

Perpetrator(s) :1) Unnamed Block Development Officer; 

2) Sakthivel, Assistant Commissioner of 

Police; 3) unnamed Superintendent of 

Police; 4) unnamed POs, Poolampatti PS 

Location :Chavadipalayam, Arundhathiyar Colony, 

Chithoor post, Yedapadi Taluk, Salem District; Salem, 

Salem District; Poolampatti PS, Salem Dist. 


Victim Iswaran, age 36, belongs to the Arundhathiyar community (Scheduled Caste). He works as a coolie. 

On 25 September 2006, the Iswaran’s wife Tamilselvi nominated herself to contest the Panchayat election, the 

first Dalit do to so for fifty years. 

On 27 September 2006, one Nagaraj, of the dominant Reddiar caste and the incumbent Panchayat President 

who had neglected the Dalit community during his tenure, threatened Iswaran and Tamilselvi in an attempt to 

force Tamilselvi’s withdrawal from the election. 

Later, Nagaraj allegedly rigged the election so that his wife Ramani won. 

One month into her tenure, Ramani cut off the village water supply. The Dalit community demanded justice, but 

Nagaraj and Ramani ignored them. The Dalit people met their area’s Block Development Officer. 

Two days later, Nagaraj grabbed Iswaran’s shirt collar, insulted him, and threatened to burn him and his family 

alive if they did not leave the village. 

Iswaran moved his family to Salem. 

On 13 June 2007, Iswaran and Tamilselvi returned to their native village to see Iswaran’s ailing mother. On 

seeing them, Nagaraj and four other men grabbed Iswaran, beat him in front of his wife, and threatened to kill 

both of them. 

On 14 June 2007, Iswaran and Tamilselvi filed complaints with Assistant Commissioner of Police Sakthivel 

and the Superintendant of Police. Iswaran was told that a criminal case was registered against Nagaraj at the 

Poolampatti PS under the SC/ST (PA) Act, 1989, but the crime number and impugned statutes were not told 

to Iswaran. However, no case was registered against Nagaraj’s hooligans, and the police have allegedly failed 

to register the case properly. 

Complaints were filed with the National Human Rights Commission, the State Human Rights Commission, the 

National Commission for Women, the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women, the National Commission for 

Scheduled Castes, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. 


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2007

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SVG 23/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : Louis Pitchai 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) D. Jeyachandran, ADSP, 

Prohibition Wing, Sivagangai 

District; 2) Sankar, PI, 

Kalayarkovil PS; 3) unnamed POs 

Location : Sakkoor, Sivagangai 


Victim Louis Pitchai, a Christian, resides in Sakkoor village, which falls within the jurisdiction of Kalayarkovil 

PS, Sivagangai District. From 1996 to 2004, he regularly climbed trees to harvest and sell toddy – but he then 

stopped that business. 

On 1 July 2006, while he was away, officers from the Prohibition Wing of the Sivagangai District Police 

forcefully entered Louis Pitchai’s house. They smashed the tiles outside, destroyed several pots, and 

removed several of Louis Pitchai’s possessions, including a bicycle, fuse carriers, sickle, knives, and a 

fishing net. 

The Village President informed Louis Pitchai that the police had raided his house because they believed him 

to be engaged in the toddy business. 

Louis Pitchai, with Sivakumar, District Convener of the Working People Freedom Movement, submitted a 

petition to the DSP, Sivagangai; the DSP assured them that he would take all necessary action against the 

police in question but did nothing. Louis Pitchai and Sivakumar sent a similar petition to the District Collector 

and Assistant Electrical Engineer. On 7 July 2006, Sivakumar also sent telegrams to the District Superindentend 

of Police (Sivagangai), District Collector Ramanathapuram (Sivagangai), the Chief Criminal Magistrate 

(Sivagangai), and the IG (South Zone, Madurai) – but nothing was done about the incident. Finally, on 24 

March 2007, Louis Pitchai and Sivakumar submitted a petition personally to the Personal Assistant to the 

Collector General. 

Since no one had responded to their petitions, Louis Pitchai and Sivakumar organised a blockade of 

Kalayarkovil Road, to occur on 28 March 2007. Even after they published notices about the blockade in the 

newspaper, the district administration did not make any effort to initiate a discussion about the incident at Louis 

Pitchai’s house. 

On the day of the blockade, the police arrived unannounced. They violently attacked and arrested the people, 

including women, who participated in the blockade. The police detained these people all day with no food or 

water before releasing them at 6.00pm. 

Further, PI Sankar of Kalayarkovil PS, PI Sivakumar of Sivagangai PS, and two other Reserve Officers 

together attacked Melkiyar, President of the Working People Freedom movement. They beat his chest and 

back, and insulted him with comments like “If the police of the Prohibition Wing assault someone, are you 

going to suck his penis?” 


82 


2007


Victim(s) : Manjula 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ramesh, PC, Adayar Vigilance 

Police; 2) Mutthamizh Mani, 

DSP, Anti-Dowry Cell 

Location : Anti-Dowry Cell 


Case Details: 

Victim Manjula, age 27, belongs to the Vanniyar caste. She is disabled as a result of a childhood polio infliction. 

She married Ramesh, a PC, for a dowry of twenty-five sovereigns of gold and a motorcycle worth Rs. 50,000. 


After three months of marriage, Ramesh started to argue with Manjula, demanding more dowry from her. He 

and his family regularly asked Manjula’s parents for items like a refrigerator and an air cooler. Ramesh and 

his family members abused Manjula mentally and physically, and his father used to get drunk regularly and 

insult here. Ramesh’s family made fun of Manjula’s diability. They did not provide her with money for her basic 

necessities. 

In March 2007, when Ramesh’s family learned that Manjula was pregnant, they tried to push her down and to 

terminate her pregnancy. 

In 29 May 2007 at around 11.00pm, Manjula’s family told her to instruct her parents to sell their house and to 

provide Rs. 10 lakh as dowry. Manjula told her sister about the incident; her sister took Manjula back to their 

parents’ house in Guddiyattham. 

83 

On 31 May 2007, Manjula lodged a complaint of “torture for dowry” with the Chennai City Police Commissioner. 

The Commissioner immediately ordered the Anti-Dowry Cell to conduct an enquiry. DSP Mutthamizh Mani 

did so, and assured Manjula that within a month she would live with her husband away from his family, and in 

the meanwhile could stay with her family. 

At the time of the fact-finding, Manjula was four months pregnant and had not yet obtained any redress or 

solution. 


2007

FF Code : TN/VEL 56/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : Periappu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1. Arasu N.T, 2. Waga Raj, 3. Kumaran, 4. Uthaya 

Kumar, 5. Pazhani, 6. Jithu, 7. Murali, 8. Sathis, 

9. Shamugam, 10.Shankar, 11. Baskar, 

12. Magalmgam 

Location : Temple ground at Alankayam 


Case Details: 

The victim Periappu aged 54yrs belonging to the mudaliar caste was residing Vadakuppam, Alangayam, 

Vellore Dt. On 3 rd July 2007, Periappu was bringing from his garden with some mangoes when Sankar had 

stopped him and told him to give him the mangoes. On refusing he hit Periappu. To avenge this Periappus 

son Govindan went to Sankar’s house and hit him. Later that day Sankar along with 11 of his accomplices 

decided to murder Periappu. 


84 

On that day there was a festival at the temple where Periappu was present. The electricity was purposefully 

turned off and he was attacked with batons and sticks all over his chest and near his bladder. Periappu was 

rushed to the hospital but died on arrival. They filed a case against Sankar, Arasu and gang but they have not 

taken any action so far. They arrested 2 of them for name sake and later sent them on bail. Police so far hasn’t 

taken any action against finding who the real culprit is 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/VEL 34/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Ravi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Veeramani, SI; 2) Shoba Devi, SI 

Location : Town PS, Thirupathur 


Victim Ravi resides in Thirupathur Taluk. One day, while he was drunk, someone stole Rs. 900 of his money 

as well as his gold ring. He went to the Town PS to file a complaint, but the police did not let him enter. Instead, 

the police caught him by his neck and threw him out of the station. 


2007

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Rasu 

Perpetrator(s) : Chidembara Nathan, DSPL 

Location : O/o the Assistant Superintendent 

of Police, Ramnagar, Devakottai 


Victim Rasu, age 65, belongs to the Hindu Pallar caste and works as an agricultural coolie. 

Rasu’s sister-in-law, Yashodai, is a Dalit residing at Valani, Muthupattinam. Upper-caste Hindus degraded her 

with caste-related insults and tried to assault her following a land dispute. Rasu witnessed the incident, so on 1 

October 2007, he filed complaints with the Thiruvedakambathu PS, DSP Devakotai, and the District 

Superintendent of Police. Because no one responded to these complaints, Rasu and Yashodai filed a 

complaint at the High Court in Maduari. The Court ordered the Thiruvedakambathu PS to file charges against 

Yashodai’s insulters. 

On 5 November 2007, the police ordered Rasu and Yashodai to appear at the DSP Office. 

On 6 November 2007, Rasu and Yashodai came to the DSP Office, where the DSP accused them of filing a 

false case. The DSP used caste-related insults such as “kanni maganae, palla thaayoli” against Rasu and 

slapped him. The DSP threatened to imprison Rasu if he told anyone about the insults or the slapping. The 

DSP told Rasu that there was no higher authority than himself, so he could terminate the case. 

Rasu filed a complaint about the DSP’s actions to: the RDO of Devakottai, District SP, Sivagangai; the District 

Collector, South Zone PS; the Chennai State Women Commission, Chennai; the Director, SC; the SHRC, CM 

Special Cell; and the Executive Director, People’s Watch. 


85 

Case Details 

FF Code : TN/SAL 71/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Suresh Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Suresh Kumar, PC 

2) Pazhanichamy, PC 

Location : Rattipatti, Salem District 


On 11th September 2007, victim Suresh Kumar (Suresh), a 28 year-old driver belonging to Cozhiya Vallar 

Community, and his neighbour PC Suresh Kumar (PC Kumar) went to the Government TASMAC Wine 

shop to have a drink. While they were drinking PC Pazhanichamy and his friend Siva came to the shop and 

drank. 


2007

Subsequently, there was a quarrel between the two PCs. For defending PC Pazhanichamy, PC Kumar 

punched Suresh in the face. Blood ran down his face. He then took a large stone and hit Suresh in the leg. 

Suresh begged them to leave him alone. Siva, who accompanied PC Pazhanichamy, started repeatedly 

punching Suresh in the chest. One PC pulled the Suresh’s twisted Suresh’s fingers. He screamed in pain. 

Suresh was treated at a private hospital. 

The next day, two Suramangalm PCs took Suresh to the station to inquire about the incident. Suresh told 

them about the incident and they recorded his statement. Then the SI told Suresh to compromise the case 

and not to file a complaint. 

Case Details: 

FF Code 

: TN/SVG 39/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : Tamilselvi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Murugesan, PC; 

2) Samson, DSP 

Location : Ilayangudi PS, Sivagangai 


Victim Tamilselvi works as a coolie and has lived in Kanjirangal village for over 25 years with her husband, 

Kawnan, and their daughter. 

A local PC, Murusegan, had disliked Kawnan ever since an occasion on which Murusegan had treated a 

group of local women with disrespect. 

On 20 July 2007 at 10.15pm, Tamilselvi was lying down because she felt unwell; her husband had gone out 

to work. Murugan arrived at her house with Azhagar, another man from the village. Both men were drunk. 

They asked Tamilselvi where her husband was. She replied that he had gone out to seek work. Murugan 

responded by insulting Tamilselvi using the words “palla sirukki,” a caste-related insult, and by asking why 

she was talking while lying down. Then Murugan and Azhagar trespassed into Tamilselvi’s house. 

Tamilselvi, seeing that the two men were drunk, rose from bed, left the house, and telephoned Kawnan. 

When she returned home, she saw Murugan and Azhagar standing inside her house with liquor bottles in 

their hands. 

On seeing Tamilselvi, Azhagar said that he would not sleep until Tamilselvi’s family had left the village. 

Kawnan returned home and asked Murugan and Azhagar what they were doing in his house. Murugan and 

Azhagar responded by picking up logs and brandishing them, threatening to kill Tamilselvi and Kawnan 

unless they left the village. Murugan and Azhagar tried to attack Kawnan with the logs, but Tamilselvi and 

Kawnan both stopped them. Murugan and Azhagar left, saying once again that they would force Tamilselvi 

and Kawnan to leave the village, and adding that they would rape the couple’s daughter if their warning went 

unheeded. 


86 


2007

Tamilselvi and Kawnan met with Murusegan’s uncle to complain about his behaviour. The uncle responded 

that Murusegan would not listen to his advice because he was always drunk. 

Tamilselvi and Kawnan went to the Ilayangudi PS, but DSP Samson refused to act, advising that Tamilselvi 

and Kawnan seek a compromise with Murusegan instead. 

On 21 July 2007, Tamilselvi and Kawnan thus lodged a complaint before the SP of Sivagangai District. 

Murusegan and Azhagar proceeded to threaten Tamilselvi and Kawnan over the telephone, repeating their 

warnings that they would rape the couple’s daughter if the family did not leave the village. 

Tamilselvi filed complaints before the NHRC, the SHRC, the National Commission for Women, the TN State 

Commission for Women, and the National Commission for Scheduled Castes. 


Victim(s) : Veeran 

Perpetrator(s) : Parameshwari, SI 

Location : Ilayangudi PS, Ilayangudi Taluk, 

Sivagangai District 



87 

Case Details: 

Victim Veeran, age 58 and a member of the Hindu-Pallan community, resides at Nenjathur village in Ilayangudi 

Taluk, Sivagangai District. 

Two of Veeran’s fellow villagers, Vijayan and Rajagpal, had previously encroached onto Veeran’s land. On 19 

August at 12:00am, henchmen sent by Vijayan and Rajagpal threatened Veeran and attempted to murder him; 

they also smashed some of his household items, including silver drums and a brass drum, and took cash 

amounting to Rs. 18,000. 

On 19 August 2007, Veeran, afraid for his life, submitted a petition to the police. At the police station, SI 

Parameshwari refused to receive the petition. He told Veeran to remove his shirt, slapped his right cheek, and 

insulted him. The SI also threatened Veeran with imprisonment under the Goondas Act, asserting that Veeran 

had lodged a false complaint. 

The SI kept Veeran at the police station until 6.00pm. 

Veeran submitted a petition to the DSP, who assured him that action would be taken within ten days. However, 

nothing was done. 

The SI has stated that nothing was done about Veeran’s case because it is a civil matter. 


2007

FF Code : /TN/CHE 60/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : Vinodhini 



Date of incident : June 2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Vinodhini resided at Periyar Nagar, Thirisoolam Panchayat. 

A woman named Mumtaj hired Vinodhini to work as a domestic servant, but instead sent her to work in a 

brothel. After two days, Vinodhini escaped, but she was abducted again by a man named Ramesh and taken 

to a couple named Raja and Gomathi at a place called Nagal Kanni. Also at Nagal Kanni were people named 

Priya and Balaji, five girls aged twelve to fifteen, and Gomathi’s two children. Raja and Gomathy drugged 

Vinodhini by giving her cool drinks mixed with a sedative, and sold her services many times as a prostitute. 

Moreover they had assaulted her by kicking and beating her, and burnt her with a lit cigarette on her hands, 

legs, and elsewhere. This treatment lasted one month; Vinodhini still bears the scars today. 

Meanwhile, Vinodhini’s parents were searching for her. They received news of her and, accompanied by 

members of CITU, filed a complaint at the Pammal Sankar Nagar PS. However, the police did nothing, so 

Vinodhini’s parents filed a complaint at S5 Pallavaram PS. These police conducted an enquiry, arrested 

Mumtaj, and brought her before the Tambaram Court. 

Vinodhini was admitted at the Government (General) Hospital, where the doctors declared her to be pregnant. 

Vinodhini was then transferred to the hostel at Kellys in Chennai before moving to the Egmore Gosha 

Hospital. There, she learned that she was not pregnant, but rather had a fibroid in her stomach. She sought 

treatment and recovered. 

At the time of enquiry, Vinodhini was receiving assistance from the All India Democratic Women’s Association 

and living in a Social Service Center called MCCSS. She is now engaged in pipe cleaning work and is 

earning Rs. 1,500 per month. 

Mumtaj was released on bail, but must check in daily at the police station. Gomathi was arrested, and was 

also released on bail. Ramesh is still at large. 

Vinodhini has not seen justice done in her case. She has not been compensated or treated adequately. 

Rather, during an enquiry, a female police officer beat her. 


88 


2007

FF Code : TN/MDU 29/MARCH/07 

Victim(s) : Manoharan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed SI; 2) 2 unnamed PCs 

Location : Tallakulam PS, Madurai District 


Case Details: 

Victim Manoharan age 51, belongs to the Hindu-Kaikola Mudhaliyar community and works as a watchman. 

On 14 March 2007, Manoharan’s maternal uncle, Sithanathan, lodged a complaint that Manoharan’s family 

members were making use of Sithanathan’s house without his consent and demanding that Manoharan’s 

family vacate the house. 

A PI visited the house, accompanied by two PCs. The PI asked Manoharan to come the police station. 

Manoharan agreed, and made to bring his advocate Mani with him. The PI shouted at Manoharan. Mani, 

after talking with the PI, advised Manoharan to stay outside. Manoharan expressed his desire to sell the 

property. 

On 18 March 2007, when Manoharan’s son was at home, the police returned. They told Manoharan’s son 

to ask Manoharan to come to the police station under threat of arrest. 

Manoharan sent telegrams to Sithanathan and the Commissioner. 

On 19 March 2007, Manoharan sent a fax to the District Collector. 

On 21 March 2007, when Manoharan was standing at the Azhagarkovil Road, the police arrived in Sithanathan’s 

and asked Manoharan to get inside. Manoharan called Mani to come. The police took both men to the station. 

On 23 March 2007, the police detained a bicycle shop owner because of the issue with Manoharan’s family. 

The police have created bad name for the Manoharan’s family among the local people. They have also 

asked Manoharan (through Mani as intermediary) to pay Rs. 50,000. 

Sithanathan [allegedly] has insufficient evidence to claim the contested land. 


89 


2007



90 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL 52/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : Vadivellan 


Location : Valapadi PS 


Victim Vadivellan resides with his family at Valapadi, Salem. 

On 24 July 2007, four policemen from Valapadi PS came to Vadivellan’s house and took him on a twowheeler 

to the station. When Vadivellan’s mother questioned the police, they told her that there was a case on 

Vadivellan regarding a wedding he had conducted 10 years back. She told the police that the case was under 

investigation at the court and asked them why they wanted to take Vadivellan. The police did not respond. 

The police kept Vadivellan at the station until 10.00pm. They did not allow him to meet any of his relatives. 

Later, the police asked him to sign in a statement stating that he would be at the station the next day, before 

sending him home. 

The next day, Vadivellan went to the station. There, the police asked Vadivellan if he knew a person named 

Pandian. Vadivellan responded that he did not. The police then threatened to file a case against Vadivellan, 

alleging that he was related to Pandian, unless he paid them Rs. 10,000. Vadivellan called his brother and his 

mother, asking them to get Rs. 10,000 by any means. The police did not provide Vadivellan with any food all 

day. 

On 26 July 2007, the DSP called the police and had asked them why they had arrested Vadivellan. Later, an 

officer from the Chief Minister’s Special Cell and a Human Rights Organisation questioned the police. 

The police let Vadivellan go, but threatened to file false charges against him. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/KK 34/AUGUST/07 

Victim(s) : Karthikeyan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ganesan, PI; 2) Sorubarani, PI 

Location : Victim’s house; Kulacchal PS 


Victim Karthikeyan, age 55, resides at North Soorangudi Post, Kanyakumari District. He earns his living by 

working in cultivation. Karthikeyan lives with his three sons, as well as his mentally ill daughter Sathiyarani. 

Karthikeyan’s niece married PI Ganesan. Afterwards, the PI regularly threatened Karthikeyan and his 

family with false charges of complicity in the death of Karthikeyan’s late wife, if Karthikeyan would not give the 

PI jewels and property that the PI alleged Karthikeyan’s late wife to have bequeathed to him.

On 2 February 2007 at around 5.00am, the PI arrived at Karthikeyan’s house with female PI Sorubarani, five 

male PCs, and one female PC. All were armed with revolvers and batons. Karthikeyan had gone for a walk 

at the time and was not home. The police forced their way into Karthikeyan’s house when his son answered 

the door, and proceeded to search all of the rooms. 

PI Sorubarani forcibly opened the door to Sathiyarani’s room, caught hold of her hair, and tried to take her away 

from the house. When Karthikeyan arrived and shouted, PI Ganesan threatened him with a revolver. PI 

Ganesan caught hold of Karthikeyan’s housemaid Leelavathi, slapped her cheeks, dragged her outside, and 

called her a “dog.” 

At around 5.30am, hearing the noise, Karthikeyan’s neighbours gathered at Karthikeyan’s house. On seeing 

them, PI Ganesan forced Karthikeyan, his family, and Leelavathi into a vehicle. When Karthikeyan resisted, 

the PI hit him with his hand, and a PC threatened him with a baton. 

At around 6.45am, the vehicle arrived at the Kulacchal PS, despite that Karthikeyan’s house is in the jurisdiction 

of the Etthamozhi PS. At the station, the police made Karthikeyan and his son sit in the central cell, while they 

locked Leelavathi and Sathiyarani in separate rooms. 

Later, Karthikeyan learned that the police had collected Sathiyaranis’ signature on blank papers affixed with 

revenue stamps, by threatening to foist false charges against her family. 

At around 9.00am, PI Ganesan left the station. 

At around 11.30am, PI Ganesan returned. Karthikeyan threatened to organise a public demonstration against 

Sathiyarani’s treatment. 

At around 1.00pm, several influential locals arrived to see Karthikeyan. PI Ganesan told them that the police 

had detained Karthikeyan after hearing allegations that Karthikeyan had been abusing Sathiyarani. 

The police let Leelavathi go immediately, and promised to let Karthikeyan and his family go after collecting their 

signatures. 

Karthikeyan signed a paper as directed by the police, and transcribed his testimony as dictated by PI Ganesan. 

Meanwhile, Sathiyarani’s mental condition worsened. 

At 7.30pm, the police let Karthikeyan and his family go. Karthikeyan had Sathiyarani admitted to the 

Sangaralingam hospital. 

On 2 February 2007, on returning home, Karthikeyan inspected a safe that he operated for money-lending 

purposes with governmental permission. He noted that gold jewellery and a sum of money were missing. 

Karthikeyan compensated the jewellery owners, but did not lodge a complaint, fearing the police. 

PI Ganesan visited the Sangaralingam Hospital and insisted that the doctors there discharge Sathiyarani. On 

10 March 2007, Sathiyarani was discharged. 

Sathiyarani underwent treatment at the Dhanvandiri Hospital in Tirunelveli between 10 and 22 March 2007. 


91 


2007

On 11 April 2007, Karthikeyan filed complaints regarding the theft with the SP (Kanyakumari District), the DIG 

(Tirunelveli), the Commissioner of Police (Chennai), and the Chief Minister (Tamil Nadu). 

On 14 April 2007, knowing that Karthikeyan had sent petitions to higher authorities, PI Ganesan, threatened 

Karthikeyan when he saw him near the Vattakarai River. The PI told Karthikeyan that his petitions would be 

ineffective. 

Complaints were sent to the NHRC, the SHRC, the NCW, and the TN Commission for Women. 

Sathiyarani is presently undergoing treatment at Sacred Heart Hospital, Thodupuzha, Kerala. 



92 

2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : D. Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajenderan, PC, Boothalur PS 

Location : Padaloor 


Victim Kumar, age 32, is a mason residing in Padaloor, Tanjore. 

On 23 July 2006, PC Rajenderan approached Kumar and took from him Rs. 9,500 and a gold watch. The 

PC tore Kumar’s shirt and tried to put him in the police jeep. Kumar escaped from him and was later admitted 

to the hospital. 

The PC arrived at the hospital and threatened to file a false case against Kumar. The PC also demanded that 

the doctors discharge Kumar, which they did without even treating him. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Muniasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed SI 

Location : Thanjavur West PS 


Victim Muniasamy, age 35, resides at Kumbakonam and is a trade union member. 

On 8 May 2007 at 2.00am, the SI from the Tanjavore West PS came to Munisamy’s house in a fourwheeler. 

The SI caught hold of Muniasamy’s wife and yelled at her indecently before taking Muniasamy to 

the station. 

At the station, the SI allowed Muniasamy to meet his union leader for only five minutes. Then the SI forced 

Muniasamy to sign a statement regarding money that he had borrowed from Paetchimuthu. Muniasamy 

refused to sign, saying that he would pay the money soon. The SI did not accept Muniasamy’s answer and 

refused to release him. 

The members of the trade union engaged in a protest. The DSP arrived and brokered a compromise.


Victim(s) : Karpagam 

Perpetrator(s) : Thanga Durai, PC (Crime 

Branch) of Perumalpuram PS 

Location : Palayamkottai Taluk, 

Palayamkottai, Tirunelveli 


Case Details: 

Victim Karpagam is 34 years-old and resides in Tirunelveli District, Palayamkottai Taluk, Palayamkottai. She 

belongs to Hindu Thevar Community. Along with running a hostel, she also stitches garments and distributes 

then in shops. 

Perumalpuram PC Thanga Durai resides near her house. For the past few years, PC Thanga Durai sexually 

harassed Karpagam because she was separated from her husband and lived alone. Karpagam had often 

scolded him for his behavior. In 2003, PC Thanga Durai opened his pants and revealed himself to Karpagam. 

She felt ashamed and took her slipper to beat him. Thanga Durai ran away. After the incident, Karpagam 

lodged a complaint against Thanga Durai at the Palayamkottai PS. No action was taken. 

After Karpagam filed the complaint, Thanga Durai began spreading rumors about Karpagam, and told her 

house owner Mallika that Karpagam should vacate the house. Mallika asked Karpagam to find somewhere 

else to live. 

On 5 th December 2007 at around 6.00 pm, PC Thanga Durai caught Karpagam and pulled her hair. He 

warned Karpagam to vacate the house or else he would kill her. PC Thanga Durai held her throat, causing 

Karpagam great pain. PC Thanga Durai started shouting at Karpagam. He told her to vacate the hostel and 

called her a Bastard (Thevadiya). When Karpagam tried to push him away, PC Thanga Durai kicked her in 

the abdomen and sneered at her, asking whether she was so strong as to resist him. The assault was 

witnesses by others. 

PC Thanga Durai threatened to file a prostitution case against Karpagam. He said he would present her before 

the SI, and then tear her genital-parts (Pundai). When he left, he renewed is threat that Karpagam should 

vacate the house that day or else he would kill her. 

Due to the assault, Karpagam was admitted in Tirunelveli High Ground Hospital for neck and shoulder pain. 

She still is receiving treatment. 


93 


2007


Victim(s) : Anjalam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Salem FGs 2) Vazhapadi FGs 

Location : Vellapatti Village, Salem District. 


Case Details: 


94 

Victim Anjalam was a 45 year-old member of the Kal Ottar Community. On 7 th May 2007, Anjalam was 

threatened by three Forest Guards from the Salem Forest Department and two Forest Guards from Vazhapadi 

Forest Range. One of the FGs told Anjalam that her house belonged to the Forest Department and ordered 

her to immediately vacate her house. Anjalam told him that her husband bought the house from Vellapatti 

Madhaiyan. He yelled at her and ordered her to pay him Rs. 5000. 

Anjalam cried and begged the Forest Guards not to make her pay the money, explaining that to earn 5000 

Rupees, she would have to toil for 2 or 3 months, 

With the assistance of the Vice President of the village and her neighbours, Anjalam paid Rs. 5000. After 

paying the FGs, the FGs told her that the next time they visit her, she must behave with respect. If she 

opposes them, they said the FGs would demolish her house. 

FF Code :TN/SAL 94/11/07 

Victim(s) : Suganeswaran 

Perpetrator(s) : Constables of Gopichttipalayam 

Location : Panakadu, Salem. 


Case Details: 


2007 

The victim Suganeswaran, aged 27, and his brother Baskaran own a silver shop. On 23 rd November 2007, 

Suganeswaran was managing his shop, when three men came in a private car at about 8.00pm. There 

were two PCs in car, but neither was wearing a uniform. The PCs accused Suganeswaran of receiving 

stolen jewels. The PCs grabbed Suganeswaran and lifted his head and then punched his face. They took 

Suganeswaran to the car. 

The PCs took Suganeswaran Forest Department and locked him up. The next day they called 

Suganeswaran’s father and demanded 20 Kg of silver or threatened to file a false case against Suganeswaran 

for stealing jewels in different districts. Subsequently Suganeswaran gave them 5 Kg of silver.


Victim(s) : Kumaran 

Perpetrator(s) : Pandiarajan, PI 

Location : Town PS, Gudiyatham Taluk, 



Case Details: 

Victim Kumaran, age 30, resides in Vallalar Nagar, Gudiyatham Nagar, Vellore District. He is a Coordinator for 

the DMK Party and a member of the Vanniyar caste. 

PI Pandiaraj, disliking DMK Party officials, had previously filed cases against several of them (including 

Kumaran), claiming that they had no recourse because he was influential. 

On 20 September 2007 at 10.30pm, while Kumaran was returning from a Party meeting with a friend, PC 

Shanmugam stopped Kumaran and checked his vehicle. Kumaran was in a rush, so he left his friend to deal 

with the PC and departed. 

The next day at 10.00am, the PI arrived with ten policemen and forced their way into Kumaran’s home. The 

PI demanded that Kumaran come to the station. Kumaran asked to see an arrest warrant. The PI responded 

that a complaint had been filed against Kumaran, and that other villagers were coming to besiege his house. 

Kumaran acquiesced, and the PI took him to the station. 

In the station, the PI grabbed Kumaran’s shirt, pushed him, asked why Kumaran had behaved as he did, and 

threatened to beat him to death. Kumaran said that the PI could beat him if he dared. The PI threatened to beat 

Kumaran to death, to hang him from a fine, and to allege that he had committee suicide. The PI also threatened 

to shoot Kumaran and to claim that he had acted in self-defence. 

An SI arrived and pulled the two men apart. Kumaran asked the SI to file an FIR, but the SI would not. 

Kumaran informed higher authorities about the incident. The PI was transferred to another posting. 


95 


2007

FF Code :TN/TIR 50/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) :Anand 

Perpetrator(s) :Sundara Pandian, SI 

Location :Kadayam PS, Ambasamuthiram 

Taluk, Thirunelveli District 


Case Details: 



96 

2007 

Victim Anand resides with his family at Door No. 2/66, Pudhugramam, within the jurisdiction of Kadayam PS, 

Ambasamuthiram Taluk, Thirunelveli District. He belongs to the Nadar Christian community. Anand and his 

younger brother, Aravind, operate a mud excavation business with a JCB Engine. 

Behind Anand’s house, he has six cents of vacant land. His neighbour, PI Suresh Kumar (then of 

Seinthamaram PS, now of Aiyakudi PS in Thirunelveli District) similarly has six cents of vacant land. In 

2005, Suresh Kumar encroached onto two cents of Anand’s land while measuring his own. The two men 

scuffled, and then filed a case at the Civil Rights Court in Ambasamuthiram. 

On 20 October 2005 at 10.00am, Anand’s JCB Engine driver, Sundararajan, went with a man named Alwin 

to work on Sundararajan’s land near the Mathapuram check post. Balasingh, who resided nearby, arrived 

and scuffled with Sundararajan regarding a land dispute. Balasingh called the police; SI Sundara Pandian 

arrived and stopped Sundararajan from working. 

Anand arrived on the scene with his father and brother. When the SI saw them, he hit Sundararaj on his 

cheeks and abdomen. Anand’s father told the SI that the problem was between Anand and the SI, so there 

was no reason to slap Sundararajan. The SI apologised and said that he would take Sundararajan to the 

Thenkasi hospital on his two-wheeler. 

On the way, the SI asked Sundararajan where Anand worked. Then, instead of taking Sundararajan to the 

hospital, the SI brought him to the Kadayam PS. At the station, the SI called Anand and told him that the PI 

wanted to see him. 

At 12.00pm, Anand and his relatives went to the station, where they learned that the SI had brought Sundararajan 

there instead of to the hospital. 

PI Kupusamy asked the SI if Balasingh had made any complaint. The SI said that Balasingh had not. The 

PI, annoyed, told Anand, Sundararajan, and the others that they were free to do as they wished. They left the 

station. 

The SI later asked Anand and his father to retract the pending land dispute case at the Civil Rights Court. They 

replied that the case was under investigation at the Court, so they would not retract it. The SI threatened to file 

a case against Anand and his father if they refused to comply.

A little later, Balasingh came to the station. The SI collected his signature on a piece of paper and sent him away. 

At 5.00pm, the SI took Anand and his father to the Ambasamuthiuram Court. There, the SI brought them before 

a judge. The SI proceeded to produce a complaint by Balasingh against Anand and his father, rather than 

against Sundararajan. Anand and his father realised that the SI was acting on the ongoing land dispute and had 

fabricated a false case. The judge remanded Anand and his father to prison. 

After six days, Anand and his father were released on bail. They filed a case against the SI at the Madurai High 

Court. 

The SI did not appear in court as requested, so an arrest warrant was issued against him. He currently works 

in Dindigul. 


Victim(s) : Settu 

Perpetrator(s) : Puzhal, SI 

Location : Vellore 



97 

Case Details: 

The victim Settu, aged 43, is a shopkeeper. The SI was accustomed to collecting bribes from shopkeepers 

through Venkatesan, one of his brokers. Vepankuppam PC went to Settu’s shop and took him to the PS. SI 

Puzhal was at the PS, and yelled at Settu abusively. SI Puzhal accused Settu of collecting money at high 

interests. The SI told Settu to pay a bribe of Rs.15000 and he would leave him alone. Settu borrowed Rs.15000 

and paid him. 

On 17 th October 2007, the SI again went to Settu’s shop, but Settu was not there. SI Puzhal took the account 

notebooks and documents. He ordered the employees to tell Settu to go to the PS. SI Puzhal went to Settu’s 

daughter’s house and threatened to kill Settu if he didn’t come to the PS. Settu was nervous and closed his 

shop for four days. The SI sent one of his brokers to Settu’s house. The broker told Settu that he had a bond 

against him for 3 lakhs, and asked him to pay a bribe of 1 lakh. After Settu pled with the SI, the SI reduced the 

amount to Rs.75000. 

Settu contacted an advocate and lodged a complaint to the DSP. The DSP enquired into the matter and 

returned a key that SI Puzhal had taken. But the SI refused to return the account note book. 

On 28 th October 2007, the SI went to Settu’s shop with 4 PCs. SI Puzhal yelled at Settu, slapped him, 

kicked him and threatened to kill him within two days. 

Settu had chest pain and was admitted at Vellore Government Hospital. Settu registered a case at the high 

Court. 


2007



98 

2007 

Case Details 

FF Code :TN/SAL 65/AUG/07 

Victim(s) :Illavarasan 

Perpetrator(s) :Arokyasamy, PC 

Location :Ashtampattii PS, Salem District 


On 30 th June 2007, victim Illavarasan, aged 29, was walking on the road with his sister. PC Arokyasamy 

stopped them and demanded Rs. 100. Illavarasan refused to pay him. PC Arokyasamy scolded him in 

vulgar language and slapped his cheeks. He told Illavarasan that he was going to arrest his sister on 

prostitution charges. Illavarasan got angry and scolded the PC. 

The incident was reported to the Ashtampatti Police Station. Policemen went and brought Illavarasan and his 

sister to the PS and enquired about the incident. 

PC Arokyasamy was warned and issued a small fine. Moreover, the higher authorities scolded PC 

Arokyasamy and told him not to drink while on duty. 

Police officers ask the pardon of the victim and his sister, and sent them home. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Johnson 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) K. Jothimuthu, SI 

2) Ramalingam, SI 

Location : Allivanam PS, Thiruvarur District 


On 22 nd September 2007, at 7.00p.m., Allivanam SIs K. Jothimuthu and Ramalingam went to victim Johnson’s 

house. Johnson, who was 63 years-old, answered the door. The SIs asked for Johnson’s son Prabakaran. 

The police alleged that Prabakaran stole idols from the Kozhindhueswaran temple in Kottur. Johnson told the 

SIs that Prabakaran was not there. 

The police took Johnson to the PS and put him in lock-up. SI Jothimuthu hit Johnson on his back twice and 

threatened him. 

Again on 21 st October 2007, five policemen went to Johnson’s house and asked why Prabakaran was not 

produced. The police took Johnson to Kottur PS. 

The next day, when Johnson was being released, four policemen took him to Pattukotai PS. The PO told 

Johnson to produce Prabakaran or he would arrest the women in Johnson’s house.

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/KK 24/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : Advocate K. G. Krishnakumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Murugesan, PI 2) Mohan, PC 

3) Lawrence, PC 

Location : Savarikaalavilai veedu, 

Kaliyakkavilai, Vilavankodu Taluk, 

Kanyakumari District 


Advocate K. G. Krishnakumar, aged 38 years, was residing at Savarikaalavilai Veedu, Kaliyakkavilai, 

Vilavankodu Taluk, Kanyakumari District. He was engaged in bailing out an accused in a case of attempt to 

murder. On 11 th June 2007 irate Thiruvattar police authorities went to his residence and threatened his mother 

and his brother’s wife using highly offensive terms. They asked Krishnakumar’s whereabouts. 

The PCs who came with the PI entered in to the house and searched for him. PI Murugesan, and PC Mohan 

wielded their batons threatening the ladies. The PI brandished his pistol and said he would kill them all, including 

Manikandanand Krishnakumar. As the public started gathering around the house, the police left. 

Later on 11 th June 2007, Krishnakumar lodged a petition at the Kaliyakkavilai PS on the incident. No action was 

taken on his petition. 

On 20 th June 2007, in front of the Vilavankodu Taluk office, Kuzhithurai Advocates Association organized a 

demonstration and court boycott against the actions of the police. 

Because of the incident, Krishnakumar’s family members have undergone mental agony, pain, and loss of 

self-respect. 

FF Code : TN/SAC 100/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Krishnan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kavitha, SI 2) Sasikumar, PC 

Location : Alayilpatti PS, Nammakal District 


Case Details 

Victim Krishnan, aged 33 years, belongs to the Adhi-Draividar Community. On 26 th November 2007 at 

around 1.30am, SI Kavitha and PC Sasikumar from Alayilpatti Station with another PC not in uniform went to 

Krishnan’s house. The police woke him, telling him a water pipe near the PS broke and water was entering 

the PS. The police dragged him by his neck and took him to the PS. In the PS, the police interrogated 

Krishnan over a complaint that he engaged in an altercation with the Government run bus conductor when the 

Krishnan asked for change. Krishnan maintained that he was only asking for the balance due to him. 


99 


2007

SI Kavitha forced Krishnan to sit in a small room until the PI arrived in the morning. On 27 th November 2007, 

the PI arrived and told Krishnan that the higher authorities wanted a case filed against him. Though Krishnan’s 

wife and villagers went to the station to get Krishnan released, the police did not heed to them. 

The police took Rs. 1000 and Krishnan’s cell phone. The police took Krishnan in a government bus to 

Namakkal. On the way, the PCs told Krishnan to admit that he broke the bus window and glass in the tea 

shop. They told him if he admitted it, he would only have one case charged against him, but if he denied, they 

would file a case under many sections against him. The police said they would arrest him whenever there 

was a theft, robbery and murder, and that he we go to jail and never get out. 


The RDO was not present, so the police brought Krishnan back to the PS. Krishnan repeatedly pleaded that 

his wife was waiting for him but the police did not heed to it. Later, Krishnan was released on bail, but ordered 

to return the next day. 

Due to his treatment, Krishnan tried to commit suicide. He was admitted to a government hospital. 

100 


2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/KK 23/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Rajasekharan 


Location : Nithiravilai area, Eludesam 

Town Panchayat, Vilavangodu 

Taluk, Kanyakumari District 


Victim Rajasekharan runs a jewellery shop in the Nithiravilai area. 

Some time before the date of the incident, Rajasekharan purchased a fifteen-sovereign ornament from an 

unknown person. 

On 24 June 2007 in the morning, the seller of the ornament arrived with six Viruthunagar police officers. 

The officers interrogated Rajasekharan for three days. Rajasekharan told the police everything. 

The police asked Rajasekharan if he had bought the ornament. Rajasekharan replied in the affirmative. The 

police told Rajasekharan to return the ornament under threat of incarceration. Rajasekharan contacted 

Johnson, the President of Nithiravilai Traders’ Association, and explained his situation. 

Johnson arrived and spoke with the police, assuring them that the ornament would be returned. A compromise 

was thus reached. 

The interrogation was reported in the Dina Thanthi [newspaper]. 

Jisthi Mohammed (Kumari District Human Rights Monitor, People’s Watch, Madurai), met Rajasekharan 

several times and recommended legal intervention, but Rajasekharan did not want to take any action. 

Rajasekharan insisted that he had no evidence to provide concerning his case.

FF Code : TN/SVG 48/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Mr. Paulraj 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ramachandran, PO 

2) Damodaran, SI 

Location : Salaigramam PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Mr. Paulraj resides with his wife, children and parents as a joint family. On 18 th February 2007, Mr. 

Paulraj got into a dispute with others, who subsequently filed a false case against Mr. Paulraj. As a result, police 

officer Ramachandran went to Paulraj’s house with wooden log to beat him. Mr. Paulraj ran away. Police 

officer Ramachandran stamped on the chest of Mr. Paulraj’s wife with his foot and abused her on caste name. 

Paulraj gave a complaint regarding the same to higher officials. 

On 17 th July 2007, Mr. Paulraj was stopped by police officer Ramachandran while riding a two wheeler. He 

was asked to produce RC book and license. Paulraj replied that the vehicle belongs to his relative and he did 

not have the requested documents. The police fined him Rs. 400 for not having the RC Book, license and 

helmet. Police officer Ramachandran threatened Paulraj, stating that since his wife had filed a complaint against 

the police, police officer Ramachandran will harass victim and his family. 

The police fabricated a false complaint on Paulraj’s name and told him to sign a blank paper. Police ordered 

him to appear at Salaigramam PS the next day, on 18 th July 2007. Per the order, Paulraj went to the PS. SI 

Damodaran told to the other police officers that Paulraj’s wife lodged a complaint about the police. SI Damodaran 

assaulted Paulraj with metal baton and verbally abused him with filthy words. (Eanda Thevadiya mahane, 

Palla Tayoli). SI Damodaran stamped on Paulraj’s thighs and continuously beat him. 

Police informed Paulraj that the blank form he previously signed stated that he was dismissing the case against 

the police. The police also filed 110 cases on Paulraj’s name and forced him to sign in a document in the RDO 

court. The police also threatened to put Paulraj’s name in the “rowdy’s list” and imprison him for a year if he 

attempted to file any complaint against the police. Police also told victim that they will continue to harass him and 

his family. 


101 


2007

FF Code : TN/TIR 33/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Rajadurai 

Perpetrator(s) : Marimuthu, HC 

Location : Alangulam PS, Alangulam Taluk, 

Tirunelveli 


Case Details: 


102 

Councilor SP Rajadurai belongs to a Hindu-Nadar community. He was the Councilor for 14 th ward of his 

area. Sub-PI Adhis routinely stopped passing vehicles on T.D.TA street and wrote charge-sheets to collect 

money from poor drivers. The people from the area reported this to Councilor SP Rajadurai. Councilor S.P. 

Rajadurai, questioned SI Adhis, and instructed him not to stop vehicles without proper reason. 

On 27 th June 2007, SP Rajadurai was overseeing the desilting work carried out at T.D.T.A Street. PC 

Kanagaraj accompanied by another PC arrested SP Rajadurai. The police officers wanted to handcuff 

Councilor SP Rajadurai, but relented after he paid the officers a Rs. 10.000 bribe. 

At the police station, PC Kanagaraj made derogatory remarks about Councilor SP Rajadurai’s caste. The 

police also arrested and tortured Navamani, Rajadurai’s brother in-law, at the police station. PI Sahaya Jose 

and SI Adhis jointly threatened to kill SP Rajadurai and claim it was an encounter-death. Councilor SP 

Rajadurai was remanded in court and locked up in jail. 

Since this incident, SP Rajadurai suffers from mental depression and fear. 


2007

FF Code : TN/MDU 51/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Amutha 

Perpetrator(s) : Shobana, SI 

Location : Anna Nagar PS 

Date of incident : 02/12/2007 to 05/12/2007 

Case Details: 

The victim Amutha, aged 28, resides at Therkkutheru, Melur Taluk, Madurai District and works as a maid 

servant in Balaiya’s house. Balaiya’s son-in-law misbehaved with her. Fearing that Amutha would reveal this 

matter, Balaiya lodged a false complaint stating that Amutha had stolen jewels. On 2nd December 2007, she 

was arrested by the Anna Nagar PI. Amutha was taken to Sellur PS where SI Shobana subjected her to 

verbal abuse, and beat her with a lathi. SI Shobana forced Amutha to turn towards the wall and beat her on her 

buttocks. Amutha was also assaulted by two other policemen. Amutha was taken to the Women PS, 

Tallakulam; she was not provided with food for three days. There were deep wounds in her body caused by 

the beatings. On 5 th December 2007, she was released without filing any case. 


103 

Upon her release, Amutha was admitted to the hospital. She filed a M.L.C reporting that the police had 

assaulted her. Sellur PO Vijayakumar went to the hospital and received Amutha’s complaint. 


Victim(s) : Anbazhagan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Natarajan,SI; 2)Ramesh,HC 

Location : Jamanamarathur PS, Polur Taluk, 

Thiruvannamalai District 


Case Details: 

Victim Anbazhagan, age 25, belongs to the Hindu Palangudiyianar-Malayali caste and resides in Thombarappati 

village, Jamanamarathur. He served as Treasurer of the Nehru Youth Club. 

As requested by local villagers, Anbazhagan complained (in his capacity as Treasurer) to the Jamanamarathur 

Police, asking them to take action against those who sold illegal arrack in a nearby village. 


2007

On 18 November 2007 at around 4.00pm, since the police had taken no action for a month, Anbazhagan 

went to the station along with Kamalakannan, Ramesh, and other members of the Club. There, HC Ramesh 

told them that SI Natarajan was not in, and asked them to return in an hour. 

As Anbazhagan and his colleagues were leaving, they saw the SI, who had just awoken from a nap and who 

was drunk. The SI asked Anbazhagan where he was from and why he had come. Anbazhagan asked 

about the complaint that he had filed. The SI insulted Anbazhagan and his colleagues and told them to catch 

the criminals themselves. The SI warned Anbazhagan and his colleagues that they would be beaten to death 

if they dared come to the station again. When Anbazhagan asked the SI not to scold him, the SI grabbed his 

shirt and hit his neck. The HC locked Anbazhagan in the lock-up, while Kamalakannan, Suresh, and the 

others escaped. 


104 

Inside the lock-up, the SI tore Anbazhagan’s shirt off. He made Anbazhagan stand half-naked in his briefs 

and pulled the cord around Anbazhagan’s waist forcefully, making Anbazhagan’s hip bleed. The SI broke 

Anbazhagan’s right hand and hit his left leg four times, telling Anbazhagan that he should never come to the 

station again. When Anbazhagan tried to stop the beating, the SI hit his hands and leg. The SI hit Anbazhagan 

in the face and chin, and dragged him by his hair. By this point, one of Anbazhagan’s toenails had fallen off 

and several teeth were loose. The SI beat Anbazhagan with a baton on his back and shoulders. Anbazhagan 

fell down. The SI kicked Anbazhagan in the face with booted feet. 

The SI tried to take pictures of Anbazhagan. When Anbazhagan tried to turn away, the SI beat him. The SI 

eventually did take Anbazhagan’s photograph, and obtained his signature on a blank paper. 

Kamalakannan returned to the station with Panchayat Board President Nadesan, Vice-Chairman Ramajeyam, 

District Councillor Vellaian, and Sekhar. They sought Anbazhagan’s release. 

The HC held Kamalkannan’s hands behind him while the SI hit his chin more than ten times. 

After his release, Anbazhagan sought treatment at the Primary Health Centre and complained to the SP. 

The HC has stated that Anbazhagan’s charges against himself and the SI were false. 


2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL/21/FEB/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Jeyakumar; 2) Rajavelu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Malathi,SI; 2) four unnamed PCs 

Location : Saravalyam PS 


Victim Jeyakumar, age 27, is friends with victim Rajavel. 

On 16 January 2007, Jeyakumar and Rajavel were having drinks at Jeyakumar’s house. They saw Mani, 

who was walking by, and called him to join them. Mani told them that he could not have drinks with them

ecause his uncle, Loganathan, had come. Jeyakumar said that he knew Loganathan, who was working at 

the EB. Loganathan, who was with Mani, called to SI Malithi, doing his rounds nearby. 

The SI, along with four PCs, came over and thrashed Jeyakumar and Rajavelu with batons. Jeyakumar’s 

mother and sister-in-law asked the police to leave them, but the officers threatened to file prostitution charges 

against the women. 

The police tried to take Jeyakumar and Rajavalu in a jeep to the police station, but Jeyakumar ran away. 

The police took Rajavelu to the station and tortured him. 

Jeyakumar’s family members went to the station along with Loganathan but the SI refused to let Rajavalu free. 

On 20 January 2007, the police came to Jeyakumar’s house, but he was not there. 

On 8 February 2007, when Jeyakumar went to fill his vehicle with petrol, the police caught him and took him to 

the station. There, they tied his hands behind him and beat him with a baton. 

Later, Jeyakumar went to be treated at the hospital. 


105 

FF Code : TN/SVG 36/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : Velankanni 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed PI; 2) unnamed SI; 


Location : Ilayangudi PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Velankanni, age 25, resides at Melayur, Ellayankudi Taluk, Sivagangai District. He belongs to Hindu- 

Parayar community and lives with his parents, wife, sister, and brother. He earns his livelihood by working in 

a Bricks Chamber. 

Also in Melayur, a man named Sathiyamoorthy and a woman named Ranjini had been in love with each other 

for four years – despite that their parents had not consented to their relations and Ranjini’s family had married 

her to someone else. Sathiyamoorthy and Ranjiji, however, continued to meet regularly, and one morning 

they disappeared together. 

On 2 July 2007 at around 9.00pm, Velankanni was eating at home when two police officers arrived on a two 

wheeler and informed him that the PI at Ilayangudi PS wanted to see him for an enquiry. Velankanni agreed 

to accompany them to the station on their two-wheeler. 

At the station, the police took Velankanni to the Inspector’s room, where two officers insulted him and asked 

where he had sent Sathiyamoorthy and Ranjini. Velankanni replied that he knew nothing. Both officers began 

to beat Velankanni with batons on his chest, back, and ears. Velankanni could not bear the pain. He cried 

aloud and begged the police to set him free. 


2007

The police took Velankanni to another room and told him that they would stop beating him if he admitted where 

he had sent Sathiyamoorthy and Ranjini. Velankanni replied again that he knew nothing. The officers beat 

him for more than twenty-five minutes. They stamped on Velankanni’s legs until he went unconscious. Two 

other people at the police station, Mohan and Kalaiselvi, were witnesses to Velankanni’s treatment. 

Later, a female SI told Velankanni that she would file a murder case against him if he told anyone about the 

officers’ actions. She advised him, if he went to the hospital, to say that he had fallen. 

The police released Velankanni at 1.00am. 

On 3 July 2007, Velankanni could neither stand nor walk. He was spitting blood. He fell unconscious before 

he was admitted at Ilayangudi Government Hospital. 


At the Hospital, medical officer Asma Begum asked Velankanni what happened to his body. Velankanni 

described how he had been assaulted at the Station. Asma Begum asked Velankanni get a medical memo 

from the station. 

106 


Victim(s) : 1) D. Jeeva, 2) Suyamparakasam 

Perpetrator(s) : SI Rajendran 

Location : Boodhalur PS, Tanjore District 



2007 

Case Details: 

D. Jeeva, a member of the Adhi Dravidar Pallar community, is an auto-driver. Suyamprakasam is also a 

car driver. Four months before the incident, Suyamprakasam borrowed Rs.2000/- from Jeeva stating that he 

would repay the loan in a week. After a week, Suyamprakasam returned only Rs.800. On 30 th September 

2007 at about 7.30pm, Jeeva went to the Boodhalur Bus Stand and asked Suyamprakasam for the remaining 

amount. Suyamprakasam said he had returned all the money and said won’t pay any more. This resulted 

in a scuffle between Jeeva and Suyamprakasam. Suyamprakasam went to the Boodhalur PS and lodged 

a written complaint against Jeeva. 

Jeeva followed Suyamprakasam to the PS. SI Rajendran told Suyamprakasam and Jeeva to undress to 

their underwear and locked them in a cell for half an hour. At about 8.30pm, SI Rajendran entered the cell with 

a baton in his hand. SI Rajendran first hit Suyamprakasam in both his palms. He asked Suyamprakasam 

to stand, and then hit him on his thighs and ankles for 10 minutes. 

SI Rajendran then asked Jeeva to stand up. SI Rajendran hit Jeeva on both of his knees. He told Jeeva to 

stretch out his hands, and he hit Jeeva hard on his palms about 5 times.

Jeeva and Suyamprakasam were released at 10.30pm. SI Rajendran told both men to pay Rs.1000/. 

Suyamprakasam paid Rs. 400/-. Since Jeeva had no money on him, he told SI Rajendran he would return 

and pay the next day. 

Suyamparakasam is not willing to pursue this case. Jeeva requested legal action be initiated against SI 

Rajendran. 


Victim(s) : Ponnusamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ilango, PI; 2) Selvaraj, PC; 

3) Sugumaran, PC; 4) Shakthi, PC 

Location : Thalavai PS 



Case Details: 

107 

Victim Ponnusamy, age 35, resides in Muniandipuram, Madurai. He works at a stone carving company and 

belongs to the Kalottar caste. 

On 20 April 2007 at 11.00am, the police arrived at Ponnusamy’s workplace and asked for him. They arrested 

him and took him in their vehicle to the Thalavai PS. 

At the station, Ponnusamy’s relatives Arumugam, Muthu, and Rajenderan were also present. PI Ilango and 

PCs Selvaraj, Sugumaran, and Shakthi interrogated Ponnusamy and then asked him to sign a blank paper. 

The police called Ponnusamy, Arumugam, Muthu, and Rajenderan one by one, noted their addresses, and 

collected their signatures. Then the police put all four men into a vehicle. 

In the vehicle, the PI threatened not to leave Ponnusamy alone unless he gave the police one hundred 

sovereigns of gold. Ponnusamy responded that he did not have any gold to give. 

The police brought Ponnusamy, Arumugam, Muthu, and Rajenderan to the North PS at Rajapalayam. 

That night, about five policemen called Arumugam into a room, where they interrogated and beat him. Ponnusamy 

could hear Arumugam shouting, and when he emerged after a half-hour, Arumugam’s face was bleeding. 

The four detainees were given minimal food. At night, they were beaten and not permitted to sleep. 

On 22 April 2007, the police took Ponnusamy, Arumugam, Muthu, and Rajenderan to a village near Rajapalayam 

and locked them up. The police made Ponnusamy stand facing a wall. The three PCs beat his shoulders. 

Ponnusamy fainted. The PCs dragged Ponnusamy into another room and splashed water on his face to wake 

him. 

The PCs similarly beat Arumugam, Muthu, and Rajenderan. 


2007

On 24 April2007, the police took Ponnusamy to Rajapalayam, where they locked him in a lodge. The 

policemen rotated through guard duty. When the PI arrived for his shift, he hit Ponnusamy with a baton on his 

hip. The PI made Ponnusamy sit and spread his legs, and then beat Ponnusamy’s groin with a baton. 

Ponnusamy cried aloud. The PI demanded one hundred sovereigns of gold once again, in exchange for 

Ponnusamy’s freedom. 

The PI filed a case against Ponnusamy, alleging that Ponnusamy had pick-pocketed Rs. 100. The PI 

produced Ponnusamy before the Srivilliputhur Court, where Ponnusamy was remanded to the Madurai 

Central Prison. 

After one and a half months, Ponnusamy was released on bail. 


108 

Ponnusamy approached People’s Watch for help. 

FF Code : TN/KK 20/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Abdul Rahim 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Chakravarthy, PI 2)SI Pudhukadai PS 

Location : Pudhukadai PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

On 19 th June 2007, the victim Abdul Rahim, aged 32 years, was taken to the Pudhukudai PS regarding a 

quarrel. In the PS, the SI called Abdul a rowdy and scolded him, “you Rascal, I heard that you don’t respect 

the police when you come across them. Instead you fold your dhoti upwards and walk like a thug. Do you 

think police men are fools?” He scolded Abdul with filthy words and slapped his right cheek. 

PI Chakravarthy said that the police will gain respect only when people like Abdul are subjected to encounter 

death. The PI kicked Abdul on his right thigh with his booted. Abdul begged the PI not to beat him. The PI 

said, ‘Thotti Payale” and told him this was punishment for speaking against the police. The PI slapped Abdul 

on both cheeks several times. Unable to bear the pain Abdul screamed. Then, the SI took the baton and 

pushed it in to Abdul’s mouth. Abdul thought he was going to suffocate. The SI thrashed Abdul all over his 

body. Abdul was unable to bear the pain, and fell down. The SI fastened both of his legs with the chain and 

locked it. The jeep driver held Abdul to the wall while the SI stood on Abdul’s legs. The PI took the baton from 

the SI and beat Abdul’s feet about 30 times. The victim screamed and cried unable to bear the pain. The jeep 

driver blocked Abdul’s mouth. 

Later, he was produced before the judge of Kuzhithurai Court. She remanded Abdul to judicial custody for 15 

days. Accordingly, Abdul was remanded at Sub-jail in Kuzhithurai for 9 days.


Victim(s) : Anandhan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sini Babu, SI; 2) unnamed PCs 

Location : Pulianthoppu PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Anandhan resides at No. 34, 3rd Street, Pulianthoppu area, Circle-42, Chennai-12 with his wife and 

family. 

Anandhan’s elder brother’s wife quarrelled with the wife of another of Anandhan’s brothers. The former was 

injured in the forehead, and subsequently filed a complaint against the aggressor and her sons. 

On 20 May 2007 at around 2.30am, Anandhan heard a noise outside his house. He rose to see SI Sini Babu 

holding his nephew’s wife by her hair and asking her husband’s whereabouts. Anandhan and his wife, with 

some neighbours, protested against the SI’s actions, noting that the woman did not know her husband’s 

whereabouts and had recently given birth to a baby. The SI responded by taking Anandhan and another of his 

nephews in a jeep to the police station, accompanied by two PCs in civilian dress. Before releasing them, the 

SI told Anandhan and his nephew not to tell anyone about the incident. 

At 7.30pm, Anandhan returned home from work. At his home, SI Jenatin and PC Vivek Mannan told him that 

SI Sini Babu wanted to see him at the police station, but they would not tell him why. 

Anandhan went to the police station. At 8.00pm, SI Sini Babu arrived and verbally abused him, saying “You 

son of a bitch! What did I say last night? I told you nobody should know that I was there – but you incited her to 

file a complaint against me.” Anandhan replied that he knew nothing about a complaint, having just returned 

from work. The SI responded by slapping Anandhan’s face before calling two PCs and telling them to beat 

Anandhan harsehly. 

One PC asked Anandhan to take off his shirt and lungi. Anandhan requested to be left alone. The other PC 

shouted at him, saying “You son of a bitch! You won’t heed Sir’s words?” The PCs beat Anandhan hard with 

a lathi on his back. Unable to bear the pain, Anandhan shouted aloud. The PCs continued to beat him. 

Frightened by the thought that the police might even kill him, Anandhan removed his shirt and lungi as they hard 

earlier asked him to. Then, the two PCs jointly beat Anandhan with lathis all over his body. Anandhan shouted 

again with pain. The SI threatened to kill Anandhan if he kept shouting. The policemen then locked Anandhan, 

half-naked, up with the other prisoners. 

At 9.30pm, Anandhan’s wife came to the police station. Seeing her husband’s miserable state, she asked the 

SI why he was thus locked up. The SI replied that if she stayed there, she would end up in the same position. 


109 


2007

Anandhan’s wife solicited the help of Nagarajan, President of the Rahul Gandhi Association. They secured 

Anandhan’s release by 10.30pm. 

As per the advice of Nagarajan, Anandhan checked into the Chennai Stanley Hospital and underwent 

treatment form 20 to 25 May 2007. 



Victim(s) : Ananthan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Manoharan, PI; 

2) two unnamed PCs 



110 


2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Ananthan is a blacksmith of the Ottar caste. On the date of the incident at 5.00am, a police PC arrived 

at his home and asked him to come to the police station for an enquiry. When Ananthan said that he had done 

nothing wrong, the PC pulled him from his home and brought him forcefully to the station. 

At around 6.30am, Ananthan arrived at the station and waited on the veranda for PI Manoharan to arrive. At 

8.30am, the PI arrived. He told Ananthan that Ananthan’s brother-in-law had stolen Rs. 40,000 and had 

entrusted the money to Ananthan. The PI demanded that Ananthan return the money. Ananthan replied that 

he knew nothing about the matter and had not seen his brother-in-law for nearly three months. The PI 

responded by slapping his cheeks before beating him elsewhere on his body and telling him to remove his 

clothes. Ananthan did as he was told. 

The PI told Ananthan to lie down with his chest on the ground. One PC sat on Ananthan’s back. Another told 

Ananthan to stretch out his hand. The PI then beat Ananthan’s hand twelve times before hitting his genitals. 

Ananthan quivered and cried with pain. The PI ordered him to stand up. As Ananthan was getting up, the PI 

kicked him in the ribs and said “Get up, you son of a bastard [thevadiya].” 

Ananthan had little strength and staggered up. The PI threatened to torture him to death unless he returned 

the stolen Rs. 40,000. Ananthan pleaded that he did not know anything about the money. The PI ordered 

Ananthan to stretch out his hands again, and beat his hands with a baton six times. 

At about 10.00am, Ananthan’s wife arrived at the police station with an advocate. Unbeknownst to Ananthan 

at the time, the two paid Rs. 5,000 to secure his release. 

The police allowed Ananthan to return home after making him sign an agreement to return to the police station 

whenever called for.


Victim(s) : 1) Anbalagan; 

2) Radhakrishnan; 

3) Panchalai 

Perpetrator(s) : Arunachalam, PI 

Location : Sethupet PS, Polur Taluk, 

Thiruvanamalai District 


Case Details: 

Victim Anbalagan, age 45, belongs to the Vanniyar caste. He resided with his wife Premavathi near 

Kannigapuram. Victims Radhakrishnan and Panchalai are Anbalagan’s brother and sister (respectively). 

Anbalgan and Premavathi often quarrelled. Premavathi used to abuse Anbalagan over property disputes, with 

the help of her brother Vankatesan, who was a policeman in Chennai. Once, Premavathi attacked Anbalagan’s 

mother, who was later admitted to the hospital. She then bribed the police at Sethupet PS to file a false charge 

against Anbalagan. 

On 26 June 2007, while Anbalagan, Radhakrishnan, and Panchalai were bringing their mother back from the 

hospital, some police officers asked them to report to the Sethupet PS. 

At 8.00pm, the three siblings reported to the station. Premavathi and Vankatesan, who were standing in the 

station entrance, insulted Anbalagan by calling him a “potta paiyan [feminine insult]” and “thodiar paiyan 

[bastard].” They all quarrelled, and Vankatesan kicked Anbalagan with a booted foot in the abdomen. Vankatesan 

slapped Anbalagan’s face and insulted him. Premavathi and Vankatesan then got on a bike and left. 

At around 8.30pm, PI Arunachalam called Anbalagan into his room. The PI threatened that the police would 

kill Anbalagan if he did not sign a finance bond, meanwhile insulting Anbalagan by calling him “thevidar 

payanuku porandavanae [son of a bastard]” and “potta nayae [female dog].” The PI then made Anbalagan, 

Radhakrishnan, and Panchalai wait on the veranda.At around 9.00pm, the PI called Anbalagan back into his 

room, where he called him a “thevidar paiya” and asked what Anbalagan had decided. Anbalagan replied that 

he did not understand what the PI meant. The PI became furious. He dragged Anbalagan by the collar to the 

veranda, where he hit Anbalagan with a baton ten times on his right hand, left leg, and chin. The PI then 

punched Anbalagan in the face; he was wearing rings that cut Anbalagan’s face, which started to bleed badly. 

The PI then punched Anbalagan in the ear. Anbalagan became dizzy and fell down. The PI stamped on his 

face, thighs, legs, and back. Anbalagan cried in pain. 

Panchalai could not bear the sight, so she grabbed the PI’s leg and pleaded with him. The PI pulled her blouse, 

slapped her, and asked her if Anbalagan was the Lord Krishna. 

The PI then returned to beating Anbalagan. He kicked Anbalagan’s face; Anbalagan’s wisdom tooth broke and 

began to bleed badly. The PI then hit Anbalagan with a baton on his thighs and abdomen. 


111 


2007

The PI also struck Radhakrishnan, who was watching nearby. 

The PI pulled Panchalai, who standing in the corner, and stripped off her sari. He made her stand half-naked 

in her blouse and skirt in front of about eight policemen for almost four hours. The PI told Panchalai that no one 

would question him if he raped her. 

Anbalagan’s tooth fell out and his ear began to bleed; he lost consciousness. He awoke again when the 

police poured water all over him. 

Premavathi and Venkatesan returned to the station. Premavathi spat on Anbalagan’s face. Anbalagan went 

unconscious again. He awoke again when the PI began to beat him again and told him to remove his clothes. 

The PI tore Anbalagan’s shirt and banniyan and stripped him to his underwear. 



112 

2007 

The PI then caught Panchalai and snatched the quarter-sovereign gold coin from her thali. 

At about 1.30pm, the police took Anbalagan to the German St. Thomiar Hospital in Sethpat. Anbalagan 

refused to take treatment from that Hospital, insisting that he wanted to go to a Government Hospital. The PI 

dragged Anbalagan out of the hospital and into a jeep. 

In the jeep, the police abused Anbalagan, calling him a “thevadiar paiya.” They handcuffed Anbalagan and 

insulted him further before detaining him under the Goondas Act. 

The police then took Anbalagan to the Polur Governemnt Hospital, where they obtained a letter stating that 

Anbalagan was healthy. 

At 3.00pm, the police took Anbalagan, Radhakrishnan, and Panchalai to Judge Arulraj’s house, but the 

Judge was absent. 

The next day at 6.00pm, the police brought Anbalagan, Radhakrishnan, and Panchalai back to the Judge’s 

house. The Judge asked what had happened. Fearing police reprisal, Radhakrishnan gave a false 

statement that he and Anbalagan had scuffled. The Judge sent Anbalagan and Radhakrishnan to the Polur 

Sub-Jail, and Panchalai to the Women’s Jail. 

Anbalagan asked to the taken to the Hospital, as he was bleeding all over. The PI took Anbalagan to the 

Government Hospital. There, Dr. Ramaligam examined Anbalagan, determined that he was severely 

injured, and asked to transfer him to Arumbamblaku Hospital in Vellore. The PI then handcuffed Anbalagan, 

called him a “thevadiyar paiya,” and told him he would die rather than be moved to Vellore. 

The PI proceeded to exhibit Anbalagan in public in order to humiliate him. 

Two PCs then took Anbalagan by bus to Vellore, where he was treated at the Adukamparai Government 

Hospital between 27 June and 7 July 2007. Throughout his treatment, Anbalagan was handcuffed to his 

hospital bed. 

Meanwhile, Anbalgan’s mother learned of her children’s treatment, and died of depression. 

On 7 July 2007, Anbalagan, Radhakrishnan, and Panchalai were granted bail. They went to Anmirthi and 

cremated their mother’s body.

Anbalagan can no longer hear or chew properly. His jaw hurts so much that he cannot sleep at night. His 

reputation has been tarnished. 

The police have threatened Anbalagan with reprisals if he files a complaint against them. 

Anbalagan has lodged a complaint against the PI, but no action has been taken. 

The PI has denied ever torturing Anbalagan. 


Victim(s) : Anbu (a) Anbalagan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Boopalan, SI; 2) Poomalai, PC; 

3) Sunny Babu; 4) George Miller, SI; 

5) Kutti, PC; 

6) unnamed POs from K5 Peravalluvar PS and 

Viyarpadi PS 




113 

Case Details: 

Victim Anbum, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, resides at Peravalluvar, Raja Gardens, B BLOCK, Door No. 28, 

Chennai-82. 

In 2005, Anbu’s brother-in-law, a notoriously rowdy man, struck SI George Miller with a machete. George 

Miller shot Anbu’s brother-in-law dead. 

In 2006, Anbu was arrested for theft of gold ornaments. SI Boopalan, PC Poomalai, Sunny Babu, and eight 

other policemen entered his house and forced his wife to show them the shop where the stolen ornaments had 

been mortgaged. They took the ornaments away. 

The police then returned to the station. PC Kutti and ten other policemen anchored Anbu’s hands to a window, 

held his legs, and proceeded to beat his hands, thighs, and knees repeatedly with a lathi. They also kicked him 

with their booted feet. Such treatment was repeated for six days. 

The police then remanded Anbu to Egmore Court. 

On 4 December 2007, when returning from Egmore Court, Anbu encountered SI George Miller. The SI put 

Anbu into a car and (with other policemen) pushed, kicked, and beat him. They kicked Anbu’s abdomen with 

their booted feet, punched him, and twisted his hands. They eventually left him at a tea shop. 


2007


Victim(s) : Anbu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Radhakrishnan, SI; 2) Mohan, PC; 


Location : SIPCOT PS 




114 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Ambu is thirty-two years old. 

On 20 September 2007, Anbu was returning home from work when he met his friend Munisamy waiting on 

the road. Munisamy said that he had night duty and asked Anbu to drop him off at work. Anbu agreed. 

As Anbu was waiting for Munisamy at his company’s entrance, Munisamy tried to steal something and was 

caught. 

On 21 September 2007 at 9.45am, three PCs from the SIPCOT Police Station arrived, only one of whom, 

PC Mohan, was in uniform. They told Anbu and Munisamy to get into the company owner’s car, and took 

them for an enquiry. 

At the station, the police made Anbu and Munisamy strip to their underwear and stand on the veranda facing 

the wall with their hands in the air. SI Radhakrishman beat Anbu and Munisamy with a baton on their buttocks 

three times, asking if they would ever steal again. Other officers then beat Anbu and Munisamy, who cried 

in pain. The police insulted Anbu and Munisamy with such terms as “porampoku [useless]” and “thevidar 

pasanga [bastards],” and asked if they would ever steal again. The police hit Anbu and Munisamy five times 

and then made them jump, which hurt a great deal. The officers then beat Anbu and Munisamy about twenty 

times. Anbu asked the policemen for water and pleaded with them to stop, but the officers simply locked him 

and Munisamy in a room. 

At 12.00pm, the police took money from Anbu’s and Munisamy’s pockets and bought them lunch. 

Later, the police handcuffed Anbu’s left hand to Munisamy’s right and took to the Government Hospital at 

Valaja. En route, the police instructed them to tell the doctors that they were in perfect health and suffered no 

pain. They did so. 

At 8.00pm, the police took Anbu and Munisamy to the house of a Judge of the JM Court. The Judge signed 

an order and sent them back. 

At 9.00pm, Anbu and Munisamy finished their dinner. 

At around 1.00am, the police took Anbu and Munisamy to the Vellore Prison for Men and registered them. 

The PC on duty asked what the case was about. Neither Anbu nor Munisamy answered. The PC instructed

them to speak and slapped Anbu’s cheeks. The PC then stripped Anbu and Munisamy naked and made 

them sit on the floor for some time before sending them to a room. 

In jail, Anbu could neither sit nor lie down, because his buttocks were swollen. He could not eat properly. He 

suffered in this manner for about twenty days, even after his release from jail. 

On 4 November 2007, Anbu was released from jail. Since his imprisonment had been reported in the local 

newspaper, his landlord evicted him and his business suffered. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/KK 05/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : Anil Rueban 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Lawrence, PC, 

2) Chelladurai, PC 

Location : Kuzhithurai PS 


The victim Anil Rueban aged 36 years, belonging to the Christian-Barber caste (MBC) resides at Kodiavilai, 

Marthandam,Kanyakumari. During the civic body elections held on 13 th October 2006, Anil Rueban had a 

brawl with Lawrence, a PC from Kuzhithurai PS. 

Later on 27 th December 2006, Anil Rueban got married and on 28 th December 2006, on the way to buy flowers 

for his wife, PC Lawrence and two PCs pulled Anil Rueban by his shirt from the back and punched on him on 

his face with his right hand. He commented on Anil Rueban’s caste saying, ‘you son of a barber! The 3 PCs 

pulled Anil Rueban by his shirt and dragged him along one side of the road and took him to the Kuzhithurai PS. 

There, PC Lawrence abused him, by calling him a ‘bastard! Son of barber pundai (a highly offensive term in 

Tamil for woman’s genitals)’ and that how dare he speak against the police. He punched Anil Rueban’s chest 

several times. PC Chelladurai together with Lawrence pounded him brutally on his chest and on his back 

several times. Anil Rueban passed urine and stools instantly. PC Lawrence kicked him hard on his chest with 

his right leg which made Anil Rueban lose consciousness. When he regained consciousness, he realized that 

he was lying near the toilet inside the PS. The police told him to sign a paper on which something was written. 

They warned him not to tell any body about the incidence and sent him with his friend Francis. 

On the way, Anil Rueban fell down unconscious. Anil Rueban was taken and admitted at the ARS Traditional 

Medicines Hospital in Marthandam. He underwent medical treatment in the Emergency care for 3 days and 

returned to his home on 2 nd January 2007. 

He was then admitted in the Government Hospital at Kuzhithurai. From there he was referred to the Government 

Medical College Hospital at Aasaaripallam and he was admitted in the Emergency care section. 

After he was subjected to the brutal attack by the police, he has been unable to breathe and sleep normally. 

Apart from this, he cannot enjoy the sexual life with his wife. 


115 


2007


Victim(s) : Arul (a) Munusamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Krishnamoorthy, SI; 

2) unnamed PCs 

Location : Perambur, Chennai 



116 

Case Details: 

Victim Arul is a pig salesman. On 29 October 2007, he asked his friend Subash to arrange for a vehicle for 

the purpose of moving several pigs. Subash did so. 

On 2 November 2007 at around 3.45pm, the police woke Arul. Arul’s parents were nervous, but the police 

assured them that they were only taking Arul to the police station to answer a few questions. 

At 4.00am, the police took Arul to the station, along with his friend Subash and Mohan. On the way to the 

station, one PC punched Arul. 

At the station, SI Krishnamoorthy began to beat the men with a baton. He accused Arul of stealing pigs and 

transporting them in a friend’s car. Arul replied that he did not steal. The SI told Arul to stretch out his hands, 

which he beat six times with a baton. The SI then made Arul strip naked and lie on his chest. Two PCs held 

Arul’s hands and legs while beating his feet and back. Arul shouted with pain. The SI then made Arul stand 

up before beating Arul’s back. Arul could not walk because of the pain. 

At 4.00pm, the police took Arul to Ambathur Court. A PC threatened to imprison him for life if he spoke about 

his treatment at the station. 


Victim(s) : Arumugam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed PI; 2) other PCs, 

Anna Nagar PS 




2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Arumugam resides with his wife and two children, and works as a steel polisher. 

Arumugam’s nephew, Jegan, was involved in murder and robbery. The police eventually caught Jegan, 

who signed an agreement not to steal anymore. However, in June 2007, Jegan was faced with financial 

difficulties and asked Arumugam to sell two stolen bangles on his behalf. Arumugam did as Jegan asked.

On 21 September 2007 at around 3.30pm, a PI and six PCs came to Arumugam’s house and dragged him 

into their van – where Arumugam saw his brother, Kumar, as well as Jegan’s friends Radhik and Yagini. They 

also searched his house, searched everywhere, and took the receipts for the bangles as well as Rs. 10,000 

that Arumugam’s sister-in-law had entrusted to his wife for her children’s birthday. 

In their van, the police kicked Arumugam’s belly and cheeks with their booted feet, twisted his big toe, and 

forced him to tell them where Jegan was. Unable to bear the pain, Arumugam told the police about Jegan and 

the bangles. 

The police dropped Kumar off near Koimbedu. When Kumar asked about Arumugam, he was kicked aside. 

The police brought Arumugam before the PI at the Anna Nagar PS. They asked about Jegan, to which 

Arumugam replied that he knew nothing. One PC slapped Arumugam’s cheek repeatedly. Then one PC 

kicked Arumugam’s abdomen while another bent his big toe and threatened him. 

In another room, Radhik and Yagini were hung upside-down and beaten on their feet. All three men were kept 

at the police station overnight. 

On 23 September 2007 at around 1.30pm, Radhik and Yagini brought the stolen jewels to the police station. 

They were remanded to Elambur (Egmore) Court. 


117 

FF Code : TN/VEL 71/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Mohammed Ashraf 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Alexander, PI; 2) Mathivanan,PI; 


Location : South PS, Vellore 


Case Details: 

Victim Mohammed Ashraf, age 22, belongs to the Mohammediar caste. He resides in Johny Poonthotam 

Nagar, Vellore. 

On 29 August 2007, someone stole the money box and some mobile phones from the shop where the shop 

where Mohammed Ashraf worked. 

At 9.30am, the shop’s proprietor filed a complaint at the South PS. PI Alexander came to the shop with four 

PCs in civilian clothing and interrogated the staff. 

At around 10.30am, the police took Mohammed Ashraf, the shop manager Suresh, and the security guards 

Rajesh and Nesamani to the police station. 

At the station, the police made all three men sit down. PI Alexander and five policemen then took Mohammed 

Ashraf to his house, which they searched. The police then took Mohammed Ashraf back to the station. The 

police took Mohammed Ashraf’s, Suresh’s, Rajesh’s, and Nesamani’s mobile phones, and made them take 

off their clothes. 


2007

The police interrogated all three men all night long, without providing either food or water. 

The next day, the police interrogated and beat Mohammed Ashraf, Suresh, Rajesh, and Nesamani. 


118 

At 4.15am, PIs Alexander and Mathivanan took Mohammed Ashraf to the Inspector’s room. There, 

policemen encircled Mohammed Ashraf and said that they knew what had happened. The police took 

Mohammed Ashraf that Nesamani had told them that Mohammed Ashraf had stolen from the shop. PI 

Mathivanan asked Mohammed Ashraf how he had conducted the theft. Mohammed Ashraf replied that he 

did not know anything. The police tied Mohammed Ashraf’s hands with a rope, forced a baton between his 

hands, and pushed his neck back. Unable to bear the pain, Mohammed Ashraf screamed. The police told 

Mohammed Ashraf to sit still and hit his back about ten times. Then the police made Mohammed Ashraf sit 

down with his back against a wall and stretch his legs. Two policemen stood on each of Mohammed Ashraf’s 

legs, demanding that he admit to the theft. Mohammed Ashraf fainted. 

When Mohammed Ashraf awoke, he was sent to the clerk’s room. There, the police beat him, as well as 

Suresh, Rajesh, and Nesamani. The police threatened to publish photographs of all four men in the newspaper 

if they did not admit the truth. 

Mohammed Ashraf’s father arrived at the station. The police obtained Mohammed Ashraf’s father’s signature 

before letting Mohammed Ashraf leave with him. The police asked Mohammed Ashraf to return to the station 

later. 

Humiliated, Mohammed Ashraf did not go to the hospital for treatment, despite pain in his thighs, hip, and wrist. 

FF Code : TN/TIR 22/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Azhagu Sundaram 

Perpetrator(s) : Thirupanthurai Police 

Location : Tenkasi Village, Thirupanthurai, Kerala 


Case Details: 


2007 

Azhagu Sundaram belongs to the Hindu-Pallar Scheduled Caste Community and resides in the Indra Colony, 

Pudhukudi, Veeravanallur, Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli District. In the early morning of 8 th April 2007, 

Azhagu Sundaram was woken by his neighbour Mariappan and asked to come outside. When he came out, 

five policemen, without uniform, caught hold of him and carried him to a Qualis car parked near a temple. 

Azhagu Sundaram did not even have his shirt on. 

The police took him to a town named Tenkasi and kept them in a lodge where they already had four other men 

from the Kuzhuva Community. The police asked Azhagu if he knew the others. As he recognized them, he 

answered affirmatively. The police said that if he knew them, he must be hiding the jewels stolen by them. 

Azhagu denied knowledge of any jewels. One policeman kicked him on his hip. Then the police took all of the

men to Kerala via Sengaottai. They brought them to a PS at Thiruppanthurai near Ernakulam. The police did 

not provide them anything to eat until morning. 

Through the whole night, the policemen beat all five of the men. One of the policemen punched Azhagu’s 

chest hard with his fist. The police interrogated them for two days. The only food provided was two parotas at 

night. 

Later, the police took Azhagu and another prisoner, Perumal, to another PS. After four days, Perumal 

reported having chest pain and was taken back to Thiruppanthurai Station, leaving Azhagu Sundaram alone. 

They did not give Azhagu water to drink. After some days, Azhagu asked the police when he will be released. 

They told him that only the police who caught him could answer his question. One day, one of the police who 

caught him came down to the PS where he was kept. He asked him when he will be let free. The policeman 

told him he will be freed if he pays Rs. 25,000. Meanwhile, Azhagu’a wife lodged a complaint about Azhagu’s 

detention at the local Veeravanallur PS. The complaint was published in the newspaper. 

After 15 days of isolated detention, the police freed Azhagu and told him to run away. Since he had no money 

and did not know the route he walked all the way to Tamil Nadu begging for alms and food to eat. 

On 04 th May 2007, he made a complaint to the SP of Tirunelveli District. The SP asked Azhagu to come to 

the station on 15 th May 2007. He again went on, but was directed to meet the PI of Veeravanallur PS. On 16 th 

May 2007, he met the PI who obtained a written statement from Azhagu. Later on 24 th May 2007, the Sub- 

PI called Azhagu and advised him that his case involves Kerala and Tamil Nadu, and therefore it’s worth 

pressing for action on the Kerala police. Convinced, Azhagu decided not to press his complaint. 


119 


Victim(s) : 1) Babu; 2) Amutha 

Perpetrator(s) : Pitchandi, HC 

Location : Baratharami PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Amutha, age 24, belongs to the Hindu Jangmar Caste and resides in Pondicheri. Her uncle sexually 

abused her, and she gave birth to two daughters as a result. Later, Amutha Babu eloped with Babu. 

In May 2007, Amutha’s aunt later learnt of her location and came in search of her. Her aunt told Amutha that 

her uncle thought constantly about his children and wanted to meet them. Amutha thus sent the children with 

her aunt. 

When Amutha later went to pick up her children, her aunt and uncle refused to let them go. Amutha’s aunt and 

uncle insulted her. 

On 22 August 2007, Amutha’s uncle arrived at her home with two policemen. The policemen asked Amutha 

and Babu to get into their car, and took her to Baratharami PS. 


2007

At the station, five policemen with batons encircled Amutha and Babu. The policemen hit them, asked if they 

planned to seek out their children again, and beat them with the batons. 

The police grabbed Babu’s hair, punched him, and kicked him with booted feet. Babu sustained injuries to 

his nose, stomach, check, back, thighs, and knee. When Babu tried to stop the beatings, he injured his 

thumb. Unable to bear the pain, Babu cried and then fainted. 

Meanwhile, the police grabbed Amutha’s hair, called her a “thevidiarpaiya,” and beat her more than twenty 

times. Amutha was swollen all over her body. 

The police beat Amutha and Babu thus for around one hour before taking them to the All Women’s Prison. 

There, Amutha filed a complaint against her uncle. The police gave her a CSR copy. 


120 

Later, DSP Arularasu asked Amutha and Babu some questions. He asked them to write a letter of compromise. 

Nervous, Amutha signed the paper that was given to her. 

On 23 August 2007, Amutha and Babi – still in pain – went to the Government Hospital in Vellore for treatment. 

After their treatment, Amutha and Babu returned to Pondicheri. 


Victim(s) : Balaji 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Dhanalakshmi, SI; 

2) Unnamed PCs, Kannamangalam PS 

Location : Pilaiyar Koil, Onnupuram, 

Mel Nagar, Arani Taluk 


Case Details: 

Victim Balaji, age 22, belongs to the Vanniyar caste and resides in Mel Nagar, Arani Taluk, Thiruvannamalai 

District. 

On 16 September 2007, there was a concert at Balaji’s village. A brawl broke out. 

The police arrived and beat Balaji and his friends. 


2007 

When the crowd dispersed, Balaji and his friends ran away in fear. The police caught Balaji by his shirt and 

tore it. Two PCs stood on either side of Balaji and held his hands while other PCs hit him with batons on his 

thighs. The PCs insulted Balaji, calling him a “thevadiyar,” and asked if he had caused the brawl. Unable to 

bear the pain, Balaji tried to stop the PCs with his hands, but they beat his hands. SI Danalakshmi, who saw 

Balaji trying to stop the PCs, took a baton from one PC and hit Balaji with it on his back and wrist. 

As the concert continued, the SI took Balaji behind the stage and beat him. Balaji’s wrist was cut, and blood 

oozed out. Balaji begged the SI and the PCs to leave him alone, but they refused. Balaji tried to run. The SI

and the PCs pulled at his dhoti and tore it, so that Balaji was completely naked. Balaji, humiliated, covered his 

genitals with his hands, pushed the police, and ran through the concert naked, watched by the entire village. 

The SI and the PCs followed Balaji, who ran home and put on clothes. 

At 11.00pm, nervous that the police would return and thrash him, Balaji hid in a field and later went to Arani. 

The next morning, Balaji went to Chennai and stayed with friends for five days. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Balamurugan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Vijayakumar, SI; 2) unnamed PCs 



Victim Balamurugan, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, resides at No.10, Dr. Radhakrishnan Road, Valasaravakkam- 

Azhwar Thirunagar, Chennai-87. He runs a cell phone service shop, where a Sri Lankan repatriate named 

Jeyaraj worked as an assistant. 

On 1 November 2007, two youngsters approached Balamurugan, desiring to sell him a cell phone. Balamurugan 

responded that he did not buy cell phones. The youngsters departed, but then returned later claiming that the 

cell phone was lost and that he had taken it – and that they had accordingly lodged a complaint at the police 

station. 

On 3 November 2007 at around 6.00pm, based on the youngsters’ complaint, two policemen came to 

Balamurugan’s house and took him into custody. Balamurugan immediately informed his advocate, Mr. 

Parasuraman. 

At the police station, Balamurugan was interrogated in the presence of SI Vijayakumar. The SI told Balamurugan 

that the police knew that he had purchased stolen cell phones and that he had stolen the youngsters’ cell phone. 

Balamurugan denied the allegations and asked that the police not falsely accuse him. The SI became furious, 

yelled at Balamurugan for having raised his voice, and hit Balamurugan on his nose with a baton. Balamurugan 

could not bear the pain, and asked why he was being beaten like a thief. The SI became angrier, and started 

to beat Balamurugan continuously on his head, back, thighs, and ribs. The SI also shouted at Balamurugan, 

saying “I will give you another half an hour! You should confess to the theft! Otherwise, you and your assistant 

would not be able to leave the police station with your life intact! Understand!” 

The police also interrogated Jayaraj and made him strip to his underwear.Later, the police asked Balamurugan 

and Jayaraj to sit beside each other. Balamurugan could see that Jayaraj’s body was swollen in several 

places. 


121 


2007

At around 7.00pm, the SI called Balamurugan and asked whether he had confessed to the crime, to which 

Balamurugan replied that he could not confess to a crime that he had not committed. The SI responded by 

slapping Balamurugan on his left cheek; Balamurugan’s teeth hurt, and blood oozed from his mouth. The SI 

then left, saying “You should come to me and say that you agree to the allegation made against you! Otherwise 

I will give you special treatment tonight!” 

At around 7.45pm, Adv. Parasuraman arrived, accompanied by G. Mullaivanan, President of the Tamil Nadu 

Social Service Awareness Association. The two men spoke to the SI. 

At around 9.00pm, the police let Balamurugan and Jayaraj leave, after requiring that they sign a written 

agreement to return to the police station whenever asked to do so. 


122 

FF Code : TN/TIR 15/FEB/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Pethammal; 2) Pazhani 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kannan, SI; 2) Mariappan,PC; 

3) Vijayakumar, PI; 4) unnamed POs 

Location : Sethur PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Pethammal, age 42, and her husband victim Palani, age 38, reside at Devipattinam Post, Sivagiri Taluk, 

Tirunelveli District. They work as agricultural labourers. 

On 3 January 2005 at around 1.00am, Pethammal was asleep, wearing only her blouse and petticoat. She 

had left the door unlocked. Seven persons, including SI Kannan and one Paramasivan (whom Pethammal 

knew) pushed the door open, called for Pazhani, and searched the house with the help of a torch light. The SI 

insulted Pethammal with caste-related terms such as “palla thevadiya mundai” and hit her with a lathi. Pethammal 

told the men that Pazhani had gone to the fields to irrigate the crops. The SI asked “Doesn’t he come home 

even to sleep with you? If he does not sleep with you then do you have some one else who sleeps with you? 

Who are you sleeping with now, you prostitute?” 


2007 

At around 1.30am, the SI took Pethammal – still in her sleeping clothes – to the Sethur PS and handed her over 

to PC Mariappan. The PC detained Pethammal all night in the station, along with her fellow villagers 

Paramasivam, Samuthiram, Anthony, and Pandi, who had previously been arrested. 

The next morning, CPI Taluk Joint Secretary Palraj, the North Devandanam Branch Secretary Vanraj, and 

other CPI comrades came to the station. They met with PI Vijayakumar and HC Shanmugasundaram, and 

objected to the illegal arrests of Pethammal, Paramasivam, and Samuthiram. The PI and the HC refused to 

answer and directed all of them to leave the PS.

At around 8.00am, after learning of Pethammal’s arrest, Pazhani went to the station accompanied by 

Nattamai and others. Pazhani became very upset on seeing his wife amongst all the men in the station, clad 

in just a blouse and petticoat and wrapping herself with a bed sheet. Pazhani asked Pethammal to wear a sari 

that he had brought. The police sent Pethammal away. 

At 11.00pm, a policeman asked Pazhani to tell the truth about the location of a missing hunting gun. Pazhani 

replied that he did not know about the gun and was only an agricultural labourer. The policeman started to beat 

Pazhani and insulted him with terms like “koothi mahane [thieving dog]” and “palla thevadiya mahane [son of 

a Palla prostitute].” 

Also on 4 January 2005, Pethammal sent complaints to the State Human Rights Commission (Chennai), the 

DGP (Chennai), and the Honourable Chief Minister (Tamil Nadu Government), with copies to the IG of 

Police, the Chennai District Collector (Virudhunagar District), DSP Rajapalayam, and the Inspector of Police 

(Sethur PS). The policemen involved threatened Pethammal and Pazhani, demanding that they withdraw 

these complaints, but Pethammal and Pazhani refused. 

On 6 January 2005 at 12.00pm, Nattamai and one Soundarraj came to the station and spoke with PI 

Vijayakumar. They asekd the PI to let Pazhani go, which the PI agreed to on the condition that Pazhani, 

Nattamai, and Soundarraj sign a paper promising to pay money. 

At around 12.30pm, the police released Pazhani. 


123 


Victim(s) : Palanivelsamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Shankar, SI 

Location : Melappalayam PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Palanivelsamy, age 67, resides at Munanjipatty, Nanguenri Taluk, Tirunelveli District. He is a petition 

writer at the Collector’s Office. 

On 4 June 2007 in the afternoon, Palanivelsamy went to the shop of one Kilbert to buy an egg, but the egg that 

Kilbert sold him was spoiled. Palanivelsamy thus questioned Kilbert. Kilbert responded by insulting 

Palanivelsamy as a “kilattu payale” and pushing him down. Palanivelsamy got up and went home without 

saying anything. 

At about 4.00pm, SI Shankar arrived at Palanivelsamy’s house with a PC. The SI told Palanivelsamy that 

Kilbert had filed a complaint against Palanivelsamy. The SI pulled Palanivelsamy from his house and 

stamped on him with his boots. 


2007

The SI took Palanivelsamy to the police station. There, he dragged Palanivelsamy into his room and demanded 

to know why he had smashed the goods at Kilbert’s shop. The SI then beat Palanivelsamy with an iron rod. 

At about 6.00pm, Palanivelsamy’s wife Joysmari came to the station, but the SI did not let her see Palanivelsamy, 

saying only that the police were interrogating him and would send him home soon. Joysmari believed the SI 

and went home. 

On 5 June 2007, the SI returned to the station, approached Palanivelsamy, and threatened to shoot him or to 

charge him under the Goondas Act if he did not admit to his crime. 


124 

The SI then filed a case against Palanivelsamy under ss. 387 and 506 IPC and remanded him before a court 

at Tirunelveli. There, Palanivelsamy begged the Judge to grant him urgent medical treatment. The judge 

ordered that Palanivelsamy be sent for treatment in the Government Hospital. 

Palanivelsamy obtained a bail order through a relative who was an advocate. 

On 9 June 2007, Joysmari filed complaints with the Honourable Chief Minister (Tamil Nadu Government, 

Chennai), the District Collector (Tirunelveli District, Tirunelveli), and the Commissioner (Tirunelveli City, 

Tirunelveli). No action was taken. 

FF Code : TN/TIR 39/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar 

Perpetrator(s) : Ramakrishnan, PI 

Location : Perumalpuram PS; Melapalayam PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar worked as an auto driver and a coolie. 

In 2001, when Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar was 19 or 20 years old, he was arrested with a few others in a 

murder case, detained for few months, and released on bail. 

In 2005, the Court declared Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar innocent in the murder case. 

Afterwards, as a precautionary step in a bomb blast case in Coimbatore, police officials arrested a few people 

and monitored a few others in the Tirunelveli area. 

In June 2007, PI Stanley Jose arrested Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar and filed a case against him under s. 151 

IPC. 

On 1 August 2007 at around 10.30am, PI Ramakrishnan came to Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar’s home and 

asks him to come to the station for an inquiry. Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar did so.

The police then transferred Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar to the Perumalpuram PS. 

At 12.00pm, the PI came to Perumalpuram PS and asked if Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar had prepared 

explosives, and where he planned to keep them. Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar replied that he had prepared 

no explosives. The PI became angry, called Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar a “son of a bastard,” and beat him 

with a lathi. 

At around 4.00 pm, members of the “Jamaad Ad Committee” arrived at the station and spoke to the PI before 

leaving. The PI asked Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar again where he was keeping his explosives. Then the 

PI made Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar lie down and beat him with a wooden log on his thighs. 

The police brought Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar to Melapalayam PS, where both he and one Basheer 

Mohammed were beaten again. The police filed an FIR against both men under ss. 71A and 151 of the CLA 

Act. 

At around 9.00pm, the police produced Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar and Basheer Mohammed before a 

Judge, who remanded them to prison for fifteen days. 

Fifteen days later, Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar was released on the condition that he check in daily at the 

police station. 

Basheer Sheik Abdul Kadar declined to take action against the PI, fearing reprisals against his family. 

FF Code : TN/VEL 46/ JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Mr. Shankar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) SI 2)PCs Bagayam PS 

Location : Idayan sattu, Vellore 



125 

Case Details: 

The victim, Shankar, aged 24, was a friend of Aathimoolam. Aathimoolam’s mother had a tea stall in front of 

the Bagayam PS. The Sub PI had a grudge against Aathimoolam for refusing to take SI’s children to school. 

On 16 th July 2006, Shankar, Aathimoolam and Mohan were having liquor. The SI took the three to the PS. 

The SI thrashed Aathimoolam and Mohan but left Shankar with a warning. The SI lodged a fake case stating 

that Aathimoolam had taken illegal liquor. Subsequently Aathimoolam lodged a complaint against the SI and 

mentioned Shankar’s name as witness. 

On 21 st May 2007, Shankar was taken to the PS and kept there till 10.00pm. He was asked to come the next 

day. The next day the police made him stand in his underwear and thrashed him with a baton on his palms, 

feet and back. The Police kicked his stomach; in the same spot where he previously had undergone a 

surgery. The Police refused to allow him to meet his wife and mother who went to see him. He was released 

later that night. 

Shankar sustained severe injuries. 


2007

FF Code : TN/VEL 48/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : Mr. Velu. 

Perpetrator(s) : Sakthivel, PI 

Location : Reddypalayam, Vellore. 



126 

Case Details: 

Victim Velu, aged 37, was a relative of Manoharan. Manoharan went to Velu’s house and informed him that 

his daughter Sumathi was missing. Manoharan along with Velu searched for the girl and they finally lodged 

a complaint at Thirimi PS. The Police could not trace out anything for months. 

On the 4 th April 2007, a laborer of a sugarcane field saw a skull, uniform and ID card while harvesting. The 

people crowded there. Manoharan and Velu suspected that they belonged to Sumathi. They went to PS and 

informed them. The next day, the police went there for investigation. The skull was sent for laboratory tests. 

The following day, PI Sakthivel called Velu for enquiry. The Police thrashed the victim severely with a baton 

and forced him to accept that he had killed the girl. Velu’s back was swollen and blood clotted in almost all his 

body parts. Velu was unable to walk. Velu was kept at the PS for a day and then released. 

After a couple of months the police went to Velu’s house and arrested him. The villagers went to the PS the 

next day. Velu told the villagers that he was subjected to torture and was force to blank papers under police 

compulsion. 

FF Code : TN/MDU 15/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Mr. Makudeeswaran 2) Siva 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Thangar, SI 2) Illayarasu, PI 

3) Chattipati, PC 

Location : Chinnakaratupatty Oddanchathiram Taluk, 

Dindigul district 



2007 

Case Details: 

On 24 th December 2006, the victim Mukudeeswaran, a 22 year-old lorry cleaner, went to the Ambilikai PS 

to sign pursuant to his conditional bail. Previously, Makudeeswaran and his brother Siva were arrested and 

remanded. The SI and other PCs in the PS refused to record Makudeeswaran’s signature unless he paid 

them Rs. 500 and gave them five unruled books. Makudeeswaran informed Dindigul SP by telegram, and 

Makudeeswaran was then permitted to put record his signature. On 31 st December 2006, Makudeeswaran

went Ambilikkai PS to record his signature. The SI took Makudeeswaran to DSP Oddanchathiram and 

threatened him, telling him there would be dire consequences if Makudeeswaran did not withdraw his complaint 

about the police and state that he wrote the telegram incorrectly. Makudeeswaran refused. 

On 7 th January 2007, Makudeeswaran and Siva went to Ambilikkai PS to record their signature. A police jeep 

came with some POs not in uniform. The POs identified themselves. One PO pointed a gun at Makudeeswaran 

and told him to get into the car. The POs took Makudeeswaran and Siva to Chatthirapatti PS. Makudeeswaran 

learned that the POs in the car were from Ilavarasu and Chatthirapatti PSs. 

After reaching Chatthirapatti PS, the police forced Makudeeswaran and Siva to bend over, and then beat them 

with their fists. The PI was furious that they filed a complaint against the police. One PC removed 

Makudeeswaran’s clothes and other PCs tied Makudeeswaran’s hands behind his back with his dhoti. They 

tied one end of the rope to the dhoti and the other end into a pulley on the roof, and lifted him into the air by his 

arms. Makudeeswaran was left hanging for half an hour. In the meantime, Siva was beaten with batons. 

Then, he too was stripped and hung for an hour in the same manner as Makudeeswaran. Siva was moved 

to a different room and then strung-up again. The PC struck Makudeeswaran in his chest with the butt of his 

rifle. Makudeeswaran vomited blood. PI pulled Makudeeswaran’s big toes causing severe pain. 


127 

The PI and PCs forced Siva into a sitting position on the floor and pried his legs apart until they touched the wall 

behind him. Two officers ground their full weight into Siva’s thighs, twisting their boots until clusters of veins 

protruded from below his hips. Then, the PI kicked Siva in his groin, causing him to scream in pain. 

The police then forced Makudeeswaran to sit in the floor, and also stretched his legs apart until they touched the 

wall behind him, which took over half an hour. At 10.00pm, the POs hung Makudeeswaran by his hands, in 

the crucifixion position, and left him hanging until 4.30am. PI Ilavarasu threatened to force-feed alcohol 

Makudeeswaran and Siva alcohol and kill them unless victims confessed to a theft case. 

Both Siva and Mukudeeswaran sustained internal injuries, contusions and swelling in their thighs and severe 

pain all over the body. On 8 th January 2007, Makudeeswaran and Siva were admitted to Karuppasamy 

Hospital. The doctors gave them injections and sent them back with the POs. On 9 th January 2007, they 

returned to Karuppasamy Hospital. After two days, the victims were able to go to the toilet. The doctor 

administered 27 injections and gave them two glucose bottles. 

The police took Mukudeeswaran and Siva to the PS and took their thumb impression and then released them. 

But, while waiting for the bus, the police again arrested Makudeeswaran and Siva. The police filed a false 

charge against them and took Makudeeswaran and Siva to JM Court. Makudeeswaran described the torture 

they underwent, but the magistrate did not record anything. Instead he told them that there was a pickpocket 

case registered against them, told them to admit the case, and pay the fine. When the Magistrate asked for their 


2007

signature in the remand report, the victims were unable to write as a result of the torture, they used their 

thumbprints instead. 

The police took Makudeeswaran and Siva to the Dindigul Sub Jail at 10.00pm. The prison staff took note 

of all their injuries. On 10 th January 2007, Makudeeswaran and Siva requested the Prison Superintendent 

to arrange for medical treatment. They were taken to Dindigul General Hospital. After administering an 

injection, they were sent back to the jail. 


On 11 th January 2007, the police took the victims to Dindigul GH. They were sent to Rajaji GH, Madurai. 

Then they went to Meenakshi Mission hospital for further treatment. On 23 rd January 2007, Makudeeswaran 

was admitted to Meenakshi Mission Hospital and received inpatient treatment until 6 th February 2007. After 

he was released, he again vomited blood. On 7 th February 2007 he was readmitted and received treatment 

until 16 th February 2007. The victim sustained a grievous bilateral brachial plexus injury. 

128 

On 9 th January 2007, the victims’ mother sent telegrams to the Judicial Magistrate, SP and to DIGP 

Dindigul alleging that whereabouts of the victim Mukudeeswaran were unknown. On 11 th January 2007, 

Mukudeeswaran’s mother gave a petition to the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Dindigul about the 

torture meted out to Mukudeeswaran and about the illegal detention. Upon that petition, the Judge appointed 

an Advocate Commissioner for enquiry. On 19 th January 2007, the victims’ mother sent petitions to the 

DGP and Home Secretary. On 13 th January 2007, the victims’ Advocates met the Resident Medical 

Officer of Government Rajaji Hospital, Madurai and sought permission to have an interview with victims, but 

his request was refused. The Advocate filed a petition on 14 th January 2007 to the Dindigul Judicial 

Magistrate, but he refused the petition. The Advocate sent the petition to the Dindigul Chief Judicial Magistrate. 

The petition was again refused. The Advocate filed a copy application for Arrest Memo and Arrest Card in 

both the cases on 18 th January 2007, but they were returned. The Advocates sent a complaint with the 

Makudeeswaran’s affidavit to the Chief Justice of Madras High Court and marked a copy to the Registrar 

of the High Court regarding the misbehavior of the Judicial Magistrate. 


2007 

On 19 th January 2007, the victims’ mother sent complaints to Home Secretary and the Director General of 

Police. On 25 th January 2007, Mukudeeswaran sent a complaint to the Home Secretary and marked 

copies to the Director General of Police, PI General of South Zone and the Superintendent of Police, 

Dindigul. On 25 th January 2007, Makudeeswaran’s mother gave a petition to the Dean, Government Rajaji 

Hospital, Madurai and the Dean of Government Hospital, Dindigul to furnish the medical records. On 6 th 

February 2007 they replied that they would give the copy only to the order of the court.


Victim(s) : M. Ilango 

Perpetrator(s) : PI, Charles Kalaimani 

Serinthamaram, PS 

Location : Serinthamaram PS, Thenkasi 

Taluk, 

Thirunelveli District. 


Case Details: 

Victim Ilango, a resident of Thenkasi Taluk in Thirunrlveli District and member of the Hindu Pallar caste, was 

the Secretary of Dravida Munetra Kalagam (DMK) Party in Kadayanallur Cooperation. On 1 st September 

2007 Ilango’s younger brother Selvathurai took his tractor for agricultural purposes. Serintamaram police 

officers seized the tractor, alleging it was involved in sand mining. A PC stood with Selvathurai while the other 

officers searched other vehicles. Selvathurai questioned the PC for stopping his tractor when there was no 

sand in it. The two quarreled. 

The police came to Ilango’s house in search of Selvathurai. Since Selvathurai was not there, they told Ilango’s 

wife to tell Selvathurai to go to the PS, or he else the police will kill him when they see him next. Ilango’s wife 

relayed the incident to Ilango. Ilango went to the Serinthamaram PS to enquire about the incident. The police 

told Ilango that his brother attacked the PC and has escaped, but the police had the seized vehicle. Ilango told 

the police that there was no sand in the vehicle. Ilango told the police that if they take action on the complaint, he 

will make a complaint against them. He then left the PS. 

At around 9.00pm that evening, four PCs came to Ilango’s home and said that the PI wanted to meet him. 

Ilango went with them. The PCs took Ilango to the Serinthamaram PS. There, the police made Ilango sit in the 

PI’s room. The PI yelled at Ilango and verbally abused him by caste (Palle Paya) for questioning the actions 

of the police earlier that day. The PI hit Ilango’s thighs. Ilango asked him why he was being beaten when he did 

nothing wrong. Ilango said his vehicle was not carrying any sand. Ilango told them to file a case and he would 

face that in court. The PI told Ilango to be silent. The PI held his gun at Ilango’s forehead and threatened to kill 

him if he talked. 

The PI asked the PCs to bring two tractors from Ilango’s house. The PI sent back one, and emptied 1 1/2 

sacks of sand into the other tractor. The PI said this confirmed that Ilango was involved in sand mining. The 

police accused Ilango of beating a police officer and demanded the details of the people that worked for him. 

Ilango refused to answer. 

The PI then thrashed Ilango’s back four to five times with a baton. The PI put Ilango in handcuffs and took him 

to a jeep. The police refused to tell Ilango where he was going. The police stopped the jeep north of Athiuthu 

village, and another police car parked opposite to it. Inside that car was Alangulam PI Sagaya Jose. Ilango 


129 


2007

was placed into the other vehicle. When Ilango tried asking questions, PI Sagaya Jose told him to be quiet 

or they would kill him and frame it as an attempted escape. 

At the Alangulam PS, Ilango was taken to the PIs room. The police deprived Ilango from sleeping that night. 

At 10.00am the next morning, Ilango was taken in handcuffs to a jeep, and taken to the Thenkasi Court. Two 

PCs from Serinthamaram PS brought the First Information Report (FIR). They produced Ilango at the Court 

and then left. The Court ordered Ilango detained for 14 days. He was kept at Thenkasi jail and later was 

released on bail. 


130 


Victim(s) : Maheshwari 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kirubakaran, SI; 2) Chennaian, SI; 

3) Gandeepan, HC; 4) Rani, SI 

Location : Vaniambadi PS, Vaniambadi Taluk,Vellore District 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Maheshwari, age 27, resides at Indranagar, Perumalpettai, Vaniambadi Taluk, Vellore District. She 

belongs to the Vanniyar caste. Her legs were affected by polio and she could not walk quickly. She sold 

arrack for a living, and in so doing she had to bribe the police. 

On 23 November 2007, a man passing by Maheshwari’s house dropped a bag of arrack pockets. SI 

Kirubakaran, SI Chennaian, and HC Gandeepan were in a police jeep behind the man. The policemen 

moved the bag in front of Maheshwari’s house. SI Kirubakaran asked Maheshwari who had brought the 

arrack and insulted her with terms such as “dhowdiangalae, narakoodhingalaewe.” The HC and another 

man scolded Maheshwari. The police questioned Maheshwari and her family. Maheshwari became 

angry, shouted at them, and asked the police not to disturb her. SI Kirubaragan became angry. He jabbed 

Maheshwari’s jaw with a torch and kicked her in the ribs with his booted foot. Maheshwari fell down on the 

steps. Holding Maheshwari’s hair, SI Kirubaragan banged her head on the steel door of the house. The SI 

hit her head with a torch light. 

Maheshwari’s relatives cried and begged the SI to stop. The SI kicked them. 

The SI tore Maheshwari’s nightie and hit her chin twice. When Maheshwari tried to get up slowly, the SI 

banged her head again on the door. Maheshwari grabbed at the SI’s shirt. The SI hit Maheshwari with a 

stick, asking her how she dared to hold his shirt. The SI hit Maheshwari’s back. SI Chennaian hit 

Maheshwari and pulled at her nightie so that Maheshwari was wearing only her jacket and in-skirt. The 

policemen beat Maheshwari further. 

Maheshwari’s youngest son approached her, crying. The police kicked him.

The skin on Maheshwari’s left wrist had peeled away, and she had wounds above her left knee, on her right 

leg, and on her chest, as well as pain in her hip. Maheshwari could neither stand nor sit. 

The policemen told Maheshwari to get into their jeep. Maheshwari refused. SI Kirubakaran and the HC 

carried her by her hands and legs. Maheshwari shouted, so the police stuffed her torn nightie into her mouth. 

Maheshwari could not breathe. 

When Maheshwari was in the jeep, the police threw her possessions out of her house and broke them. They 

set fire to the hut in front of her house. They took her jewels and her thali, as well as Rs. 61,350 in cash. 

The villagers witnessed the police officers’ actions and did nothing. 

Maheshwari shouted again, so the police stuffed small pieces of cloth into her mouth. They took her to the 

Vanaimbadi PS. Maheshwari’s relatives and around fifty villagers followed; they informed the DSP and the SP 

of Maheshwari’s treatment. 

In the jeep, SI Thangavel asked Maheshwari what had happened. Maheshwari explained the incident in detail. 

SI Chennaian beat Maheshwari again on her jaw, asking how she dared to talk so much. SI Kirubarakaran 

told Maheshwari to keep her mouth shut. SI Kirubarakaran caught Maheshwari’s hair, bent her down, and 

pressed her hair under the jeep tyre; then he kicked Maheshwari in her ribs. 

At the station, DSP Tamilselvi arrived and consoled Maheshwari, asking what had happened. Maheshwari 

explained the incident in detail, still half-naked. The police called Maheshwari inside to write a statement, but 

Maheshwari could not walk. The police brought paper to her, and she wrote down everything that had 

happened. 

SI Arivuselvan talked to Maheshwari and promised to take action the next day. Maheshwari trusted him and 

then she covered self with a dhuppatta. Maheshwari asked the DSP to take her to the hospital as her pain was 

severe. SI Rani and 3 female PCs took Maheshwari in an auto, saying that they were going to the hospital. 

Shortly, Maheshwari realised that the auto was not going to the hospital. When the auto passed near the OM 

Shakthi Temple, Maheshwari shouted to stop the vehicle. The SI and the PCs asked Maheshwari how she 

dared to tell them to go to the hospital. They pulled all of Maheshwari’s cothes off. Maheshwari tried to cover 

herself with her torn nightie. 

The police took Maheshwari to the Vaniambadi PS. There, DSP Tamilselvi, SI Rani and ten female PCs were 

present. Maheshwari’s face, hands, legs, and hip were swollen. Maheshwari was not given food or water. 

Maheshwari could not walk. 

The next day at 6.00am, DSP Sureshkumar and Maheshwari’s Village Chairman Devaraj came to the station 

to negotiate. Devaraj consoled Maheshwari. The DSP said that he would replace Maheshwari’s property if 

she did not make any problems for the police. Maheshwari accepted. 

SI Suresh Kumar asked Maheshwari to walk. Maheshwari said that since she was in pain, she could not. 

The DSP said that Maheshwari was acting. Maheshwari replied that she had no reason to act. Devaraj and 


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the DSP said that Maheshwari would be taken to the hospital, where she should tell the doctors that she had 

fallen. 

SI Rani and female PCs took Maheshwari to the Government Hospital. There, Maheshwari told the doctors 

that she had fallen, and was given a shot. Maheshwari’s husband asked the police to take Maheshwari to 

a private hospital. The police refused. They filed a case against Maheshwari and remanded her. 

At 12.00pm, the police took Maheshwari to the Thiruppatthur JM Court. Maheshwari’s brother was with her. 

The Magistrate asked the police how Maheshwari had been hurt. The police said that Maheshwari was 

handicapped and that she had fallen. Maheshwari told the magistrate that she had not fallen, but rather that the 

police had broken her hip. The Magistrate recorded what Maheshwari said and sent her to the hospital. 


132 

Maheshwari’s brother carried her to the police vehicle while the PI talked with the Magistrate. The Magistrate 

did not ask the PI who had beaten Maheshwari. Maheshwari told him that SI Kirubakaran, SI Chennaian, 

and HC Gandeeappan had beaten her, but she did not know whether the Magistrate recorded what she said. 

The police took Maheshwari to the Vellore Jail. On seeing her condition, the Jail officers refused to admit 

Maheshwari and asked the police to take her to the hospital. Female SI Natrampalli and female PC 

Rajendran escorted Maheshwari. The Jail police gave Maheshwari a tablet and tea. 

After correcting a mistake in her warrant, the police sent Maheshwari to jail. There, the jail doctor noted all of 

Maheshwari’s injuries and asked who had hurt her. Maheshwari told the doctor everything, and he noted it 

down. 

At around 9.30, the SI and the PC took Maheshwari to the Adukkambarai Government Hospital on the advice 

of the jail doctor. There, Maheshwari showed her injuries to Dr. Manikandan and told the doctor the names 

of those who had beaten her; the Doctor noted everything. 

Maheshwari was put in a treatment bed and given an IV drip. X-rays were taken. 

For two days, Maheshwari could not sit up, and needed help to reach the toilets. Her hip bone had been 

fractured. 

After one week, Maheshwari left the Hospital. 


2007

FF Code : TN/TIR 44/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : R. Murugesan 

Perpetrator(s) : SI, Sivan, Puliyangudi PS 

Location : Puliyangudi PS, Sivagiri Taluk, 

Thirunelveli 


Case details: 

The victim Murugesan was a farmer residing in Sivagiri taluk, Tirunelveli district, and belonging to the Hindu 

Pallar Community. There is a Mariyamman temple in his village where a feast is celebrated every year. The 

administrator of this temple, Chandran, who takes the responsibility of conducting the programmes in the 

temple feast belongs to the Thevar Community. On 17 th August 2007, the celebrations began in the afternoon. 

Murugesan went to the festival with his wife and daughter. 

Chandran, the administrator instructed the dancers not to sing any cinema song or songs pertaining to social 

leaders. One of Chandran’s relative asked the dancers to sing a song on Muthuramalinga Thevar, and the 

dancers obliged. Murugesan informed Chandran. Chandran retorted that the function was organized by 

them, so there is no wrong in singing about Muthuramalinaga Thevar. A quarrel arose. Chandran complained 

to SI Sivan, stating that Murugesan was drunk and creating a problem. SI Sivan slapped Murugesan’s 

cheeks. The SI beat Murugesan’s thighs using the lathi and commanded Murugesan to get into the jeep. 

The police took Murugesan in the jeep to Puliyangudi PS, and made Murugesan sit in a room. Murugesan 

sat there for one hour. The SI asked Murugesan whether he had drunk, and he denied the allegation. 

The SI threatened to kill Murugesan, and asked why he created a problem. The SI beat Murugesan’s thighs 

and knee with the lathi. He made Murugesan lie down on the bench and beat him on both feet saying that he 

was trying to create caste disputes. Murugesan shouted in pain. But the SI threatened to kill Murugesan if 

he shouted. Murugesan asked the SI what mistake he had committed. But the SI told him not to talk and 

called him the son of a Thevadiya (Bastard). After that the SI swore at Murugesan and forced him to stand 

in the corner. The SI threatened to file a case on him and send to the court. 

In the morning, SI Sivan asked why Murugesan had created problem in the festival. Murugesan replied that 

he never thought of creating a problem. The SI slapped Murugesan for repeating the same words. The SI 

ordered Murugesan to go back to his village and threatened to imprison his whole family if he made a further 

appeal to anybody. 


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2007


Victim(s) : Panneer Selvam 

Perpetrator(s) : Pandiyarajan, PI 

Location : Nagar PS, Kudiyatham, 





134 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Panneer Selvam, age 22, resides at Dhanam Nagar, Kudiyatham Taluk, Vellore District. He belongs 

to the Vanniyar caste. 

On 10 September 2007, Panneer Selvam went to meet his friend Suresh at Suresh’s house on Pachaiyamman 

Temple Street, in the Thalayatham area. Panneer Selvam waited outside Suresh house in an auto. 

Panneer Selvam’s brother’s ex-wife Uma saw him, spat on the ground, and left. Uma’s nine month-old 

daughter came and stood near Panneer Selvam. Uma came running, pulled the girl away, and called 

Panneer Selvam a “bastard.” Panneer Selvam retorted. Uma went to the Town PS and lodged a complaint 

against Paneer Selvam. 

At 8.15pm, an HC took Panneer Selvam to the police station. There, a PI slapped Panneer Selvam’s cheeks 

four times harshly. Panneer Selvam asked why he was being beaten, and the PI responded by calling him 

a “son of a bastard.” The PI asked why Panneer Selvam and his brother could not leave Uma alone. The PI 

told Panneer Selvam to remove his shirt and pants. When Panneer Selvam hesitated, the PI beat him with a 

wooden log on his shoulder. Panneer Selvam cried and asked why he was being beaten when he had done 

nothing wrong. The PI made Panneer Selvam grab the bars of a window, and then beat Panneer Selvam with 

the log on his back, buttocks, and thighs. Panneer Selvam shouted in pain and called his mother’s name. The 

PI asked Panneer Selvam if he would ever tease a woman again and beat Panneer Selvam once more on 

the back. Unable to continue holding the bars, Panneer Selvam brought his hand to his face. The PI beat 

Panneer Selvam with his belt. Panneer Selvam sat down in pain. The PI caught Panneer Selvam’s hair, lifted 

him up, and slapped him twice on his cheeks. Such treatment lasted around half an hour. 

The police took Rs. 600 from Panneer Selvam’s shirt pocket, as well as his new belt. 

The next day at around 9.30am, an HC filed an FIR against Panneer Selvam and made him sign it. 

At around 10.00am, the police put Panneer Selvam into a jeep and produced him at the Kudiyatham JM Court. 

The police had threatened Panneer Selvam not to disclose the fact that he had been tortured. 

On 11 September 2007, Panneer Selvam was detained at the Kudiyatham Sub-Jail. He was not given any 

medical treatment. 

After 4 days, Panneer Selvam was released on bail with the help of the advocate Raviraman.

SI Ramamoorthy has stated that Uma filed a complaint alleging that Panneer Selvam had pulled her blouse 

and the pallu of her saree. Since this complaint concerned the protection of women, the SI has stated that he 

immediately filed the FIR. The complaint has been read once before the DSP. 

FF Code : TN/TIR 83/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Rajamuthu Vairavan 

Perpetrator(s) : Vijayakumar, SI 

Location : Town PS, Thirunelveli Taluk 


Case details: 

Victim Rajamuthu Vairavan, age 38, resides at Therkutheru in Tirunelveli Town. He owns a hotel in front of the 

Town Nellaiappar Temple. 

On 23 October 2007 at 9.30pm, Rajamuthu Vairavan locked his hotel and was returning to his house in his 

vehicle. The Town Police were engaged in checking the vehicles. Because Rajamuthu Vairavan had his 

driving license and vehicle book, he was confident. When a police officer asked him for his papers, Rajamuthu 

Vairavan showed him everything. The officer asked Rajamuthu Vairavan where he was coming; Rajamuthu 

Vairavan answered completely. The officer stated that Rajamuthu Vairavan was drunk while driving, and asked 

him for Rs. 500. Rajamuthu Vairavan responded that he had his license and vehicle book, so there was no 

reason for him to pay the money. The officer demanded money again. Rajamuthu Vairavan refused, and the 

officer caught him by the shirt. Rajamuthu Vairavan pushed the officer away and drove away. 

The police followed Rajamuthu Vairavan and caught him. They took Rajamuthu Vairavan to the Town PS, 

where they filed a case against him for obstructing the police. Then the police demanded his signature on a 

blank piece of paper. 

At 10.00pm, SI Vijayakumar took Rajamuthu Vairavan into a separate room. 

At 10.30pm, the SI beat Rajamuthu Vairavan’s palm severely before slapping his left cheek and thighs. 

Rajamuthu Vairavan developed swelling and blood clots, and could not walk properly. 

The next day, Rajamuthu Vairavan’s family members learned that he was detained; Rajamuthu Vairavan’s 

father came to the station. 

The next morning at 10.30am, the police brought Rajamuthu Vairavan to the Court. 

On 25 October 2007, Rajamuthu Vairavan was released on bail. He checked into the Medical College 

Campus and received treatment. There, he stated that he had been attacked by police officers. 


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Two PCs came to the hospital; the SI came later. The SI told Rajamuthu Vairavan that he had slapped him for 

speaking harshly to the Traffic Police. Rajamuthu Vairavan forgave the SI and signed a statement promising 

not to take legal action against the SI. 

The SI has refused to say anything about this case, saying that Rajamuthu Vairavan’s case was terminated 

after the Traffic Police finished checking vehicles at the check stop. 



Victim(s) : Suresh Peter 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Selvaraj Sivagiri, SI; 2) Palpandi, PI; 


Location : Sivagiri PS, Thirunelveli Taluk 


136 


2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Suresh Peter resides in Sivagiri Taluk, Tirunelveli District. He belongs to the Christian Parayar 

community and runs a tailor shop. 

Suresh Peter’s cousin Raja took a screwdriver from Suresh Peter’s shop and used it to break into one 

Selvakumar’s house. 

On 2 November 2007 at around 12.30pm, Suresh Peter was in his shop when a PI called him outside for an 

enquiry. Suresh Peter asked the reason for the enquiry. The PI pulled Suresh Peter into a police vehicle and 

demanded to know whether Suresh Peter had planned on coming only if a reason was provided. The PI 

drove Suresh Peter to the Sivagiri PS. 

At around 9.30pm, the PI asked Suresh Peter for his name, job, and family details. Suresh Peter replied to 

all that he was asked. The PI sent Suresh Peter out to sit on the veranda. 

At around 11.30pm, SI Selvaraj brought Suresh Peter inside the Inspector’s room. The SI hit Suresh 

Peter’s cheek and asked where the earrings were that he had stolen from Selvakumar’s house. Suresh 

Peter replied that he had stolen nothing. The SI picked up a wooden log, beat Suresh Peter’s wrist, and 

threatened to beat Suresh Peter to death. Suresh Peter shouted, unable to bear the pain. The SI summoned 

all the police who were then on duty and asked Suresh Peter to sit and to stretch out both of his legs. PI 

Palpandi told the SI to grab Suresh Peter and told three PCs to stand on Suresh Peter’s legs. The PI picked 

up a baton and beat Suresh Peter’s feet, demanding that he tell the truth. The PI said that Suresh Peter’s hand 

impression had been taken and that the PI would broker a compromise if Suresh Peter admitted to the theft. 

Suresh Peter wept and told the police that he had never been to Selvakumar’s house and that he was telling 

the truth. The PI told Suresh Peter not to lie, and said that he knew how to make Suresh Peter tell the truth. The 

SI took a baton and beat Suresh Peter all over his body, including his shins, elbows, and fingers. The SI

demanded that Suresh Peter tell the truth. He made Suresh Peter stretch his fingers on the table while beating 

them. The PCs began to hit Suresh Peter’s cheeks. Such treatment continued until 3.00am. 

Afterwards, Suresh Peter could not stand up because he was in so much pain. Unable to contemplate more 

torture, Suresh Peter told the police that Raja had committed the theft. The SI told Suresh Peter that he should 

have told the truth at the beginning, and instructed him to go sit on the veranda. The SI left; Suresh Peter 

stayed in the room. Suresh Peter tried to sleep but could not because of the pain. 

On 3 November 2007 at 9.00am, the SI brought Raja to the station. The police tied him to Suresh Peter with 

a chain. 

That afternoon, one PC brought food to Suresh Peter and Raja. Raja told Suresh Peter that he would include 

Suresh Peter’s name in his confession, because Suresh Peter had told the police about Raja. 

At around 9.00pm, the SI took Raja inside his room and interrogated him. Suresh Peter heard the sound of 

beating and Raja shouting. As Raja had warned Suresh Peter, he told the SI that Suresh Peter had 

committed the theft with him. The SI ordered that Suresh Peter be brought into the room. A PC approached 

Suresh Peter, called him a “thirutto rascal [an abusive term for a thief],” and unchained him. 

In the room, the SI grabbed Suresh Peter’s hair, called him “the son of a thief,” accused him of lying to the 

police, and slapped his cheek. Suresh Peter said that Raja had falsely included him because he was angry 

that Suresh Peter had told the police about him. The SI told Suresh Peter not to tell lies, and the instructed 

Suresh Peter and Raja to return the earrings and Rs. 10,000 that they had allegedly stolen. The SI chained 

Suresh Peter and Raja together again. 

At around 12.00am, officers from Kadayanallur PS came and took photographs of both Suresh Peter and 

Raja. 

On 4 November 2007 in the morning, the police called Selvakumar to the station and asked him to think hard 

and to say whether only earrings were missing or whether money was also missing. Selvakumar relied that 

money was also missing. 

The SI told Suresh Peter and Raja that he would leave them only if they each gave him Rs. 5,000; otherwise, 

they would be incarcerated. 

At around 9.00pm, Suresh Peter’s father and a person from Raja’s house came to the station together and 

gave Rs. 5,000 each to PI Palpandi. 

Suresh Peter and Raja spent the night chained together. 

On 5 November 2007 at around 11.30am, Suresh Peter and Raja’s photographs were taken. Suresh Peter 

was unchained and called to the Clerk’s room. There, both his hand impressions were taken and the police 

made him sign a blank paper as well as a book. Suresh Peter left the room, and Raja went inside. 

At 9.00pm, the police took Suresh Peter and Raja to the Magistrate’s house. On the way, the police 

threatened Suresh Peter and Raja that if they said anything to the Magistrate other than admitting to the theft, 


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the police would shoot them and pretend that they had tried to escape. The police also threatened Suresh Peter 

and Raja with incarceration at a bigger prison in Palayamkottai, Vellore, or Madurai. 

At the Magistrate’s house, the Magistrate ordered that Suresh Peter and Raja be kept in custody for fourteen 

days. 

The police took Suresh Peter and Raja to a doctor, again threatening them to keep quiet. Suresh Peter, unable 

to bend his fingers, asked the police to request that the doctor give him an injection. The police responded that 

Suresh Peter should keep quiet or he would be killed. 

The doctor stated that there was nothing wrong with Suresh Peter or Raja. 

The police brought Suresh Peter and Raja to jail. 


138 

On 23 November 2007, Suresh Peter was released on bail. 

Later, Suresh Peter learned that the police had kept his money, and had filed a case against Suresh Peter and 

Raja accusing them of having stolen the money from Selvakumar’s house. 

Ashamed, Suresh Peter considered suicide. He has since experienced family troubles. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Annadurai 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Aadivel, SI 

2) Jeya Subramani, PI 

Location : Shenkottah PS, 

Thirunelveli District 


Victim Annadurai was 22 years old and residing in Shenkottah Taluk, Tirunelveli District. On 3 rd November 

2007, the SI of Shenkottah PS asked Annadurai to come for an inquiry to the station. Annadurai’s father asked 

the SI for the reason. The SI replied that he would inquire Annadurai and send him. The police took Annadurai 

to the station and shut him up in the prisoner’s cell at the station. 


2007 

At 7.00pm, SI Aadivel inquired Annadurai about his name, family and the work he did. Annadurai answered 

him for the same. The SI asked Annadurai where he had hidden the ganja. When Annadurai replied that he 

did not know anything about ganja, the SI commanded Annadurai to sit down using abusive words (Rascal). 

Annadurai did accordingly. He forced Annadurai to stretch his legs and beat continuously on his feet using a 

lathi, and asked where he had hidden the ganja. In pain Annadurai begged the SI not to beat him. Again the SI 

beat below his knee using the lathi. For fifteen minutes he was beating Annadurai continuously. Annadurai 

squirmed in pain unable to bend his feet. And Annadurai laid himself down because he couldn’t remain 

standing having received beatings on his feet.

The next day, at 9.00am the PI Jeya Subramani called Annadurai to his room and slapped him on his cheeks 

for not telling the truth and used abusive words (Rascal). Further he took a photograph of Annadurai and 

threatened to file a case on him. 

The SI commanded the HC to get Annadurai’s finger prints, and his signature in a blank paper and surrender 

him by filing an FIR, and went off. As he commanded, the PC got Annadurai’s signature as well as his finger 

prints, and produced him before the Judge at his house. Judge gave orders to put him under judicial custody, 

and likewise they shut him up in Tenkasi Sub Jail. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Mr. Balasubramanian 

Perpetrator(s) : Shanmugam, SI 

Location : Poolangulam Post, Pavur Chatriam Via, 

Thenkasi Taluk,Thirunelveli District 


Victim Balasubramanian, of No. 7/212 in Nadhutheru, worked for three days at a rice mill in Pavur Chatriam. 

Because of heavy rain, he stopped working there and sought work as an agricultural coolie instead. He did 

not know that, after he left the mill, the mill owner notified the police that someone had stolen some iron from 

the premises. 

On 13 October 2007, a police jeep stopped in front of Balasubramanian’s house. When Balasubramanian 

went outside to ask what the police wanted, SI Shanmugam replied “Ejamaan [landlord], just come when I 

tell you to.” The SI then got out of the jeep, slapped Balasubramanian, and asked him how he dared to 

question the police. 

Balasubramanian asked the SI why he had beaten him; the SI responded by taking Balasubramanian 

through the streets and slapping him. Eventually, the SI took him to the Pavur Chatriam Police Station and 

left him with a PC. The SI told the PC to make Balasubramanian sit on the veranda until the SI returned. 

When the SI returned later in the day, he called Balasubramanian into his office and demanded that he 

provide his details. Balasubramanian responded fully. The SI then asked Balasubramanian how long he 

had worked in the rice mill, and why he was no longer working there. Balasubramanian replied that he had 

worked there for three days, but had left because of the heavy rain. The SI responded by verbally abusing 

Balasubramanian using the word “thaayoli [bastard],” and told him that he had stolen iron from the rice mill. 

The SI yelled at Balasubramanian to tell the truth. Balasubramanian replied that he had no need to steal. The 

SI then called him a rascal, and demanded that he answer the questions asked of him. Balasubramanian 

said nothing. The SI then told Balasubramanian to sit in a chair and stretch out his legs. 

The SI beat Balasubramanian on his feet. Balasubramanian screamed because he could not bear the pain. 

The SI told Balasubramanian that the police had received a complaint from the mill owner, and that 


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Balasubramanian would not be free until he told the truth. The SI also threatened to kill Balasubramanian, who 

replied that he could not admit to a crime that he had not committed. 

The SI asked Head PC Sankarapandian to file a case on Balasubramanian. The HC took Balasubramanian 

to his office to collect his fingerprints and signature. He filed a case on Balasubramanian, before he and the SI 

took Balasubramanian to the Court at Thankasi. On the way, the SI threatened Balasubramanian with false 

accusations if he told the judge that the SI had beaten him. 

When they reached the Court, the judge asked Balasubramanian if he had any complaint. Balasubramanian 

replied that he had none. The judge ordered Balasubramanian detained for fourteen days; Balasubramanian 

was released on bail after seven days. 


140 


Victim(s) : Basheer Mohammed 

Perpetrator(s) : Ramakrishnan, PI 

Location : Melapalayam PS, Thirunelveli District 


Case Details: 

Basheer Mohammed resides in Melapalayam, Tirunelveli. He was taken for a murder case that happened 

four years back. Having got bail after a period of two months, he came out of Palayamkottai Central Jail. 

On 1 st August 2007, Basheer Mohammed was getting ready to go for work, when Melapalayam PI 

Ramakrishnan went and asked Basheer Mohammed to come with him for inquiry. In fear, Basheer 

Mohammed asked why he should come having done no mistake. The PI abused Basheer Mohammed as 

son of a bastard (Thevadiya), and asked him whether he would come only if the reason was said to him. The 

PI slapped on Basheer Mohammed’s cheeks, and pulled his shirt taking him to the jeep. 


2007 

The police took Basheer Mohammed to Melapalayam PS. Basheer Mohammed was made to sit in a room 

till evening. At 7.00pm, Basheer Mohammed was called to the PI’s room. There, the PI told Basheer 

Mohammed that they believed he was assisting terrorists in Melapalayam area, and asked Basheer 

Mohammed to tell them the names of those terrorists. Basheer Mohammed told the PI about his previous 

arrest in a murder case and also added that he was he was working in a butcher’s shop without doing any 

mistake. When Basheer Mohammed said that, the PI beat on his thighs with the lathi. PCs held his hands 

and head tightly. The PI beat on Basheer Mohammed’s neck forcing him to tell the contacts. PI used 

abusive words (Son of a Bastard (Tayoli)). Basheer Mohammed cried of pain. PI ordered Basheer 

Mohammed not to shout and stand up. PI slapped on his cheeks and said that as long as he was in this 

region, he won’t leave Basheer Mohammed without doing something to him and said that he would link 

Basheer Mohammed with a murder case and imprison life long.

Basheer Mohammed replied he had no contacts with anybody, and said what he told was the truth. PI made 

Basheer Mohammed sit in his room and went off. It was around 8.00am, Basheer Mohammed’s father 

Syed Mohammed came to the PS. The clerk told him that a case was filed on him and advised his father to 

get bail from the court. Immediately Basheer Mohammed’s father went off. 

PI Ramakrishnan came at 09.30am, and commanded the police to file a case on Basheer Mohammed and 

to produce him before the court. It was around 10.00am, the PI got Basheer Mohammed signed and filed 

him u/s 588/07, 151, 71(A) CIA and produced before the court. After reaching there only Basheer Mohammed 

knew that another case was filed along with him in this case. By court order Basheer Mohammed was shut 

up in Palay Central Jail and came out the next day on bail. 

Basheer Mohammed was afraid to take any action against the PI as the police might file him under a false 

case. 


Victim(s) : Edwin 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Mariaajesu Anthony, SI 2) Annalakshmi 

Woman SI 3) Subbaiah, PC 4) 

Mutthuselvam 5) SPCID Basheer 

6) SPCID Kandhasamy 

Location : Nadutheru, Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli 



141 

Case Details: 

Edwin was residing at Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District. On 27 th July 2007 at 3.00am, Edvin was asleep 

with his family members. Edwin heard a voice shouting that was denoting his caste as dogs. SI Mariaajesu 

Anthony, Woman SI Annalakshmi, PC Mutthuselvam, Subbaiah, SPCID-Bashheeer, SPCID-Kandhasamy 

and 3 persons were standing outside holding batons and pistols. 

They asked him to come to the station and Edvin immediately asked them for the reason. The SI replied to 

him that he was not a big shot. Immediately SI Annalakshmi ordered the POs to drag him to the station. 

When Edwin tried to put on his shirt, PC Mutthuselvam snatched away the shirt and took away the money 

that was in the shirt pocket. They got him into the police jeep and made sit between the seats. Already, Aliyar 

and Ruban from Moolaikaraipatti, Sundarajan from Ramakrishnapuram, Murugan, and Murugan, from 

Kariaandi were there in the jeep. At the Moolaikaraipatti PS, Nayinar from Edumbal village was handcuffed 

and fastened with chain. 

At 4.00 am, PI of Nanguneri PS, Mutthuraj and Maria Jesu Anthony, PI of Moolaikaraipatti PS came and 

asked Edwin to tell the truth. Edvin asked for the purpose he was brought to the station. At once, PC 

Subbaiah, Mutthuselvam, SPCID Basheer started beating Edwin alternately on back, buttocks and foot. 


2007

Edwin writhed and howled in pain. They made Edwin to bend down and beat him, and then made him stand 

upright and beat him more. 

They shouted at Edwin using the word bastard, Pundai magane and added that 2 of them who had come with 

him have told the truth. Edwin told that he knows nothing. A PC enquired Edwin whether he knew about the 

incident that happened at the house of Azhagu on Tuesday. Edwin replied that he was at his brother’s house 

in Madurai at that time. The SI asked Edvin whether he would accept whether the others that were brought 

in would confirm that. Then, they brought Nayinar and Ruban in front of Edwin and the PI asked Nayinar 

whether Edwin went to Azhagu’s house. Nayinar and Ruban told that Edwin was with them. 


142 

The police beat Edwin with intervals more than 5 times. At 11.00am people belonging to their village; 

Panchayat President Ponnaiah Nadar, Councilor and some other came to see them at Moolaikaraipatti PS. 

But, the police did not give them permission to meet Edvin and told them that Edvin would be sent back after 

enquiry. 

Then, at 1.00pm SI Annalakshmi brought the daughter of Azhagu in front of them and asked her who was to 

her house. That girl child pointed to Nayinar alone. Then she was taken back. 

The Police forced Edvin to sign in papers without knowing its contents. 

At 10.00pm, the police took all of them to the Nanguneri Court campus to produce before the Magistrate. But, 

the Magistrate asked them to come the next day. The next morning Edwin and the others were taken to 

Nanguneri Judge. On the way, the police threatened the victims not to tell anything to the Judge or else they 

would be shot to dead, and the police would say they tried to escape. Even though they had injuries they did 

not inform the judge due to fear. They were all remanded to the Palayamkottai Central jail. 

The first hearing of their case was on 10 th August 2007. They have submitted a petition to the Judge 

demanding medical treatment for the injuries. The Judge sent a letter to the Superintend of the Palayamkottai 

Central jail asking him to do the needful to provide treatment at the hospital situated within the jail. Accordingly, 

Edwin underwent treatment at the prison hospital for ten days; from 13 th August 2007 to 23 rd August 2007. 


2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Elango 

Perpetrator(s) : Kannan, SI 

Location : Kalakaadu, Kakkan Nagar, 

Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli 


Victim Elango, of the Pallar caste, resides at Kakkan Nagar, Kalakaadu. On 25 August 2007 at 6.00pm, a 

jeep – in which SI Kannan and another police officer were seated – stopped in front of his house. The SI 

called Elango and his wife outside; when Elango asked why they had been summoned, the SI shouted at 

him not to ask questions.

The SI drove Elango and his wife to the police station. He asked them where they were keeping a set of lamps 

that had been stolen from the Vaadhyamman Temple. Elango responded that he knew nothing about the lamps 

and had committed no wrong. He added that both he and his wife had been away from their residence and had 

only recently returned. The SI asked why they had left, and Elango responded that he had been seeking daily 

labour. The SI asked Elango’s wife to corroborate this story; she did so. 

The SI sent Elango’s wife home, telling her that he would send her husband home after asking him some more 

questions. 

The SI proceeded to shout at Elango (using the word “thaayoli”) and to make insulting remarks about his caste. 

Then he beat Elango with a baton below his knees. He accused Elango of lying and threatened to charge him 

with other pending cases if he failed to admit his crime. 

Elango admitted that he had been arrested twice for previous infractions, and had received seven months’ 

punishment for them – but he refused to admit that he had done anything wrong this time. The SI did not believe 

him, and proceeded to beat his legs further and to ask him where he had sold the lamps. Elango responded 

that he had known nothing about the lamps before the SI had told him about them. The SI beat Elango’s legs 

once again, and then left the premises. 

At 9.00pm, a PC entered the room and told Elango that he had to spend the night at the police station. Another 

PC woke Elango the next morning at 7.00am. 

At 8.00am, the SI returned and proceeded to file charges against Elango and to collect his fingerprints, despite 

Elango’s insistence that he had done nothing wrong. At 10.30am, the police took Elango to the Nanguneri 

Court, where a judge sentenced him to fourteen days in jail without asking any questions. 

Elango spent fourteen days in the Nanguneri Sub-Jail before being released on bail. Afterwards, he had to visit 

the police station daily to sign a form. He was afraid that if he tried to initiate an action against the SI, the SI would 

file more charges against him and harass his family. Elango thus declined to take any action against the SI. 


143 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Ganesan 

Perpetrator(s) : Muthu Subramaniam, SI 

Location : Gangaikondan PS 


Victim Ganesan resided at the Railway Colony in Aaladipatti, near Gangaikondan, for five years. During this 

time, he helped the women of the Colony to start the Pullimaan Self-Help Group, with the assistance of the 

Arumbukal Trust. This Group had 13 members; Malayammal and Avudayammal held the posts of President 

and Vice-President (respectively). In the process of arranging for bank loans to Group members, and to pay 


2007

some family expenses, Ganesan embezzled Rs. 25,000 of the Group’s funds. Thus, Malayammal and 

Ayudayammal lodged a complaint against Ganesan at the Gangaikondan PS. 

The police brought Ganesan to the station, but later set him free on the condition that he repay the money in 

monthly instalments. 

On 3 November 2007, while Ganesan was working at a farm, a HC arrived to tell him that the SI wanted to see 

him immediately. Ganesan asked why; the HC responded that the SI needed Ganesan for an enquiry. 

Ganesan took a bus to the police station. 


144 

At 10.30am, SI Muthu Subaramniam arrived, slapped Ganesan’s cheek, and asked for the money. Then 

the SI hit Ganesan five more times; one blow hit Ganesan’s ear (the ear still hurts today). The SI told him that 

instead of eating others’ money he should eat the “sunni [a highly offensive term for male genitalia].” The SI 

insulted Ganesan’s caste, saying that “palla dogs” always behaved like this and did not return money. Then 

the SI kicked Ganesan’s shoulder; Ganesan fell down. The SI ran towards Ganesan and stamped on his 

belly with his booted foot. The SI shouted at Ganesan to return the money, threatening him with death if he did 

not. 

Ganesan told the SI that he would pay the money if he was permitted to borrow it from his uncle in Thurayoor. 

The SI rejected this plan, saying that Ganesan should pimp his wife and daughter in the red light district 

instead, and that the SI could provide the address if necessary. The SI also referred to Ganesan as a “pundai 

magane [a highly offensive term for female genitalia].” Because Ganesan was staying calm, the SI asked 

him whether he ate rice or the “sunni.” 

The SI told Ganesan to bring his wife and daughter to the station at 6.00pm. Ganesan replied that this request 

was impossible, since his wife was unwell and his daughter was at work. 

The SI asked the HC to take Ganesan to Thurayoor and to bring his uncle back. The HC took Ganesan to 

Thurayoor in an auto, where he asked Ganesan’s uncle to come to the police station – but Ganesan’s uncle 

refused as he had to attend a funeral, promising to come the next day instead. 


2007 

Ganesan and the HC returned to the station (Ganesan had to pay the auto fare). The SI threatened to file a 

case against Ganesan’s entire family unless Ganesan brought his daughter to the station that evening. The 

SI told the HC to take Ganesan back to Thurayoor, which the HC did on his motorcycle. The HC left Ganesan 

at Thurayoor. Ganesan checked into the High Ground Government Hospital and explained his injuries to a 

doctor.

FF Code : TN/TIR 64/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : Iyappan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Govindan, SI; 2) HC 

Location : Uthumalai PS, Sankarankoil Taluk 


Case Details: 

Victim Iyappan, of the Nadar caste, resides at South Panavadali Chatiram in Sankarankoil Taluk. From 20-23 

October 2007, he worked at a construction site in Kavala Krutchi. He did not know that some copper wires 

were lost from this site, and that the site security officer accordingly filed a complaint at the Uthumalai Police 

Station. 

On 24 October 2007, a police jeep stopped in Iyappan’s street. Govindan SI – whom Iyappan knew because 

the SI had arrested him twice in previous theft cases – told Iyappan to get into the jeep to be interrogated. 

Iyappan complied. 

The jeep dropped Iyappan and the SI off at the Uthumalai PS, where Iyappan was made to wait in the clerk’s 

room. After the SI had breakfast, he approached Iyappan and asked him where he was keeping or where he 

had sold the missing copper wires from Kavala Krutchi. 

Iyappan replied that he had taken no copper wires from Kavala Krutchi, and that the site mason could verify this 

fact. The SI responded by hitting Iyappan in the back with a log and threatening him with being beaten to death 

if he did not tell the truth. The SI then punched Iyappan two or three times. He then made Iyappan lie down on 

a bench and asked the Head PC to hold Iyappan’s legs while he beat Iyappan’s feet continuously. The SI told 

Iyappan to confess to the crime, since he had a record of theft and could be charged with many more 

infractions. 

Iyappan told the SI that he had not taken the wires, that he had reformed his ways since his previous 

convictions, and that he had had steady work for six months. The SI demanded that Iyappan tell the truth, and 

again threatened to kill him. The SI left the station, and the HC repeated the threat that Iyappan must confess or 

be beaten to death. Iyappan insisted once again that he was not lying. 

In the afternoon, the HC took Rs. 20 from Iyappan’s pocket and used the money to buy food for Iyappan. At 

3.30pm, the SI returned, asked the HC whether Iyappan had confessed, and learned that he had not. The SI 

thus asked the HC to take Iyappan’s fingerprints and signature, and then to release him. Before Iyappan left, 

the SI told him that he had to come to the police station whenever asked, and that if he tried to inform anyone that 

he had been beaten, the SI would charge him with several other cases of theft. 

Iyappan returned home. The next day, he visited the Government Hospital at Sankarankoil for treatment. He 

was unwilling to take action against the SI, for fear that he would be charged with many crimes. 


145 


2007


Victim(s) : Ramesh 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Jeyakumar, AC 

2)Muthu, SI 3) Gnana 

Location : Palayamkottai Perumal Puram PS, 



Case Details: 


Victim Ramesh was a 23 year-old driver who resided in Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli district. On 13 th 

August 2007 at around 9.30am, Ramesh received a call from the Palayamkottai PS asking him to come to 

Out Post PS. The police went and took Ramesh to the PS in a van. Ramesh got into the van. Ramesh’s 

friend Sahul Hameed was already inside the vehicle. 


2007 

146 

At the Perumal Puram PS AC Mr. Jeyaraman inquired Ramesh about who worked as watch man in the 

Melapalayam Sewage Treatment Plant. He also inquired the same of Sahul Hameed. The AC retained 

Ramesh and released Sahul Hameed. AC Jeyaraman slapped Ramesh’s cheeks three times. At 06.00pm, 

PC Thiru Gnana Sambandam, the AC and other policemen took Ramesh to Manur where the police went to 

a funeral house. The police left Ramesh in the car for two hours. 

Again they went back to PS there Ramesh was detained that night. The next day, the police took Ramesh to 

Melapalayam PS, where AC Jeyaraman and PI Ramakrishnan started interrogating Ramesh. In the PS 

police were interrogating Sorimuthu Thevar of Kubeeba Kurichi, Mr. Madasamy, who resided near the 

Sewage Treatment Plant, and Mr. Raj of Vannar Pettai, about the murder at the sewage plant. All the 

individuals were kept in one room. 

Each individual was taken to another room and tortured. After two days, on 17 th August 2007, PC Gnana 

Sambandam, came, took Ramesh to another room. For half an hour PC Gnana Sambandam tied Ramesh 

and beat on his feet. Ramesh shouted in pain. After that SI Muthu beat Ramesh with his hand. 

Ramesh was kept in the AC Force Office till 22 nd August 2007. At 1.00pm in the afternoon, AC Jeyaraman 

took Ramesh to Perumal Puram PS. The police took a video recording. And then Ramesh said he didn’t 

know anything about the murder. Once again the police brought Ramesh to the AC Force Office. There AC 

Jeyaraman told Ramesh that only a small case would be filed on him, and told Ramesh to pay fine at the court. 

Ramesh accepted that. 

That night, at around 8.00pm, the police brought Ramesh to Melapalayam PS. The police got Ramesh 

signed at Melapalayam PS. The next day, 23/08/2007, at the Palayamkottai Evening Court, Ramesh paid 

a fine of Rs. 150/-.


Victim(s) : Selvam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kosalappan, SI; 2) HC 

Location : Vickramasingapuram, 

Ambasamuthiram,Thirunelveli 


Case Details: 

Victim Selvam, of the Parayar caste, resides at the Anavan Colony, Vickiramasingapuram. On 9 September 

2007, he rode his bicycle to Ambasamudram to watch a film; the film finished late in the evening, and he 

returned home to sleep afterwards. 

On the same evening, there was a theft at the house of Andhoni Packiasamy, who lives on the same street 

as Selvam. 

At 9.00am the next morning, the police arrived and conducted a local investigation; Selvam stood nearby. 

The police departed after their investigation was complete. 

At 10.00pm, three policemen – none of whom were in uniform – came to Selvam’s house and asked to see 

him. The demanded that he get into their jeep to answer some questions; when Selvam’s father asked why, 

they responded that they would return Selvam after asking him some questions. SI Kosalappan slapped 

Selvam on the cheek and demanded that he get into the jeep. 

The police took Selvam to the police station, where they asked him for details about those who had been 

involved in the theft at Andhoni Packiasamy’s house. They told him that if he did not provide details, they 

would file a case against him. Selvam replied that he had not stolen anything; he offered to let the police 

search his house, and said that if they found anything they could then file a case against him. The SI said that 

Selvam was too bold and verbally abused him with the term “thaayoli.” 

The SI picked up a log and asked the Head PC to hold Selvam’s hands out; the SI hit Selvam’s hands with 

the log. The SI then told the HC to make Selvam bend over. The HC punched Selvam’s back four or five 

times. Selvam told them once again that he did not know anything. The SI told Selvam to lie down on his 

back, and asked the HC to hold Selvam’s legs. With the log, the SI beat Selvam on his thighs and below his 

knees, demanding that Selvam tell the truth. Selvam maintained that he had not stolen anything. 

The SI asked Selvam to sit up, and gave him water to drink. The SI – having learned about it from Selvam’s 

neighbours – asked Selvam about his late arrival home on the night of the theft. The SI told Selvam that he 

should know what happened, as he returned home from the film at the same time as the theft took place. The 

SI continued to use the term “thaayoli.” Then the SI took Selvam by the hair and dashed his head against the 

wall. He told Selvam that if he did not tell the truth, the police would not set him free. 


147 


2007


The SI did not beat Selvam further, but instead made him remain standing for three hours – which was very 

painful for Selvam because of the beatings to his legs. Then, the police took Selvam to a separate room and 

made him take off all clothes except his underwear. They fastened his legs together with chains, which they left 

on Selvam’s legs all night. 

The next morning at around 8.00am, a HC arrived, unfastened the chains on Selvam’s legs, and brought him 

out of the room. He took Selvam’s fingerprints, told Selvam to sign a blank sheet of paper, and made Selvam 

sit in the writer’s room. Since Selvam’s legs were swollen, he could not bend his knees. 

At around 9.00am, the SI returned. Selvam’s father arrived shortly thereafter and spoke to the SI; the SI said 

that he would put Selvam in jail for theft if either he or his father filed a complaint against the police or informed 

a doctor. Selvam’s father then left. The SI asked Selvam once again who had gone to see the film with him, 

and what he knew about the theft. Selvam maintained that he knew nothing. 

The SI told his colleague to file a “suspicion case” on Selvam and to collect Selvam’s signature; he then told 

Selvam that he should come whenever the police called. 

148 

When Selvam left the police station, his father took him to the Govenrment Hospital in Vickiramasingapuram, 

where Selvam received an injection. Selvam did not speak to the doctors about his experience at the police 

station because of the SI’s threats. 


Victim(s) : Vijayakumar 

Perpetrator(s) : Sankar, SI 

Location : Melapalayam PS, Thirunelveli Taluk 


Case Details: 

Victim Vijayakumar resides on Palakatu Street at Veeramanikapuram. He belongs to the Hindu Pallar caste 

and works as an auto driver. 


2007 

One of Vijayakumar’s neighbours, Parameswaran, would go with his family to visit his parents on most 

holidays. Vijayakumar would usually take them in his auto to the new bus stand in Tirunveli. Vijayakumar did 

so, as per usual, on 27 July 2007 at 8.00pm. 

On 30 July 2007 at 9.00pm, SI Sankar approached Vijayakumar and said that the police wanted to ask him 

some questions. When Vijayakumar asked why, the SI insulted him by saying “thevidar maganae,” slapped 

his cheeks, and demanded that he come at once. Vijayakumar asked the SI why he had slapped him. The 

SI responded with the caste-related insult “Palla paiya” and thrashed Vijayakumar’s lower legs with a baton. 

The police took Vijayakumar in their jeep to Melapalayam PS. There, they made Vijayakumar sit in the SI’s 

room.

After some time, the SI entered and asked Vijayakumar whether he had taken money and a ring from 

Parameswaran’s house. The SI told Vijayakumar that he would not be let free unless he confessed the truth. 

Vijayakumar insisted that he had never entered Parameswaran’s house. The SI became angry, made 

Vijayakumar stand up, and asked him to hold out his hands. The SI then thrashed Vijayakumar’s hands with 

a baton. He called Vijayakumar a rascal, demanded that he tell the truth, and beat his body. The SI asked 

Vijayakumar why someone would come from far away to steal from Parameswaran’s house. He made 

Vijayakumar bend over and elbowed Vijayakumar in the back. Vijayakumar cried out in pain. The SI made 

Vijayakumar stand and jump. The SI promised to speak to Parameswaran and to set things right – and not 

to file a case against Vijayakumar – if Vijayakumar told the truth. Then the SI insulted Vijayakumar, calling him 

a “Palla kuti maganae,” and thrashed him severely. The SI left the room. 

At about 11.00pm, the SI told Vijayakumar to go home but to return whenever asked. The SI also threatened 

to file a case against Vijayakumar if he informed anyone that the SI had beaten him. 

When Vijayakumar came out of the police station, his father and his friend Ganesh were waiting for him. They 

all travelled to Vijayakumar’s house in an auto. 

Vijayakumar could not sleep all night. 

Vijayakumar’s friends and family members told him to file a complaint against SI, but Vijayakumar refused 

because he feared that the police would torture him and file a false case against him – and that, in such a case, 

no one would take care of his family. 

Parameswaran did not state that he suspected Vijayakumar of the theft; he mentioned only the theft itself. 

Parameswaran insisted that he had no problem with Vijayakumar, and expressed worry that Vijayakumar 

had been detained by the police. 

SI Sankar refused to say anything about the incident. 



Perpetrator(s) : Jamal, SI 

Location : Pottal village, Kalidaikurichi, 

Ambasamuthiram 



149 

Case Details: 

Murugan is a resident of Kamarajapuram. He had worked at the Maadhavan brick kiln in Pottal Village for two 

years. 

On 3 September 2007, a tarpaulin went missing from the kiln. The kiln’s owner, Mr. Madhavan, filed a 

complaint with the Kalidaikurichi police. The following day at around 1.00pm, the SI Jamal and a Head PC 

came to ask questions of everyone at the kiln. One worker, Subramanian, who belonged to the same 


2007

community as Murugan and worked three days a week at the kiln, was absent. After interrogating everyone 

else at the kiln, the police left to find Subramanian. 

On 5 September 2007, Murugan did not go to work, as he had painting work to do at home. At around 

10.00am, the SI and the HC arrived at Murugan’s house in a jeep. They asked him to come with them so that 

they could ask him questions about the theft of the tarpaulin. On getting into the jeep, Murugan noticed that 

Subramanian was there too, and that the tarpaulin was beside him. 


150 

The SI and the HC took Murugan and Subramanian to the police station. On arrival, the SI asked Murugan 

whether he had told Subramanian to take the tarpaulin, and slapped Murugan on both of his cheeks. Murugan 

replied that he was not close with Subramanian and knew him only from his work at the kiln. The SI shouted 

at Murugan that Subramanian had said that he had taken the tarpaulin on Murugan’s suggestion. The SI 

accused Murugan of lying and told him to confess. He beat Murugan with a baton on his right thigh. Murugan 

replied that Subramanian did not come often to work, and that he had not plotted with him to steal the tarpaulin. 

The SI did not listen to Murugan’s answer, instead saying that Murugan had told Subramanian to take the 

tarpaulin, which was purchased for Rs. 10,000 and could now be sold for Rs. 8,000. The SI told Murugan to 

confess; Murugan replied again that he did not know anything. The SI punched Murugan in the back. He told 

Murugan to sit down, and hit him with a baton on the soles of his feet. Murugan could not bear the pain. 

Meanwhile, the police had Subramanian sit in the writer’s room, where they did nothing to him. After some 

time, they called him into the room with Murugan and asked Subramanian whether Murugan was the person 

who had told him to take the tarpaulin. Subramanian answered that on 3 September 2007 Murugan had told 

him to take the tarpaulin, that the two had gone home together, and that Murugan had told him to keep the 

tarpaulin at home rather than coming to work the next day. 

Murugan denied what Subramanian said, asserting that Subramanian was blaming him in order to escape 

punishment. The SI did not believe Murugan, instead punching him in the back. Murugan experienced 

difficulty in breathing and pain in his legs. The SI left. 

At around 3.00pm, the SI returned and asked the HC to file a case against Murugan and Subramanian and to 

take them to court. Murugan repeated that he had done nothing wrong, but the SI did not listen. 


2007 

The HC took Murugan to the writer’s room and collected his fingerprints. He then took Murugan and 

Subramanian to the court. On the way, the HC told Murugan that if he told the judge about having been beaten, 

the police would charge him with other pending allegations. On arrival at the Judicial Magistrate Court at 

Ambasamudram, the HC brought Murugan and Subramanian before a judge, who remanded them to jail for 

fourteen days. 

Murugan’s relatives released him on bail the next day; Subramanian remained in jail.


Victim(s) : Suresh 

Perpetrator(s) : Mr. Radha Krishnanan, SIPCs, A 1 PS 

Location : A 1 PS 


Case Details: 

Indira and Saritha had an altercation. Afterward, Saritha’s husband, Ananthan, began harassing Indira with 

strikes to the back and sexually offensive language. Victim Suresh, Indira’s husband, approached Ananthan 

with questions about his behavior. Ananthan then lodged a complaint with the police that Suresh had 

attempted to murder him. 

Police from the A 1 PS took Suresh from his home and took him to the PS. At the A 1 PS, police PCs forced 

Suresh to stand in his undergarments and then beat him on the hands and legs with a baton. That evening, 

the SI, Mr. Radha Krishnanan, went to the A 1 PS. Suresh attempted to appeal to the SI and affirm his 

innocence. The SI continued to beat him. Afterward, the SI obtained Suresh’s signature on a blank piece of 

paper before releasing him. 

Suresh sustained injuries that prevented him from walking. 

Suresh was admitted to K. M. C. 

Suresh seeks to take action on his behalf against the SI and PCs of A 1 PS. 


151 

FF Code : TN/KK 50/SEPT/0 

Victim(s) : Chellasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1)John Bosco, SI 2) Chakarvarthy, PI 

3) Kangaraj, PC 4) Thanganadan, PC 

5) Prasanna, DSP 

Location : Nitthiravilai PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Chellasamy, belonging to Nadar-Christian Community, is residing at Venkodu Village, Kanyakumari. 

On 5 th June 2007, when he was sleeping at his home, a thief got in to his house and tried to snatch the gold 

chain from his wife’s neck. When his wife shouted, the thief ran away. The thief also stole seven sovereigns 

of gold from Chellasamy neighbor George’s house. The next day, the Pudhukadai SI John Bosco took 


2007

Chellasamy the Pudhukadai PS under the pretext of an enquiry. At the PS, Chellasamy was charged with 

the theft of George’s house. 

Chellasamy denied the jewelry theft allegation. PC George stamped on Chellasamy’s stomach with his boot. 

PC Kanagaraj slapped Chellasamy twice on his right cheek and abused him calling him a “thieving bastard!” 

The PC told Chellasamy that he could go begging instead of stealing. Even after Chellasamy started to cry in 

pain, the police continued brutally attacking him. DSP Prasanna threatened him that the matter will get 

complicated if he did not return the stolen jewelry and abused him using highly offensive terms. 


152 

HPC Thanganadan removed the gold ring from Chellasamy’s finger. Then, PCs Thanganadan and Kanagaraj 

made Chellasamy stand almost naked. Later, PI Chakravarthy and SI John Bosco forced Chellasamy to 

lean on a wall. They both grabbed his legs and pulled them apart and to the side. Chellasamy unable to 

endure the pain cried aloud. The PC covered his mouth with a towel. PI Chakravarthy with this right knee 

stamped hard on Chellasamy’s chest. 

The PC took turns alternately beating Chellasamy with batons. When Chellasamy asked the PCs for water 

to drink they refused and instead they suggested he to drink his own urine. The PCs stripped Chellasamy 

half-naked and chained him up, leaving him lying in the same place for four days. He was not provided with 

proper food. 

On 9 th June 2007, Chellasamy’s relatives arranged for a bail order and met PI Chakravarthy and asked him 

to release Chellasamy. But, he refused. Later, the PI took Chellasamy to Nitthiravilai PS. After half an hour, 

they brought him back the Pudhukadai PS. The PI got his signature in a paper on which some thing was 

written. 


2007 

Chellasamy was taken to the house of the Judge of Kuzhithurai Court. Since the Judge had gone on leave, 

they took him to the Kuzhithurai Government Hospital and got a false medical certificate issued, and then took 

him to the Eraniyal Court. The court asked the police to return the next day. On 10 th June 2007, Chellasamy 

was handcuffed and produced at the Eraniyal Court. The judge ordered him to be remanded at the Sub-Jail 

at Kuzhithurai. On 27 th June 2007 Chellasamy was released on bail. 

During the 17 days of imprisonment, no medical treatment was given to Chellasamy. When he was 

released, he was admitted in the Emergency Ward of the Medical College Hospital at Aasaripallam. He 

underwent treatment for 7 days, from 27 th June 2007 to 4 th July 2007.


Victim(s) : David Periyar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ravi, PI; 2) Kalidas, SI; 3) unnamed PCs 

Location : Thuraipakkam J9 PS, Chennai 


Case Details: 

Victim David Periyar, of the Kallar caste, owns and operates a mess. On the date of the incident at around 

5.00am, he was returning with his nephew from Salem to Chola Nallur when they saw a man lying in a pool 

of blood near the TATA Company. David Periyar stopped their vehicle and contacted Thuraipakkam J9 PS. 

He and his nephew waited for the police until 6.00am. At that time, the police had still not arrived, so the two 

returned home. 

At 3.00pm, a police jeep arrived at David Periyar’s mess. SI Kalidas and other PCs arrived and pulled 

David Periyar by his collar into the jeep. They took him to the police station and presented him to PI Ravi. 

The PI asked David Periyar whether he knew anything about who had murdered the man in the road, and 

threatened to charge David Periyar with the crime unless the confessed the murderer’s name. David 

Periyar replied that if he had murdered the man, he would not have informed the police. The PI became 

angry and slapped David Periyar’s left cheek. David Periyar asked the PI to stop, as he knew that beating 

was illegal. The PI proceeded to abuse him verbally. The PI told David Periyar to remove his shirt and pants, 

and then thrashed him with a baton on his head, nose, right shoulder, and legs. 

The PI demanded that David Periyar admit to committing the murder, but David Periyar refused. The PI 

pushed David Periyar and demanded that he sit with his back against a wall. One PC stood on David 

Periyar’s thighs while the PI beat David Periyar’s feet. David Periyar could not bear the pain. The PI 

continued to thrash his feet and legs before tying David Periyar’s legs with a chain and leaving him in the 

room. 

At about 8.00pm, some of David Periyar’s colleagues and comrades came to the police station. The police 

released him after he signed an agreement to present himself at the station whenever asked. 

David Periyar wanted to file a charge against the PI, but his parents dissuaded him, fearing more problems 

in the future. 

The police caught the real murderers a month later. 


153 


2007


Victim(s) : 1) Dharmaraj; 2) Sonaimuthu; 3) Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Bababugadeen, PI; 2) Senthil Pandi, PC; 

3) Mayakrishnan, PC; 4) two unnamed PCs 

Location : Parthibanur-Abiramam PS 


Case Details: 



154 

2007 

Victims Dharmaraj, Sonaimuthu, and Kumar belong to the Hindu Parayar community and work as daily 

wage labourers. 

Dharmaraj’s in-laws, including Yesudoss, worked in a brick chamber at Suganya brick chamber. The 

chamber owner tortured them, so they filed a complaint to the SP of Ramanathapuram District and the DSP 

of Paramakudi, who conducted an enquiry. Yesudoss and others later went to Chennai to find other work. 

On 23 November 2007, late at night, eight officers from the Abiramam PS in of Ramanathapuram District 

and a PI from the Parthibanur PS, on the urging of the brick chamber owner, burst into several Dalit houses, 

including the victims’. In the victims’ house, the police insulted them with highly offensive terms, such as 

“son of a cunt” and “puzhuthi [offensive slang for the fraenulum of the penis],” as well as caste-related insults. 

The police also stamped on Dharmaraj’s father with booted feet. They then took the victims to the police 

station. 

At the station, the PI, as well as PCs Mayakrishnan and Senthil Pandi, slapped the victims’ cheeks and 

punched their backs. The officers asked “You scoundrels, what is the problem with Yesudoss working in 

the chamber?” and threatened to beat their knees, so badly that they could not walk, until Yesudoss returned 

from Chennai. The officers continued to beat the victims. 

The police then locked the victims in separate rooms and did not provide them with any food. 

The next day at around 12.00pm, the police collected the victims’ fingerprints. 

At around 6.00pm, the police made the victims sign some papers before letting them leave. 

The victims filed complaints with RDO, the Superintendent of Police, the District Collector, the Inspector- 

General (Southern Region), SHRC, the State Office of the National Commission for the Scheduled Caste, 

and the CM of Tamil Nadu. 

The PI maintains that the victims were taken into custody on a charge of theft.

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SVG 79/NOV/O7 

Victim(s) : 1) Durai Pandi; 2) Boopathy 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajesh, SI 

Location : Manamadurai PS, Manamadurai Taluk, 



Victim Durai Pandi, age 15 and of the Hindu-Pallan community, resides at Krishnarajapuram in Manamadurai 

Taluk, Sivagangai District, where he is studying at the 10th standard level. Victim Sekar, age 17, is of the same 

village and studies at the 11th standard level. 

On 12 October 2007, a mason from the same village, named Gandhi, started a quarrel with Durai Pandi and 

Boopathy. Gandhi said that Durai Pandi and Boopathy had teased his daughter; he thus lodged a complaint 

against them. 

Later that day, under the pretext of an enquiry, SI Rajesh took both of the boys to the Manamadurai PS, where 

he beat them until they squirmed with pain. The SI made Durai Pandi and Boopathy remove their clothes and 

sit in a cell in their underwear. The SI beat them again and then filed a case against them. 

The SI remanded Durai Pandi and Boopathy to the Juvenile Home in Madurai 

Eight days later, Durai Pandi’s and Boopathy’s parents paid a fine of Rs. 5,000 and brought the boys home. 

The case filed by the SI is pending before the courts. 


155 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) Esa; 2) Esa’s wife 


Location : North, South, and Virijipuram PSs, 

Vellore 


Victim Esa lives with his wife. On 10 June 2007, PCs Afzal and Partheeban took Esa to the North PS under 

the pretext of an enquiry. The police then took Esa to the Virijipuram PS, where other PCs beat him with batons 

and detained him for three days on a false charge of theft. At the station, the police beat Esa. 

Meanwhile, SI Pughazh had taken Esa’s wife to the South PS for an enquiry. The police then brought Esa’s 

wife and mother-in-law to the Virijipuram PS. There, the police stripped Esa naked in front of his relatives and 

verbally abused him. The police then thrashed Esa brutally with batons and demanded where he kept a set of 

stolen jewels. 

The police also beat Esa’s wife, forcing her to hand over the jewels that Esa had given her. 

The police threatened to shoot Esa and to report that he had died while trying to escape. 

On release, Esa and his wife were admitted to the Government Hospital in Adukkamparai. 

Esa and his wife now suffer from depression. 


2007

FF Code : TN/CHE 108/NOV/O7 

Victim(s) : George 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Jeyakumar, PI, Ambathur PS; 

2) Tamil Selvan, SI, Ambathur PS; 


Location : Various locations, Chennai 




2007 

156 

Case Details: 

Victim George worked as a Sub-PI in BSF before voluntarily retiring to search for another job. On returning 

home after searching for a job in Ambathur, Aavadi, a gang of five or six persons started to beat him and tried 

to remove a gold ring from his finger. The gang told bystanders that George had run away after snatching a 

gold chain – so some of the bystanders began to beat George as well, and informed the Ambathur police. 

PI Jeyakmuar arrived on the scene, made enquiries of the bystanders, struck George’s cheeks and back 

with his hand, and took George away on his bike. The PI brought George to the Ambathur PS, where he took 

George’s possessions, including rings, an ATM card, and a cell phone. Five men in civilian clothing beat 

George, presuming that he was a thief. They struck him with hands and with a baton on his back, his hands, 

and his chest; they also kicked him with booted feet in his buttocks and back. They continued to beat him, 

demanding that he admit the theft. At one point, a PC gave him water. 

The police informed George that someone had stolen a 2-sovereign chain from the Puzhal Jail, and demanded 

that he admit having committed this crime. George refused to oblige. 

The police told George to remove his shirt and pants and to sit with his legs out. SI Tamil Selvan struck 

George with an iron rod on his thighs, back, hands, and ankles. 

The police advised George that he could resolve this issue by giving them a bribe of Rs. 1 lakh. 

At around 11.30pm, the police took George to Thank Factory P, where they told him once again to remove 

his shirt and pants. They tied his hands behind him. Four policemen held his legs straight out and then kicked 

his chest and thighs with booted feet. George lost consciousness and fell down. After five minutes, the 

policemen woke him by pouring water into his mouth. Then, four PCs picked George up, brought him to 

another room, tied both of his hands, and struck him with an iron rod all over his body. They demanded that 

he accept his crime. The police then made George sit on the floor with his hands tied behind him and his legs 

spread apart, while five policemen kicked him all over his body and struck him with an iron rod. George 

screamed with pain, but the policemen immediately stuffed his mouth with a cuff so that he could not make a 

noise. 

The police kept George at Thank Factory P all night with no food.

The next morning at around 7.00am, the police took George to Ambathur PS. SI Tamil Selvan, SI Jeyakumar, 

and other policemen repeatedly hit him with batons and iron rods, and kicked him with booted feet. 

At around 11.00am, the police took George to Korattur PS, where they thrashed and kicked him. George 

could no longer walk. The police took George to his house and searched the premises but did not find 

anything. They returned George to Ambathur PS. They then moved him to O.T. PS before returning him 

once again to Ambathur PS. 

At around 11.30pm, the police took George to Aavadi PS, where an SI, two PCs, and a Police Driver beat 

him with their hands, asking him what else he had stolen. They told George that even if he was released from 

Puzhal Jail on bail, they would have him killed by rowdy men. They forced George to admit to another theft 

in Aavadi, despite that the victim of that theft failed to identify George as the thief. 

The next day at 10.00am, PC Mohan and another PC took George to KTC for an x-ray before returning him 

to the police station. Another PC applied balm to George’s body and massaged him. 

SI Tamil Selvan, PI Jeyakumar, and other PCs told George not to disclose that he had been tortured, 

threatening to hack his family if he did so. They forced George to sign a blank document. 

The next day, the police took George to Ambathur Court, where a judge ordered him jailed. 

George was released on bail on 3 December 2007. On the next day, he went to the police station to ask for 

his possessions, but the PI refused. 


157 


Victim(s) : Gobinath 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed POs, Sathan Kaadu PS 



Case Details: 

Victim Gobinath works as a coolie. On 29 September 2007, he and a friend entered a house in Kalaivanar 

Nagar in order to steal guavas. While they were searching through the cupboards, the house owner 

returned, so the two ran away. 

On 2 October 2007 at around 2.00am, six policemen (three in uniform and three in civilian clothing) came to 

Gobinath’s house. One grabbed Gobinath’s collar and pulled him out of his house. When Gobinath’s elder 

brother asked the reason for Gobinath’s treatment, the police pulled him out of the house. The police put both 

brothers into their van. 


2007

The police drove them to a building in a forest area of Sathan Kaadu. Inside the building, Gobinath’s brother 

was left on the ground floor while Gobinath was taken upstairs. Gobinath’s legs were chained and he was hung 

upside-down. Four PCs beat him on his thighs and buttocks. Two other PCs bent his head backwards and 

tied it in that position before kicking his belly with their booted feet. 



158 

2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : James 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed PCs 



Victim James, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, resided with his parents at 58th Street, Nallankuppam Street, 

Ashoknagar, Chennai. He had been involved in some illegal activities with his neighbour Jeganathan, but later 

came to disapprove of Jeganathan and took honest work as a coolie. 

Jeganathan filed many false complaints against James and looked on James’ family as enemies. 

On 2 July 2007 at 9.00am, police came to James’ house and arrested him. They kicked him with booted feet 

in front of his parents. The police then lifted James by his collar. They pushed James’ father when he attempted 

to assist his son. The police also used filthy language like “come you bastards [vada thevidar paiya].” They 

took James to the R6 PS. 

When the jeep stopped at the station, the police grabbed James by his collar and dragged him inside. Four 

policemen taunted him by calling him a bastard [“thevidar paiya”] and using caste-related insults [“para 

thevidar paiya”]. They told him that Jeganathan had filed a complaint against him. They asked James whether 

he had given up stealing, and said that he would only forgo the habit if they detailed him under the Goondas Act. 

James replied that he was working as a coolie. 

The police told James to take off his clothes and sit in his underwear. Two policemen stood on his thighs and 

stamped on his legs. They made him stretch out his legs and thrashed his feet with a baton. James cried in 

pain. The police beat him continuously on his shoulder, legs, and back. They then made him stand up and 

stretch out his hands before striking his palms five times. 

The police detained James until 6.00pm before returning him to his parents. He could not walk properly or lift 

his hands. His mother gave him medicine, and he later sought treatment at a hospital in Ashoknagar. 

The police have charged James with more than 110 cases and told him to stay away from the village for 

security reasons. Jeganathan continues to file complaints against James’ family.


Victim(s) : Jeevanantham 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Pughalendi, PI; 2) Rajenderan, SI; 

3) Chandru, HC; 4) unnamed PCs 

Location : Boodhalur PS, Boodhalur Post, 

Thiruvaiyaru Taluk, Tanjore 

Date of incident : Second week of April 2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Jeevanantham, age 27, resides at Vinanoorpatti village, within the jurisdiction of the Boodhalur PS. He 

belongs to the Hindu Adi Dravidar caste and earns his living by working as a coolie. 

In the second week of April 2007 at 7.30pm, Jeevanantham mediated a scuffle that took place between Ramu 

and Illangovan at Ayyanapuram. Illangovan had a previous grudge against Jeevanantham and thus incited 

Justin to file a complaint against Ramu, Tamil Selvan and Jeevanantham at the Boodhalur PS, stating that all 

three men had thrashed Justin and then snatched his gold chain. 

Later in the week at 10.00pm, two unknown PCs arrived in an auto and stated that SI Rajendran wanted to 

enquire into Justin’s complaint. They asked Jeevanantham and others to come along with them. Jeevanantham 

told the police officers that he and the others would come to the station on the next day. 

The next day, the PCs returned. They yelled at Jeevanantham, saying “Can’t you come to the police station 

when called?” To this, Jeevananthapuram replied that there was no bus facility from the village to the station. 

The PCs immediately took Jeevanantham and two others to the police station. 

At the station, PI Puzhalendi, SI Rajendran, HC Chandru, and other PCs were present. The SI told Jeevanantham 

and the other two men to remove their shirts and lungis and made them stand in their underwear. The SI 

thrashed Jeevanatham with a long cane on his palm, shoulder, back, thighs, and joints. The SI beat the other 

two men similarly until his cane broke. Meanwhile, the police interrogated Jeevanantham and the others about 

Justin’s complaint. 

Jeevanantham’s mother arrived and asked the police to stop beating her son. However, the police thrashed 

and hit Jeevanantham all over his body and also used caste-related insults like “Palla paiya” against him. 

At about 11.20am, the villagers came to the station and the police stopped beating Jeevanantham and the two 

others. The SI took Rs. 100 and Rs. 500 from the pockets of Jeevanantham’s and one of the other men 

(respectively) and filed a petty case against all three. The HC also took Rs. 1000 from Jeevanantham and 

refused to return it. 

Jeevanantham had to pay a fine of Rs. 600 at Thiruvaiyaru Court for the false charge against him. 


159 


2007


Victim(s) : 1) Jegan; 2) Kotte; 

3) Saravanan; 4) Sabi 


Location : Viruthampattu Police Station, vellore 




160 

2007 

Case Details: 

On 26 November 2006, victims Jegan and Kotte decided to purchase a cell phone from victim Saravanan 

for Thavsip. While Jegan was getting his bike, victim Sabi hit and threatened Thasvip and Kotte and snatched 

his money and cell phone. 

Thavsip told his uncle and Jegan about the matter. At 5.00pm, all three men went to the South PS and told the 

police what had happened. 

At 11.00p.m., an auto containing some policemen arrived in front of Jegan’s house, where Kotte was staying. 

The police took Jegan and Kotte to the station, where they had already detained Saravanan and Sabi. The 

police made all four men strip naked and sit down. Three policemen thrashed them with batons on their legs, 

hands, and elsewhere. The police then tied their legs and moved Jegan and Sabi into a separate cell from 

Kotte and Saravanan. 

Two policemen entered Jegan’s cell and threatened to shoot him if he did not tell the truth. The police then 

thrashed Jegan and Sabi with metal pipes on their legs. 

At 12.00am, three other policemen arrived and thrashed Jegan with a metal pipe on his feet and buttocks. 

Jegan cried in pain. The police continued to hit Jegan for a half-hour before leaving. Jegan wept and could 

not sit down. 

The next day at 6.00pm, Jegan’s parents came to the station. The police slapped Jegan in front of his parents 

and told his parents that they were going to remand him. 

At 8.00pm, the police took the Jegan’s and Kotte’s signatures and photographs and produced them before 

the JM. Two Special Duty policemen then interrogated them, asking whom Kotte had spoken to on the 

phone. The policemen made Jegan and Kotte get into an auto, where they threatened to kill Jegan and Kotte. 

The officers then took Kotte’s cell phone and Rs. 30. 

The police took Jegan and Kotte to the Viruthampatti PS, where a PC asked them who they were and who 

was in their gang. The PC then made them strip naked. He beat Jegan’s and Kote’s feet and stamped on 

their thighs with booted feet. The PC then threatened to hang them with a rope in his possession. The PC 

slapped Jegan, and both punched Kotte in the abdomen and pulled his hair. 

The PC let Jegan and Kotte go, demanding that they produce Sabi and Saravanan.


Victim(s) : Jeyaraj @ Raj 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Vijayakumar, SI; 2) unnamed PCs 



Case Details: 

Jeyaraj, a Sri Lankan repatriate, worked at a cell phone service shop run by Balamurugan. 

On 1 November 2007, two youngsters approached Balamurugan, desiring to sell him a cell phone. Balamurugan 

responded that he did not buy cell phones. The youngsters departed, but then returned later claiming that the 

cell phone was lost and that he had taken it – and that they had accordingly lodged a complaint at the police 

station. 

On 3 November 2007, a PC and an SI came to the shop and enquired about the cell phone theft. Jeyaraj 

replied that he had taken no cell phone, and that they should ask any further questions of Balamurugan. The 

police became furious and shouted at him. They told him that he was speaking haughtily and demanded to 

know where he was from. Jeyaraj replied that he was from Sri Lanka. The police responded that he had come 

from Sri Lanka to steal. Jeyaraj insisted that he was an honest person and had not come to steal. 

A PC slapped Jeyaraj on his left cheek, accusing him of insolence. When the PC tried to hit him again, Jeyaraj 

caught his hand. The SI hit Jeyaraj with his baton; Jeyaraj let go of the PC’s hand. The PC kicked Jeyaraj with 

his booted foot, and Jeyaraj fell down. The PC continued to beat Jeyaraj with a baton on his back, shoulder, 

head, and thighs. 

The police dragged Jeyaraj by his collar onto a two-wheeler and took him to the police station. There, they 

asked him to undress. The PC then told PI Vijayakumar that Jeyaraj had tried to beat him. Immediately, PI 

Vijayakumar said “You dog! You have come from one country to another country to make a living, and you 

have such arrogance?” The PI then hit Jeyaraj with a baton on his back. Jeyaraj quivered with pain. The PI 

told Jeyaraj to lie down and hit him on his buttocks and feet. The PI then told Jeyaraj to stand up and extend his 

hands, which he hit give times. Jeyaraj writhed with pain. 

The police also detained and tortured Balamurugan. 

At around 7.45pm, Adv. Parasuraman came to the police station and spoke to the PI. At around 9.00pm, both 

Jeyaraj and Balamurugan were allowed to leave on the condition that they return to the station whenever 

requested to do so. 


161 


2007

FF Code : TN/KK 64/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : John Bosco 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Mumtaj, PI, Manavalakurutchi 

PS; 2) unnamed HC; 3) three unnamed PCs 

Location : Manavalakurutchi PS, 

Kalkulam Taluk, Kanya Kumari 




162 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim John Bosco resides at 31/10, Kadyapattinam, Manavalakurutchi Village. On 12 October 2007 at 

around 8.00pm, John Bosco went to buy arrack from a government liquor shop. 

At the shop, John Bosco got into a fight with some other men, who attacked him forcefully. A HC and a PC 

arrived and tried to break up the fight with their batons. In the scuffle, John Bosco was pushed down and 

beaten on his hands and legs. 

At around 8.45pm, the police took John Bosco to Manavalakurutchi PS. On the way, the police threatened 

and abused him. 

The police kept John Bosco tied up in the prisoner’s room. After a half-hour, they untied him and brought him 

out in handcuffs. The police took him to Manavalakurutchi Junction and beat him. 

Later, two PCs held John Bosco while PI Mumtaj punched him in the abdomen. The police beat him for an 

hour before returning him to the station. 

At 10.10pm, the two PCs removed John Bosco’s handcuffs, tied his legs to a door, and made him stand in 

his underwear. 

John Bosco suffered all night from hunger and pain. 

The next day at around 7.00am, John Bosco’s wife and aunt came to the station see him. The police did not 

let them meet John Bosco, chasing them out instead. 

The police brought John Bosco some oil and ointment. 

At around 4.00pm, the police took John Bosco to the Government Hospital at Kulachal. 

At around 6.30pm, the police produced John Bosco before the Eranial Court, where a judge sentenced him 

to fifteen days’ imprisonment. 

The police also threatened John Bosco and his wife, forcing them to sign a blank paper.


Victim(s) : Kadambu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Murugesan, SI; 


Location : Palladam PS 


Case Details: 

Kadambu resides in Siruvanur Village, Thiruchuli Taluk, Virudhunagar District. On 23 August 2007, six police 

officers took Kadambu into custody and beat him. They filed six theft charges against him. 

On 26 August 2007 at around 1.30pm, SI Murugesan and three PCs from Aruppukotai made Kadambu get 

into their van. After driving for about three miles, they stopped near a pond and told Kadambu to get out. The 

police beat Kadambu with a four-foot iron chain and asked him where he was hiding eight kilograms of gold. 

They took Kadambu back into the van and tied his hands with the chain. The police verbally abused Kadambu 

and questioned him about a missing gold ornament. The SI beat Kadambu with a baton. Two PCs stood on 

Kadambu’s thighs while another kicked his chest. 

At around 1.30pm, the police took Kadambu to Dindigul, where they beat him. 

At around 2.30pm, Kadambu began to vomit blood. He fell asleep in the van. 

At around 4.00pm, the van reached Palladam PS. 

At around 7.00pm, the police took Kadambu to the hospital, where he was treated before being returned to the 


On 27 August 2007 at around 8.00pm, the DSP arrived at the station and enquired after Kadambu. The SI told 

the DSP that Kadambu had fallen from a terrace. 

At around 10.00pm, the police took Kadambu to Palladam Hospital. 

On 29 August 2007, the SI asked Kadambu to confess to having stolen a jewel. Kadambu refused, so the SI 

threatened to kill him. 

On 1 September 2007, Kadambu checked back into the hospital, where he received treatment until 13 

September 2007. 

There has been no improvement in Kadambu’s health. 


163 


2007


Victim(s) : Karupasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Pensam, SI; 2) unnamed HC; 


Location : Vadacheri PS 




164 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Karupasamy resides with his wife and two children at Arunthathiyar Street, Krishnankoil, Nagerkoil 

Village, Agasthiswaram Taluk, Kanya Kumari District. On 23 August 2007, Karupasamy fought with his wife 

Sakthi about family issues; in the fight, Karupasamy cut Sakthi’s hand with a knife. 

Sakthi went to Vadacheri PS and filed a complaint against Karupasamy before checking into Nagerkoil 

Medical College Hospital for treatment. 

At around 3.00pm, Karupasamy went to the police station to meet his wife. An HC asked Karupasamy to 

wait. 

At 5.00pm, SI Pensam arrived. The HC and two PCs tied Karupasamy’s hands and tired him to an iron grille 

behind the SI’s desk. 

At around 8.00pm, the SI returned from his rounds. The SI, the HC, and the PCs beat Karupasamy. The 

SI kicked Karupasamy’s knees and asked if he had cut his wife. Asking if this was the hand that had cut 

Karupasamy’s wife, the SI beat Karupasamy’s hand seven times with a chain. Then the SI beat Karupasamy 

four times on his thighs. When Karupasamy cried out in pain, the SI threatened him with death. 

The SI continued to beat Karupasamy similarly until 10.00pm. During this time, the police made Karupasamy 

remove his lungi and shirt, and tied him with a chain. 

The next morning, the SI filed charges against Karupasamy (Crime No. 945/07), under sections 341, 324, 

and 506(1). 

At around 2.30pm, the police produced Karupasamy before the Criminal Judicial Magistrate (II), Nagerkoil. 

A judge ordered Karupasamy detained for fifteen days.

Case Number : TN/SAL 77/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Raja 2) Suresh 3) Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Krishnan, HC 

Location : Thonampatti PS , 

Ondiveeranur Village, 

Omalur Taluk, Salem 


Case Details: 

On 18 th August 2007, Kumar and Manimegalai eloped. On 25 th August 2007 at 11.00am, Raja, (37) was 

taken to the PS by Thonampatti HC Krishnan for enquiry about the whereabouts Kumar and Manimegalai. 

HPC Krishnan struck Raja with baton on his buttocks and slapped on his ears. Raja later received treatment 

at a private hospital. 


On 27 th August 2007, Kumar (24) and Suresh (23) were taken into custody by Thaonampatti HC Krishnan 

regarding the same issue. The police slapped Suresh and Kumar on cheeks and interrogated them about 

the absconded couple. The PC stood on Kumar and Suresh’s legs, beat them, and made them do 450 situps. 

The PC grabbed Suresh, and lifted him by the neck and then dropped him. The police slapped 

Suresh, causing facial swelling. The police beat Kumar and Suresh with batons, kicked them with their 

boots, and beat their thighs continuously. Suresh also sustained a bleeding left elbow injury. The PC 

stamped Suresh’s middle finger. The police forced Kumar and Suresh to jump with their toes resting on the 

floor and made them run inside the PS. On 28 August 2007, the PC told Suresh and Kumar to hold the ears 

of each other and do nearly 450 sit-ups. 

165 

That evening, some of the villagers came to the station at 10.00pm. The PCs took Rs. 2000 and Kumar’s 

cell phone, then released Kumar and Suresh. 

Kumar and Suresh were admitted in the hospital. The victims do want to pursue this matter. 

Case Details: 

Case Number : TN/SAL 81/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Mr. Sekar 

Perpetrator(s) : PC 

Location : All women PS, Kondalamapatti 


Mr. Sekar (25) who resides at Yetimarathaukadu Neykaranpatti Post Salem was married to Krishnaveni. 

On 25 th September 2007, Sekar’s wife Krishnaveni disappeared. Sekar unsuccessfully searched for her. 

On 25 September 2007 at 5.00pm, a lady constable from Kondalampatti, All Women PS took Sekar to the 

PS because Krishnaveni’s father lodged a complaint that Sekar murdered his wife. The police told Sekar to 


2007

tell them where Krishnaveni’s body was. The police forced Sekar to stretch out his hands and then she beat 

them with a baton about 10 times and threatened to charge a murder case on his name. Later it was known 

that Sekar’s wife had eloped with Balu. The police obtained Sekar’s signature and released him. 


166 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Prakasam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sumathi, SI and 2) Manoharan, PC 

Location : Valapadi PS,Valapadi Taluk, Salem 

District 


Mr. Prakasam and his wife Shakuntala had a conflict between them for the past 6 months. Shakuntala lodged 

a complaint to the Valapadi PS alleging that Prakasam beat her. On 11 th May 2007 a PC took Prakasam to 

the PS. There, the PC beat Prakasam with a baton and pulled his hair. The PC forced Prakasam to sit down, 

and then punched his back four times. He was then released. 

On 19 th June 2007, at 4.00am, SI Sumathi and PC Manoharan went to Prakasam’s house and woke him. 

Sumathi shoved a kerchief into Prakasam’s mouth and tied his hands behind his back. Sumathi and the PC 

kicked Prakasam with their boots. They took him the PS. There, they tied Prakasam up with a 5 foot chain. 

They kept him at the station until 11.00am. The POs beat Prakasam and refused to let him use the toilet. At 

11.30am, the PI untied Prakasam and they sent him to Central Prison, where he was detained for 10 days. 

Prakasam was released on bail. 


2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SVG 15/FEB/07 

Victim(s) : 1) R. Kumar; 2) M. Karuppu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Inspector 2) SI 3) Head Constable. 

Location : Mariyamman kovil st,Indira Nagar, 

Sivagangai. 


Victims Kumar and Karuppu belong to the Hindu Konar-Aasari community and make their living by gilding 

vessels. 

On 24 February 2007, the police asked Kumar and Karuppu to appear at the police station for an enquiry 

about children kidnapped in Sivagangai.

At the station, Kumar and Karuppu denied having anything to do with the kidnappings. A PI responded by hitting 

their cheeks. He also struck Kumar with a lathi on the left side of his body and on his legs. Kumar shouted with 

pain. 

The PI also beat Kumar’s brother. 

Karuppu’s mother, who was present in the station, knelt and begged the PI to leave her son alone. The PI 

responded by insulting her, saying “Pulla pethu vatchuruka paru, Thevadia,” and by thrashing her with a lathi 

on the back side of her body. The PI also pushed her down and kicked her chest. 

Witnessing her mother-in-law’s treatment, Karuppu’s wife vomited and fainted. 

The station HC threatened Karuppu’s mother and wife with false charges that would “destroy your family” if they 

told anyone – including hospital staff – about their treatment at the station. 

Later, Karuppu’s wife was admitted to the Sivagangai Hospital. 

The police continued to beat and torture Kumar and Karuppu from 24 to 26 February 2007, even when a Ward 

Member told the police that they were persons of good character. The police told Kumar and Karuppu to 

remove their clothes, placed their legs in a horizontal position, and beat them. The police also verbally abused 

Kumar and Karuppu. 


167 

Case Details: 

FF Code 

: TN/TAN 45/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : Kumaresan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ravichandran, SI; 

2) unnamed PCs, Vattathikottai PS 

Location : Oratthanadu Taluk, Tanjore 


Victim Kumaresan, age 27, resides at Aavandi Kollai in Oratthanadu Taluk, Tanjore District. He belongs to the 

Hindu Adi-Dravidar caste and earns his living through carpentry. 

On 23 November 2007 at around 10.00am, Kumaresan – with his friends Durairaj, Raja, and Muniaiah – were 

approached by SI Ravichandran and three PCs in civilian dress. The SI stated that the police had received a 

report that Kumaresan was brewing illicit arrack and was therefore wanted for an enquiry. The SI commanded 

Kumaresan to get into the police vehicle. Kumaresan replied that he knew nothing about the charge and had 

just come form Kerala, where he had been working. When Kumaresan refused to get into the vehicle, the SI 

slapped him hard on the left cheek and the PCs twisted his arms. The police then thrashed Kumaresan four 

times on his back. The PCs lifted Kumaresan by his hips and carried him into the car. 

The police also forced Muniaiah into their vehicle. The SI let Durairaj and Raja free with just a slapping. 

At the station, the SI made Kumaresan and Muniaiah sit inside the lockup in just their lungis. 


2007

At around 6.00pm, the police obtained Kumaresan’s and Muniaiah’s signatures in the FIR. Then they 

handcuffed both Kumaresan and Muniaiah, whom they then made walk through the street. Kumaresan’s 

relatives and acquaintances saw him walking handcuffed with the police. 

At around 6.45pm, the police produced Kumaresan and Muniaiah before the Magistrate Court in Pattukottai. 

At around 11.30pm, the court remanded Kumaresan and Muniaiah to the Sub-Jail in Pattukottai. 

On 28 November 2007, Kumaresan was released on bail. He later attempted to commit suicide by consuming 

poison. Kumaresan was admitted to the Government General Hospital, Pattukottai. 


168 

On 29 November 2007, DSP Marudhappan and SI Ravichandran visited Kumaresan in the hospital. Also, 

CPCID Thiruvengadam came to the hospital, spoke with Kumaresan, and asserted that an enquiry would be 

conducted about the incident. 

The SI has refuted the allegations of torture and stated that the police had arrested Kumaresan with arrack. 


Victim(s) : Lawrence 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Selvaraj, HC; 2) Kannan, PI; 

3) Anthonyammal, SP; 4) Babu, AS; 5) two 

unnamed HCs; 6) unnamed SPSI 

Location : S.P. Office, Nagerkoil; Kollangodu PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Lawrence resides in Nagerkoil. On 19 August 2007, Lawrence saw a boy named Daeno, of Kaliakavilai, 

sitting at the Parakai Bus Stand. Daeno told Lawrence that he did not have any money to return home. 

Lawrence asked Daeno why he had come to Nagerkoil; Daeno responded that his father had died and that he 

was searching for work. Lawrence took Daeno to Lawrence’s house in his two-wheeler, agreeing to help 

Daeno find a job. Daeno slept at Lawrence’s house that night. 

The next day at around 4.30am, Daeno disappeared from Lawrence’s house. Lawrence could not find his 

own cell phone. Lawrence searched for Daeno in nearby villages. 

At around 8.00am, Lawrence called his own mobile. Daeno answered, saying that he was at Kaliakavilai. 

Daeno told Lawrence that he could recover his cell phone by meeting a tall man in front of the R.C. Church and 

giving this man Rs. 200. 

Lawrence went to Kaliakavilai with his friend Purushuth, but there was no one at the Church. When Lawrence 

tried to call his mobile again, there was no answer. 

Lawrence filed a complaint by telephone to the police. 

HC Selvaraj contacted Lawrence by telephone, accusing him of abducting his son. Lawrence told the HC what 

had happened and went to the SP Office. There, the HC grabbed Lawrence, verbally abused him, and 

accused him again of abducting his son.

Later, the HC told PI Kannan about the matter. The PI called Lawrence over for questioning. 

At around 10.00pm, an SPSI began to abuse Lawrence. The SPSI told Lawrence to remove his shirt, and 

punched him in his lower abdomen. 

At around 12.30am, the police took Lawrence to Kollangodu PS. 

At 5.30am, the HC and another PC tied Lawrence to an iron door. 

At 7.30am, the PI questioned Lawrence as to Daeno’s whereabouts and beat him with a long baton on the 

legs and hands. 

At 9.30am, Lawrence’s mother learned over the telephone of her son’s treatment. 

At around 8.00pm, Lawrence’s mother and sister came to the station. The PI yelled at them and asked them 

if they were prostitutes. He made them sit down. 

At around 8.30pm, the PI collected signatures from Lawrence as well as from Lawrence’s mother and sister. 

He asked all three to return the next day. 

At 10.30pm, Lawrence and his mother and sister returned home. 

On 22 August 2007 at around 7.00am, Lawrence returned to the station with his parents. He learned that the 

Kollangodu Police had found his cell phone. 

On 29 August 2007 at around 9.00pm, Lawrence went to the station with an advocate to get his cell phone 

back. The police asked the advocate to leave, since their enquiry was not yet finished. The HC beat 

Lawrence again. SP Anthonyammal also beat Lawrence. The police made Lawrence sit in a room all night. 

The next morning at 7.00am, SI Anthonyammal, HC Selvaraj, and two other HCs took Lawrence to his 

friends. On the way, HC Selvaraj beat him. 


Victim(s) : Muthu 

Perpetrator(s) : Aruppukottai police 

Location : Vilacheri, Madurai 



169 

Case Details 

The victim Muthu, aged 21, belongs to Kal Otar community, and worked as a Coolie. On 8 th September 

2007, the victim went to Kalaignar Nagar to attend a wedding. Aruppukottai Police arrested Muthu and took 

him to the PS. Police officers interrogated him about the location of stolen jewels. The POs beat Muthu with 

their batons all over his body. The policemen bent his right hand, causing severe pain. Muthu cried that he 

did not take any jewels. 

Two policemen stretched both of Muthu’s legs apart, which caused a ligament tear. Then, the POs tied both 

of Muthu’s legs and beat him. The POs told Muthu to return the jewels. That night, POs did not give Muthu 

any meal. 

The police filed a case against Muthu for stealing jewels and sent him to Madurai Central Jail. Still the Muthu 

is in jail and unable to get a bail. 


2007


Victim(s) : Suryan 

Perpetrator(s) : Police Officers, Thirunagar PS 

Location : Madurai district 



170 

Case Details 

On 9 th October 2007, two Thirunagar POs went to victim Suryan’s house, arrested him, and took him to the 

Thirunagar PS. At the PS, the police kept Suryan in a room containing rice bags. The police handcuffed him, 

and hung him from a rope, tying one end of the rope on the handcuffs and another from a beam in the ceiling. 

As he hung there, five policemen beat the heel of Suryan’s foot and his buttocks with iron rods. They asked him 

how many times he had committed theft. Suryan said he had never committed a theft. The POs continued to 

beat him for half an hour while he was hanging. During the beatings, his left hand slipped from the cuff and 

Suryan injured his wrist. 

The next evening, the PI and SI ordered POs to tie Suryan’s thumbs together and to tie his toes together. A 

piece of wood was placed between his hands, and he was hung between two tables, resembling a Kaavadi. 

While he was tied, the police beat Suryan for an hour. The PI and SI stomped on Suryan with their boots. They 

told him, that if he has not stolen, to identify someone that was a thief. On 14 th October 2007, a fake case for theft 

was filed against Suryan, and he was remanded to jail. 


Victim(s) : Ponnusamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Police officer’s, Thallakulam PS 

Location : Pudhu Makalipatti Road, Madurai 


Case Details 


2007 

The victim Ponnusamy, aged 50, belongs to Maravar Community. In January 2006, when Ponnusamy was 

taking his friend to Madurai Anna Bus stand, SI Murugesan caught Ponnusamy and his friend and put them 

in a police jeep. In the jeep, the SI and other officers beat Ponnusamy. The DSP intervened and told the SI to 

leave Ponnusamy alone. Instead, SI Murugesan and the other POs took Ponnusamy to the Thallakulam PS. 

There they beat Ponnusamy and told him he would only be released if he provided them brandy and Rs.1000 

as bribe. After getting Rs.2000 from Ponnusamy and his friend, police released them, but ordered them to 

return the next day to Vilakkuthoon PS.

The next day Ponnusamy went to Vilakkuthoon PS. He was detained in the lock-up and later released. After 

two days, SI Murugesan called Ponnusamy over the phone and warned him that unless he brought Rs. 3200, 

he was going to file a false case on him. 

Ponnusamy went to the Bribe Prohibition Wing of the Police Department and lodged a complaint to the SP. 

Ponnusamy called the DSP and requested he take action. The DSP called a male and female PI to get a 

statement from Ponnusamy and file an F.I.R. The DSP said he would make arrangements to arrest SI 

Murugesan, but the PIs did not take victim’s statement. 

SI Murugesan and PI Vijayakumar began threatening Ponnusamy to withdraw the case. On 21 st January 

2007, Ponnusamy lodged a complaint to the Superintendent of Police in the Bribe Prohibition Wing. On 30 th 

July 2007, SI Murugesan, and some other POs took Ponnusamy to the PS. Ponnusamy was locked up and 

beaten with a rod. The police told Ponnusamy to remove the complaint or they would kill him and “tear him to 

pieces”. Police refused to provide Ponnusamy with any meals during his detention. 

Ponnusamy’s son wrote a telegram to the Commissioner of Madurai and the Chief Minister. After Ponnusamy 

was released, he went straight to Madurai Government Rajaji Hospital. He was admitted as an in-patient. Still, 171 

when the SI sees Ponnusamy, he threatens to file a fake case against him unless he withdraws his complaint. 



Victim(s) : R. Pandi 

Perpetrator(s) : SI, Tallakulam PS 

Location : Bibikulam, Madurai 


Case Details: 

The victim Pandi, aged 24, belongs to the Vannar community. Pandi’s wife stole 2 lakh rupees from her houseowner 

and gave it to Pandi. A complaint was lodged in the Tallakulam PS. On 29 th July 2007, Pandi, Kutti and 

Sudhadhira were taken for inquiry. On 30 th July 2007, SI Muthukumar and three other PCs took Pandi’s ATM 

Card from his house, went to the ATM Center and checked the balance. The balance was Rs. 2 lakhs. The 

police forced Pandi to go to the Indian Bank and give a letter to the manager stating that he lost his bank book. 

Pandi withdrew the Rs. 2 lakhs in the afternoon, immediately handing it over to the SI. 

On 31 st July 2007, the SI asked whether Pandi deposited money anywhere else. Pandi told him that the 

money he earned was commingled with the Rs. 2 lakhs. SI Palanikumar and SI Muthukumar forced Pandi 

to face the wall and beat his buttocks with a lathi. The police took Pandi to his home and confiscated a 3- 

sovereign gold chain, anklets, earrings, rings, a huge vessel (Anda), a ½ sovereign gold ring, and a watch. 

During the night at the PS, SI Palanikumar and SI Muthukumar again forced Pandi to face the wall. They 

repeatedly beat his legs using a lathi. Then, the SIs forced Pandi to sit down, and they beat the soles of his feet 

repeatedly. The police demanded to know where Pandi’s wife hid the remaining money. The officers bent 


2007

every finger of Pandi’s hand separately, and repeatedly punched his back. The SIs refused to provide Pandi 

with a meal. 

The police officers then went to Pandi’s house and took his TV, alleging that it was stolen. On 5 th August 2007, 

they produced Pandi and his wife before the judge. They were remanded to Madurai Central Jail. 

After 36 days, Pandi was released on bail. Currently five cases were filed under Pandi’s name. 



Victim(s) : Valli 

Perpetrator(s) : Police, Thiruppachethi police station 

Location : Vlayankulam, Madurai District 


172 


2007 

Case Details: 

The victim Valli, aged 25, belongs to Kal Ottar community and earns her livelihood by selling combs. A theft 

case was filed against her husband Valu. Fearing arrest, Valu failed to appear for his court hearing. On 20 th 

November 2007, a team of six Thiruppachethi policemen went to Valayankulam in search of Valu. When the 

POs could not find Valu, they arrested Valli, his wife, her eight month-old baby, and Valli’s relatives Umayamma 

and Murthy. When Valli refused to get into the vehicle, the police hit her in the head with a baton. The police 

took Valli’s cell phone. They demanded Valu’s phone number, but Valli insisted she did not know the number. 

The police got furious and shouted at Valli, saying “you dogs; you have the cell phone but don’t know the 

number.” He again beat Valli. The police provided Valli with food, but she did not. The PO told her to feed the 

baby with breast milk, otherwise “let him die”. The police again asked Valli for her husband’s phone number. 

When she insisted she did not know it, they bent her arm, causing her to scream from pain. The PO covered 

her mouth with his hand. 

The police called Umayamma and asked for Valu’s cell-phone number. When she refused to give it, they hit 

her with a baton and pulled off half of her sari. Eventually, the police located Valu’s number on the cell phone. 

When the child started crying, POs would only give the baby salt water. The next day they took Valli to her 

house and told her to take extra clothes. The police then took Valli and the others to an uninhabited area near 

Valayankulam and told them to exit the vehicle. The police beat Valli all over her body with a baton, and 

demanded to know the whereabouts of her husband. Valli and the others were then taken to Thiruppachethi 

police station. They were fingerprinted, photographed, and then released.


Victim(s) : Malaichamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Sakthi, SI 

Location : Sipkot PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Malaichamy belongs to the Hindu Chakkiliyar Community and works as a plumber at EB. 

On 4 November 2007 at around 3.00pm, there was a fight between Valarmathi and her husband Sonaimuthu. 

Malaichamy tried to separate them, but Soniamuthu approached Malaichamy with a stick, so Malaichamy 

returned home. 

Immediately afterwards, Sonaimuthu went to Sipkot PS and lodged a complaint against Malaichamy, stating 

that Malaichamy had beaten him. 

SI Sakthi arrested Malaichamy, whom he said had kidnapped Valamathi. The SI also called Maliachamy a 

“rogue of Kallakurichi.” 

At the station, the SI continued to abuse Malaichamy verbally and told him to remove his shirt. The SI beat 

Malaichamy with a baton on his back, thighs, and face, before locking him in a cell. Malaichamy’s left cheek 

was swollen. 

At 11.30pm, Malaichamy’s elder brother came to the station and released him by giving Rs. 500 to the police. 

Malaichamy was treated Dr. Sivaraj. 

The charge against Malaichamy of abducting Valamathi is still working its way through the judicial system. 


173 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Mohan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) PI, F4 Nungambakkam PS; 2) Muthu Vel 

Pandi, PI, D4 Anna Salai PS; 


Location : F4 Nungambakkam PS, Chennai 


Victim Mohan, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, is a student. On 11 November 2007, the police arrested him in 

connection with an attack on Mayura Jeyakumar, President of the Tamilnadu Youth Congress. 


2007

When Mohan asked the reason for his arrest, the policeman replied “Do you ask for reasons, you son of a 

bastard [thevadiya]?” The police took Mohan by his shirt collar and put him in their vehicle. One PC hit him 

hard with a baton on his back, asking “Are you a big rowdy?”; the scar from this beating is still evident. The 

police kept asking Mohan whether he was a henchman of [known criminal] William. Along with Mohan, the 

police also caught William’s brother, Sahayam. Sahayam asked the police to leave Mohan alone, as he was 

young, but the police paid no attention. 

At 8.30pm, the police took Mohan to F4 Nungambakkam PS. One PC asked him to remove his clothes 

before presenting Mohan to the station PI. The PI asked Mohan whether he had gone to Sathya Moorthy 

Bhavan. Mohan replied that he was a student of Madras Christian College and a member of SFI, and that he 

had not gone to that place. 


174 

The PI then thrashed Mohan’s head, back, and thighs with a baton continuously for ten minutes. A PC then 

dragged Mohan by his hair to the prison, where another PC took Mohan’s picture. Mohan begged the police 

not to spoil his future by involving him in matters that he was not even aware of. The policemen responded by 

beating Mohan once again and by claiming that Mohan was lying. They took his fingerprints. An SI told the PI 

to beat Mohan with laadam kattuthal. Mohan was struck with fear and pain. 

At about 9.00pm, Mohan (along with others who were arrested along with him) was taken to Anna Salai PS, 

where PI Muthu Vel Pandi interrogated him. The PI asked Mohan to sign a blank paper; Mohan refused. The 

PI scolded Mohan for being stubborn and told him to remove his shirt and pants. A PC beat Mohan on his 

cheek. Mohan quivered with pain. The policemen told him to lay flat and beat him twenty-five times till he 

agreed to sign the paper. 

At 3.00pm, the police took Mohan to the Judge’s house. By 6.00pm, Mohan was in Puzhal Prison. 


Victim(s) : 1) Muniyaswamy 

2) Kathirvel 3) Venkatesh 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Suresh, PI, 2) Nagaraj, SI 

3) Annadurai, HPC 

Location : Umrapath PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

On the night on 26 th August 2007, the victims Muniyaswamy and Kathirvel heard policemen shouting their 

names outside their houses. The policemen went into their houses and dragged them into the police van. They 

were then taken to the Umrapath PS, where they were thrashed for allegedly stealing a pump from Rajendran’s 

farm. 

Victims denied stealing the pump. The POs handcuffed Muniyaswamy and Kathirvel to the jail bars and beat 

them. On 27 th August 2007, the SI along with two other PCs made victims sit down and hit them on their thighs 

with their batons. They verbally abused them, calling them “bastards,” “thieves,” and “motherfuckers.” One

policeman stood on victims thighs with his boots and hit their soles more than 10 times. The police then forced 

victims to stand up and stretch out their hands. The police hit each of their hands five times with a baton. The 

policeman told victims to accept the crime, and then hit each of them with a baton 10 times on their buttocks. He 

left them when they cried loudly unable to stand the pain. Later in the night, another policeman kicked them with 

his boots and demanded to know the location of the pump. 

The next day Muniyaswamy’s brother Venkatesh and a relative of Kathirvel went to the PS with lunch. The 

police abused him by saying “fuck your sister, did you also go to steal?” The police took whatever money 

Venkatesh had in his pocket and hit him with a baton. The police forced Venkatesh to sit in the station. He was 

later released, but the police warned him no to tell anyone about his beating. 

On 28 th August 2007, Muniyaswamy and Kathirvel were handcuffed and beaten during the day and night. On 

30 th August 2007, a group of 20 people from victims’ village went to the PS and questioned the SI as to why he 

had detained Muniyaswamy and Kathirvel without producing them in court. The protestors yelled slogans and 

raised signs. The police charged the crowd with batons and hit them. Muniyaswamy and Kathirvel were then 

produced before the Ambur Magistrate. Police officers threatened victims and told them not to show or speak 

about their injuries. They were remanded to Ambur Sub Jail. 


175 

Later victims’ injuries became infected. 


Victim(s) : C. Muthu 

Perpetrator(s) : Kumaravel, PI 

Location : D1 PS, Chennai 


Case Details: 

Victim Muthu, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, is neighbours with Ramkumar. On 12 October 2007, the two men’s 

wives had an oral dispute, which led to the physical abuse of Muthu’s wife by Ramkumar and his wife. Muthu 

was furious, and later fought with Ramkumar. 

The next day at 8.00am, four policemen came in search of Muthu. When Muthu asked the policemen why 

they wanted him, they said that he had been involved in a fight on the road. 

At 9.00am, the policemen took Muthu to D1 PS, where PI Kumaravel insulted him and beat him with a baton 

on his back. Muthu repled that he had done nothing. The PI slapped Muthu hard on his left cheek, accused 

him of lying to the police, and told him that local people referred to him as a rowdy man. 

The PI then ordered Muthu to remove his lungi and shirt and to lie on his stomach on the floor. Muthu begged 

the PI to leave him alone, as he had done nothing wrong. The PI asked “How dare you lift up your lungi?” and 

violently beat Muthu on the buttocks 15 times. Muthu squirmed in pain. 


2007

The PI then made Muthu sit with his back against the wall and told him to spread his legs wide. Two PCs stood 

on Muthu’s thighs. Muthu struggled with pain, and went unconscious. He could not move – not even to heed 

nature’s call. 

At around 2.00pm, the police provided Muthu with food, which he could not eat. 

Muthu’s wife arrived at the station with an advocate and spoke to the PI. The PI then lodged a complaint against 

Ramkumar and his wife – who later came to the police station and signed a written statement agreeing not to 

involve themselves in altercations in the future. 

As Muthu left the station, he could not walk, so his wife had to help him. It took nearly two weeks for Muthu to 

regain enough strength to walk; he was unable to work during this period. 


176 

Muthu later learned that his wife had paid the PI Rs. 3,000 to set him free. 

FF Code : TN/SVG 94/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : Muthu Pandiarajan 

Perpetrator(s) : Mayakrishnan, PC 

Location : Devakottai Road, 

Karaikudi Taluk, Sivagangai District 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Muthu Pandiarajan belongs to the Hindu-Pillai community. On 10 th July 2007, Muthu Pandiarajan 

together with his friends organized a Kabaadi competition at their village. Some people made an issue 

because Sivagangai A.R. PC Senthil Kumar, who also is the Councilor of Amaravathi Pudhur Ward, was 

missing in the announcement notice distributed to the public. Unexpectedly PC Mayakrishnan, who was 

drunk, ventured onto the grounds where the Kabaadi competition was being held. He interrupted the referee. 

When Muthu Pandiarajan confronted PC Mayakrishnan for his behavior, PC Mayakrishnan threatened him 

by saying, “You can’t live in peace by antagonizing the police! Wait and see what I am going to do!” 

That night, PC Mayakrishnan, Selvam, Murugesan, Vadivel, Ananth and Edwin took Muthu Pandiarajan to 

the side of a tank and attacked him with sticks, steel rods and belts. Friends of Muthu Pandiarajan informed his 

parents, who rushed to the scene. There, they saw the police assaulting Muthu Pandiarajan. Seeing them, 

the police fled. Muthu Pandiarajan was lying unconscious with blood wounds all over his body. He was taken 

to Karaikudi Government Hospital. 

The Karaikudi SI was reluctant to file a case against PC Mayakrishnan. He asked Muthu Pandiarajan to 

compromise. However due to the intervention of Adv. Ramanan, the SI filed the case against Mayakrishnan. 

On 17 th July 2007, a complaint was also filed to DSP regarding the same.

Case Number 

: TN/SVG 16.1/FEB/07 

Name of the perpetrators : 5 policemen 

Location 

: Devakottai, Sivagangai District. 

Date of the Incident : 21-07-2003 

Case Details: 

Nizam, the victim earns his livelihood by selling peanuts on the streets of Devakottai town. 3 policemen came 

in an auto on 20.07.2003 at around 11.30 p.m. and asked Mohammed Ali Jinnah, (father-in-law of victim) about 

Nizam’s whereabouts. The police were taken to Nizam’s house and a policeman caught hold of Nizam’s neck 

and pushed him into the auto at around 12.10 a.m. His family was informed that he was taken to R.S.Mangalam 

PS. 

Nizam was later made to board a jeep parked near Devakottai arch and his arms were handcuffed and his feet 

were shackled and he was made to lie in the space between the seats at the back of the jeep. Policemen 

yanked his hair, bent his fingers and stamped forcefully on his chest with slipper-clad feet. While assaulting him 

in the above-mentioned manner the policemen asked him from where he stole his gold chain, ring and the T.V 

set that was at his home. Although Nizam said that he was innocent and that he had obtained the said articles 

from selling his ancestral property to R.S.Mangalam Sathya Jewellers, the 5 policemen continued to assault 

him and took him to the Traveller’s Bungalow near Thondi seashore. There he was taken to an isolated room, 

where four policemen punched on his face and cheeks one after another. 


177 

Nizam was interrogated in the said place and he was stamped on the chest and punched near his earsleaving 

his left ear bleeding. A policeman also stamped on Nizam’s genital organ and threatened him to confess the 

theft. Nizam felt unconscious after this and was woken up by the police at 5.00 am on 21-07-2003. When Nizam 

said that the gold chain and ring that he was wearing and Rs.650/- were missing, the policemen beat him up 

asking if he was calling them thieve and also abused him verbally by saying, “Son of a prostitute! Son of a 

thieving ‘pundai!” and was again thrashed badly. 

Nizam’s ‘kaili’ and shirt were removed. Leading chains were put on his arms and legs and was dragged to the 

Thondi seaside, clad only in his briefs. There 2 policemen dragged him by the leading chains on his arms, 

while 2 others kept kicking at his thighs forcefully, with slipper clad feet. He was asked to lie on his chest and a 

police stamped him saying “son of a foolish Muslim pundai, tell us where you stole”. Nizam’s chest was 

swollen due to this and he continuously stated that he was innocent. 

Then Nizam was again brought to the Traveller’s Bungalow, where he was asked to put on his ‘kaili’ and shirt. 

Then, he was taken to Thondi police station, where he was beaten with lathi for around 15 minutes and tortured 


2007

on the veranda of the police station with handcuffs and shackles on his feet. Policemen of Thondi asked Nizam 

the name of the person to whom he had sold his land and they threatened to beat him to death if they found that 

he had lied. He was not provided with any food or water until that time. A constable came to him at 10.30 a.m. 

on 21.07.2003 and said, “We called the jewellery shop owner Sathya and asked him. He has said that he was 

the one, who gave you money. So, we are setting you free. You shouldn’t tell anyone about what happened to 

you here. If you disobey, we’ll foist case and imprison you,” after which he got Nizam’s signature on a white 

paper and sent him out. 


178 

Abdul Hameed, a person related to Nizam noticed Nizam standing on the veranda of Thondi police station and 

asked him why he was standing there. The policemen, who saw this said to Abdul Hameed, “we have handed 

over Nizam to you” and got his signature on a paper. 

Nizam received treatment from a private practitioner, Dr. Ezhumalai. He got admitted on 22.07.2003 at Devakottai 

Government Hospital and received treatment. The next day, on 23.07.2003, a news report of the attack was 

published in an evening newspaper and at night around 8.00pm policemen from Devakottai Town Police 

Station came there in the evening, asked for the details of the incident and got his statement. 


Victim(s) : P. Jeenyth Labbai 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Rajaram, SI; 

2) Birang D. Ruben, PI; 

3) Unnamed PCs 

Location : Puthukadai PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Jeenyth, a Muslim, resides at Karuthavettu Vilagam, Kadakarai Salai, Thengapatinam Post, 629 173. 

He worked as a meat cutter at a butcher shop in Thengapatinam. 

On 28 August 2007 at around 10.00pm, while Jeenyth was waiting at the Thengapatinam bus stand, SI 

Rajaram, along with seven PCs from the Puthukadai PS (all uniformed), arrived in a van. The PCs forced 

Jeenyth into their van and took him to the police station. On the way there, three PCs kicked Jeenyth regularly. 

On arriving at the station, the police dragged Jeenyth inside and forced him to remove his shirt and stand at the 

back of the station. 

At 12.00pm, the SI threatened to torture Jeenyth unless he admitted to stealing a television and DVD player from 

the Primary Health Centre at Thengapatinam. Jeenyth refused to confess, so the SI handcuffed him and began 

to beat him with a baton on his head, shoulders, and neck.

The next morning at 5.00am, Jeenyth awoke to realise that he was unconsciously urinating. He had pain all 

over his body. 

The SI regularly returned to the room and thrashed Jeenyth. 

At 12.00pm, the SI and four unnamed PCs hung Jeenyth upside-down from the ceiling with his legs tied 

together. The SI and two PCs thrashed him with batons on his back, thighs, chest and elsewhere for about half 

an hour. 

When the police let Jeenyth down, they gagged him with a cloth before punching him. 

The police made Jeenyth stand all night long, so he could not sleep. 

The next morning at 8.00am, PI Birang D. Ruben arrived and asked Jeenyth for his elder brother’s cell phone 

number. Jeenyth replied that he was not on good terms with his brother did not know his number. The PI got 

Jeenyth’s brother’s number from someone else and asked him to come to the station. 

At 9.30am, Jeenyth’s brother came to the police station. The PI told him that Jeenyth had refused to confess 

to stealing the television and DVD player. 

Later that day, Jeenyth paid Rs 500 as a fine to the Court and was released. 


179 


Victim(s) : Palani 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed SI; 

2) Unnamed PCs 

Location : Uthukottai PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Palani lived with his parents. On 7 October 2007 at around 3.45am, two policemen woke him and took 

him to an SI who was waiting outside. The SI struck Palani’s cheeks repeatedly. The other two policemen then 

grabbed Palani by his shirt collar and stamped on his lower abdomen with booted feet; Palani’s abdomen 

began to bleed. A PC punched Palani in the jaw and brow. Palani almost fainted. The police told Palani to 

remove his shirt and tied his hands. 

On hearing the noise, Palani’s mother came outside. She begged the police to leave Palani alone, but the 

police ignored her. 

Palani asked permission to wear his undergarments. One of the PCs insulted Palani by telling him that he lay 

with his mother without wearing undergarments. 


2007

The police dragged Palani through the street to a TATA SUMO vehicle, where they beat him repeatedly. The 

PCs struck his jaw, neck, thighs, and back. Palani began to faint. 

At 5.45am, the police took Palani to Uthukottai PS, where a PC undressed him. Palani had to remain naked 

for approximately eight hours in the station. 

At 2.00pm, the police gave Palani a cloth. A female police officer asked him questions about the dowry he had 

obtained from his wife, and about the video coverage of his wedding. She forced him to sign a blank paper. 

At 4.00pm, the police brought Palani to the court. He was jailed in Thiruvalluyar District, but later transferred to 

Puzhal Jail to receive better medical care. 


180 


Victim(s) : Parthiban 


Location : Vadacheri PS, Panakudi 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Parthiban resides in Panakudi. On 26 August 2007, Parthiban went to get medicine from the Asaripalayam 

Medical College Hospital. After getting the medicine, Parthiban went to meet his friend Ashokan, and both of 

them went to have breakfast at a nearby restaurant. 

At the restaurant, Parthiban and Ashokan quarrelled with the owner of the premises. Emergency police arrived 

and arrested the owner, Prathiban, and Ashokan. 

The police brought the three men to the Vadacheri PS. There, an SI questioned all three. The SI beat Parthiban 

and asked why he had come all the way from Panakudi just to cause trouble. An HC tied Parthiban’s hands and 

took him into the next room. 

The police released the restaurant owner. 

At 1.30pm, a PI and three PCs beat Parthiban with batons. They verbally abused him and accused him of theft. 

They then untied Parthiban and compelled him to provide his fingerprints. Three CCS PCs then questioned 

Parthiban. They tied his legs and beat him. 

The police compelled Parthiban to confess [falsely] that he had stolen from the Titan Watch Showroom.

FF Code 

: TN/SVG 87/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Pisthami 

Perpetrator(s) : Radhakrsihnan, PI 

Location : Keezhakarai PS, 

Ramanathapuram District 


Case Details: 

Victim Pisthami is a 12th standard level student. 

In the second week of November 2007, one of Pisthami’s relatives, Ashique (of Keezhakarai, Ramanathapuram 

District) eloped with a married mother of two named Rahmat Nisha after an illicit relationship. 

On 23 November 2007 at around 6.30pm, two policemen from Keezhakarai PS took Pisthami into custody 

under the pretext of an enquiry into Ashique’s elopement. 

At the station, PI Radhakrishnan was drunk, smoking a cigarette, and out of uniform. He locked Pisthami 

inside a room with no food. 

At 2.00am, the PI sent Pisthami home, demanding that he return at 8.00am. 

At 8.00am, Pisthami and his mother went to the station. As the PI was absent, they had to wait. 

At around 12.00pm, the PI arrived and began to interrogate Pisthami as to Ashique’s whereabouts. During the 

interrogation, the PI beat Pisthami with a baton on his upper right arm and back. Unable to endure the pain, 

Pisthami cried. The PI told Pisthami to return home and to come back to the station at 7.00pm. 

At around 7.30pm, Pisthami returned to the station. There, the PI threatened him by saying that if he failed to 

provide information about Ashique, the PI would beat him to death. Pisthami replied, “I promise by Allah! I don’t 

know Sir!” The PI became furious and started to abuse Pisthami verbally, saying “You thulukka pundai 

magane! You son of a Muslim Pundai!” The PI then thrashed Pisthami with a baton all over his body. 

Pisthami fell down. The PI stamped on Pisthami’s chest with booted feet and continued to assault him brutally. 

Pisthami sustained injuries to his left shoulder, back, and chest. 

The PI detained Pisthami all night without any food. 

On 25 November 2007 at around 2.00pm, the PI made Pisthami sign two blank sheets of paper and sent him 

home. 

Due to the beating, Pisthami was in considerable pain all night. 

On 26 November 2007, Pisthami was admitted to the Ramanathapuram Government Hospital as an inpatient. 

He received treatment. 


181 


2007

At around 5.00pm, SI Sekar, HC Baskaran, and two other PCs came to the hospital and asked for a 

compromise. They insisted that the matter could be solved amicably at the Keezhakarai DSP Office by 

5.00pm on 27 November 2007. 

On 27 November 2007, Pisthami was discharged from the Hospital. 



Victim(s) : Rajan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sonaimuthu, PI; 

2) Michael, HC, CCS PS; 

3) unnamed PC 

Location : Vadacheri PS, Tuovalai Taluk, Kanyakumari 


182 


2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Rajan resides at Temple Street, Thovalai Post, Thovalai Taluk, Kanyakumari. On 23 July 2007 at around 

4.00pm, Rajan was waiting at the Nagerkoil Vadacheri Bus Stand to take a bus to Thovalai after his work in 

Kerala. At the Bus Stand, HC Michael and another PC beat Rajan and took him to the CCS PS in Nagerkoil. 

At the station, the HC took a golden ornament that Rajan had bought as a gift for his son, as well as the receipt for 

the ornament. The HC grabbed Rajan’s neck and pushed him down. The HC asked Rajan if he had has stolen 

jewellery in Tamil Nadu and then sold it in Kerala. The two officers removed Rajan’s pants and shirt, and made 

him sit in a room behind the station wearing only his underwear. 

The HC made Rajan stand and handcuffed him to a window. At around 9.00pm, he brought Rajan to see the PI, 

who beat Rajan several times. Rajan’s hand was injured, and his middle fingernail oozed blood. The PI locked 

Rajan in a cell and departed. 

Rajan could not sleep all night long because of pain and hunger. 

The next morning at 7.00am, the PI called for Rajan. The PI asked some PCs to file a case against Rajan before 

releasing him. 

The police filed charges (Crime No. 275/2007) under sections 392 and 506(II). They produced Rajan before the 

Criminal Judicial Magistrate (II), Nagercoil. 

At 3.30pm, Rajan was incarcerated at the Nagerkoil Sub-Jail.


Victim(s) : 1) Rajendran; 2) Murugan; 

3) Arunachalam 

Perpetrator(s) : Solomon Raja, SI 

Location : Valaja PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Rajendran, age 41, belongs to the Vanniyar community and resides in Alanthalai Village, Vellore. 

Rajendran had a property dispute with one Perumal, who assaulted him. 

On 2 July 2007, Rajendran lodged a complaint against Perumal at the Valaja PS. 

One week later, SI Solomon Raja called Rajendran and Perumal, with their relatives (including Rajendran’s 

brothers, victims Murugan and Arunachalam) for arbitration at the police station. There, the SI asked them to 

sign a written document stating that they would go amicably. All of the men refused to sign. The SI sent 

everyone outside except Murugan and Arunachalam. The SI told both men to take off everything but their 

underwear before making Murugan and Arunachalam face the wall with their hands in the air. The SI beat 

Murugan and Arunachalam with a baton on their backs and buttocks. Both men cried out in pain. The SI 

asked Murugan and Arunachalam if they were ready to compromise and called them “sons of bitches.” Then 

the SI made Murugan and Arunachalam lie down, and beat both men on the soles of their feet. 

Rajendran asked the SI why he was beating Murugan and Arunachalam. The SI grabbed Rajendran, made 

him stand against a wall, and beat his back and buttocks. Rajendran screamed in pain. The SI ordered 

Rajendran to shut his mouth and to withdraw his complaint against Perumal. 

Fearing more abuse, Rajendran and his brothers withdrew their complaint. The SI told them not to go to any 

hospital for any treatment. 

On 7 September 2007 at around 6.30pm, there was a squabble between Arunachalam and Perumal’s wife. 

One week later, the SI called both parties (including Rajendran, Murugan, and Arunachalam) to the station and 

told them to compromise. Rajendran and his brothers refused. The police kept then at the station all day, without 

providing lunch. 

At around 5.30pm, the SI came to Rajendran, who was sitting down on the ground, and shouted at him to 

withdraw his case. When Rajendran refused, the SI became furious and asked Rajendran if he was a big 

rowdy. The SI started to beat Murugan and Arunahclaam. 

Rajendran’s sisters-in-law arrived at the station, where the SI called them “bitches.” 


183 


2007

The SI collected signatures from the members of both parties to the dispute and sent them home. 

A few days later, Rajendran’s relatives were Perumal’s relatives. 

At the time of the fact-finding, Murugan was undergoing medical treatment at the hospital. No action had been 

taken by the police. 



184 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Rajani, a Christian, works as a coolie. 


Victim(s) : Rajani 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajesh, SI, Mana Madurai 

Location : Mana Madurai Nagar, 



On 10 August 2007 at 9.00am, SI Rajesh came to Rajani’s house and informed him that someone named 

Mari from the Burma Colony had lodged a complaint against Rajani, alleging that Rajani had abducted his 

daughter Maheswari. The SI took Rajani to the police station, where he made Rajani take off his shirt and sit 

in a cell. 

At around 10.00am, the SI asked Rajani again about Maheswari. As before, Rajani denied Mari’s accusations. 

The SI responded by beating Rajani with a baton on his hands and back. The SI threatened to file a case 

against Rajani and to detain him permanently if he did not tell the truth. The SI then beat Rajani’s legs; Rajani 

cried out in pain. 

Later, Rajani’s parents arrived at the station with a BJP Party Member and requested that the SI leave Rajani 

alone. The SI responded by yelling, and continued to beat Rajani with a baton on his hands and legs. Rajani’s 

mother fell at the SI’s feet, but he did not listen to her. 

The SI asked Rajani’s wife about Maheswari; Rajani’s wife responded that Rajani had concealed Maheswari 

but that she could produce Maheswari before 6.00pm the next day. The SI then told Rajani that he would let him 

go for his wife’s sake, but demanded a written statement that Rajani would bring Maheswari to the station the 

following morning. The SI threatened to imprison Rajani’s whole family if he failed to appear the next day. 

The next day, Rajani, his wife, his parents, and Maheswari went to the station. The SI cancelled Mari’s charge 

against Rajani, and let Rajani go with a warning.


Victim(s) : Rathinam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) P.S. Manohar, PI; 

2) Ram Mohan, SI; 

3) Varadhan, PC; 4) unnamed POs 

Location : Madhavaram PS, Chennai 


Case Details: 

Victim Rathinam, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, used to sell arrack in the Madhavaram area. After he stopped, 

despite telling the police that he was now working legitimately as a porter, the police continued to disturb him, 

often asking for bribes and filing cases against him. Once, PC Varadhan of Madhavaram PS told Rathinam 

to start selling arrack again and to give him some of the profits – or the PC would reopen the previous cases 

against Rathinam. 

On 8 August 2007 at around 2.00pm, the PC came to Rathinam’s house and told him that an arrest warrant 

had been issued against him. The PC demanded a Rs. 2000 bribe if Rathinam wanted to avoid arrest. 

Rathinam responded that he did not have that much money and told the PC that he was at his mercy. 

At about 12.00am, a police officer awoke Rathinam, telling him that Sub-PI Ram Mohan wanted to see him 

outside. When Rathinam came outside, the SI asked him if he was involved in selling arrack. Rathinam 

replied that he had stopped that business, and was now employed as a porter. The SI responded by 

slapping Rathinam’s cheeks and saying “Son of a bastard [thevadiya], you are lying” before taking Rathinam 

to the police station. 

At the station, the SI interrogated Rathinam (in the PC’s presence) about the arrack business; Rathinam 

responded again that he was now employed as a porter. 

The police then beat Rathinam with a baton on his back and stripped him to his underwear. They made him 

lie down. Two PCs held his hands and legs while the SI beat Rathinam’s buttocks and legs. The police then 

locked Rathinam in a cell. 

The next morning at 10.00am, PI P.S. Manohar came to the station and interrogated Rathinam about the 

arrack business. The PI beat Rathinam with a baton on his back. He then told Rathinam to stretch out his 

hands, which he beat. 

At around 12.00pm, V.K. Palani Samy, Secretary of the Worker’s Association, helped to secure Rathinam’s 

release from the police station. 


185 


2007

FF Code : TN/TAN 45/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : C. Ravi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Thangavel, PI; 

2) Silambu Selvan, HC; 

3) Muthusamy, HC; 4) Tamilselvi, SI 

Location : Needamangalam PS, 

Tiruvarur District 




186 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Ravi, age 26, is a member of the Hindu Kuravar Community (Scheduled Caste). He resides in 

Kottaiyur Village, Needamangalam Post, Tiruvarur District. He earns his living by selling salt in the street. 

On 1 March 2007 at about 10.00pm, SI Tamilselvi came to Ravi’s house in a jeep, accompanied by other 

PCs from Needamangalam PS. The SI asked Ravi to come to the police station for an enquiry, promising to 

send him back soon afterwards. Ravi asked why, and the SI replied that there was nothing to worry and asked 

Ravi to come to the station. Without waiting for Ravi’s response, the police dragged Ravi to the jeep forcibly and 

took him to the station. 

At the station, PI Thangavel and HCs Silambu Selvan and Muthusamy were present. The PI was busy 

interrogating Ramakrishnan, Kennady, and Thiruvadi Siva in connection with a theft on 9 January 2007 at the 

house of one Gothandaraman. 

The PI called Ravi over, slapped his cheeks forcefully, and insulted him with vulgar caste-related terms like 

“kora payale.” The HCs thrashed Ravi with iron-edged batons all over his body so that Ravi bled. Meanwhile, 

the police asked Ravi to confess to the theft at Gothandaraman’s house and to identify the person to whom he 

had given the stolen golden ornaments worth about Rs. 45,000. Ravi insisted that he knew nothing about the 

theft. The police stripped Ravi half-naked and tied his hands behind him with his towel. The SI thrashed Ravi 

repeatedly with a baton on the backs of his legs. Unable to bear the pain, Ravi screamed and fell down. The 

SI stamped on Ravi’s abdomen, insisting that he confess to the theft. 

Similar treatment continued until 12.00am. 

For five days, until 5 March 2007, the police took Ravi to different places and tortured him similarly. They 

stripped him naked, handcuffed him, and kept him without food or water. Ravi sustained injuries all over his 

body. 

The police filed a false charge of theft against Ravi, remanded him before the Mannargudi Judicial Magistrate 

Court, and sent him to Central Prison, Trichirapalli. Ravi was admitted at the prison hospital, then at the 

Government Hospital (Trichy), and finally at the Thanjavur Medical College Government Hospital for treatment. 

Ravi is now permanently disabled. His kidney does not function properly, and he cannot work for a living. 

On 21 August 2007, the RDO conducted an enquiry into Ravi’s case. Ravi also filed a complaint with the 

District Collector, the DSP (Tiruvarur), the CM’s Special Cell, and the NHRC.



Perpetrator(s) : 1) KK200, PC; 2) KK880, PC; 

3) Thambithurai, PI 

Location : Kulasekaram PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Ravi is a resident of Salaiah Street, Aramannnam, Serupalur Post-629. He won the Congress Party 

nomination as a candidate for the Panchayat election and then won election as a Member. He was also a 

monthly salaried employee at the Coca Cola Company. 

On 27 August 2007 at 7.00pm, when Ravi was at home, one Sasi told him that someone had beaten a man 

Kumarasamy, who was now unconscious. Ravi and Sasi went to the spot to find that Kumarasamy was 

indeed unconscious and surrounded by his neighbours. Ravi questioned the neighbours, and Kumarasamy 

was taken to the hospital. 

A police vehicle arrived. PC KK200 emerged and grabbed Ravi’s collar. He struck Ravi’s back, asking 

Ravi if he was the MLA in that area. The PC demanded that Ravi come to the police station, where he 

threatened Ravi. 

At around 8.30pm, Prema Jayan (President, Thirparapu Town Panchayat), George (Vice-President), and 

Sekar (Member for the 10th Ward) came to the police station. PI Thambithurai told them not to enter, as Ravi 

was a criminal. When the three tried to get food to Ravi, the PI became irritated. He told them that it was a 

punishment for the Ravi to remain hungry and prevented them from providing Ravi with the food. 

At around 10.00pm, the police gave Ravi was given two newspapers and told him to sleep on them. 

At around 11.30pm, Ravi’s brother came to the station, but the PI sent him away. 

At around 2.00am, PCs KK880 and KK200 woke Ravi with their batons. PC KK200 slapped Ravi’s face. 

Ravi cried out, so PC KK880 held Ravi’s mouth shut with his hand. Then both PCs struck Ravi with their 

batons on his hands, legs, back, and ribs. After beating him for forty-five minutes, the police stopped. 

Later that day, Ravi’s relatives arrived at the station with Panchayat Members and Political Heads. They tried 

to negotiate Ravi’s release, but the police did not let Ravi go until 12.00pm. 

Ravi’s relatives took him to the hospital. 

At around 2.00pm, Ravi appeared before the Magistrate, who filed a case against him and ordered him to the 

hospital. 


187 


2007

FF Code 

: TN/SVG 86/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Sadhanandam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Malairajan, PI 

Location : Kallal PS, Karaikudi Taluk, 

Sivagangai District. 




188 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Sadhanadam, age 32, belongs to the Christian Nadar Community and earns his living by working as 

contract labourer at the Kallal Electricity Board. 

On 30 November 2007, a woman named Kannaki called Sadhanadam to fix a motor. As Sadhanandam 

was busy, he tokd Kannaki to ask Saravan and Karappu to do the work. 

On 1 December 2007, Kannaki informed Sadhanadam that the motor’s nameplate was missing and that she 

was going to file a complaint with the police. 

At around 7.30pm, the HC of Kallal PS called Sadhanadam by telephone and told him that PI Malairajan 

wanted to meet him. 

At around 8.00pm, Sadhanadam arrived at the station. The PI was absent, so an officer asked Sadhanandam 

to return at 9.00pm. 

After an hour, Sadhanandam returned to the station with other people who had been summoned, including 

Azhagar, Shankar, Ravi, Singamuthu, and Nacchiappan (a foreman). They found the PI in a drunken state. 

Nacchiappan asked the PI why he had summoned them all to the station. The PI replied “Are you a bigwig 

just because you are an EB foreman?” and threatened to detain all of the men in the station. The PI then took 

Sadhanandam to the other side of the room and made him sit half-naked. The PI sent the other men away, 

saying that he would return Sadhanandam after an enquiry. 

The PI did not ask Sadhanandam any other questions. 

At around 12.30pm, the PI and an SI took Sadhanandam in a jeep to Satharasambatti in order to find Karuppu 

and Saravanan. 

The police took all three men to Kallal PS for further interrogation. Officers took all three men’s signatures, 

fingerprints, and details. They permitted Karuppu and Saravan to leave. 

The PI told Sadhanandam that he was being arrested on the basis of a complaint by Kallan AE Subramanian 

that an HD line for which he was responsible had twice gone missing in Sembanur Meenakshipuram. The 

PI told Sadhanadam that he must confess that he had taken the line and sold it. Sadhanadam refused to admit 

to the charge. The PI responded by twisting Sadhanandam’s hands. Sadhanandam screamed in pain, and 

the PI scolded him for shouting. The PI then stood on Sadhanandam’s thighs with booted feet for about twenty 

minutes. Unable to bear the pain, Sadhanadam screamed. The PI told Sadhanandam to jump up. 

Sadhanandam could not; he fell at the PI’s feet, crying and pleading to be let go, as his son was unwell. 

At 4.30pm, the PI let Sadhanandam leave the station after signing a blank paper. The PI told Sadhanandam 

to return at 8.00am the next day, and threatened him with imprisonment if he sought treatment at a hospital.


Victim(s) : Sargunam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Tuticorin PO, 

2) Rameswaram PO, 

Location : Tuticorine Central PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Sargunam, a member of Thevar Community, and his wife Jacqueline, a member of the Dalit fisherman 

community, are LIC agents. Kesavan Chettiyar, who is from Rameswaram and previously forwarded loan 

cases to Sargunam, filed a forgery case against Sargunam in Rameswaram court for an allegedly forged 

cheque in the amount of one lakh rupees. On the morning of 22 nd March 2007, Kesavan Chettiyar, his son 

Murugan, a Tuticorin police officer, a Rameswaram police officer, and Kesavan’s lawyer Ramamurthy went 

to Sargunam’s house. 

They asked Sargunam to step out from his house, but he refused. Ramamuthy gained entry in to the house 

and kicked Sargunam in the chest. Murugan and Kesavan beat Sargunam on his face. However, Sargunam 

managed to push them out and closed the door. Sargunam telephoned his lawyer Mr. Bosco and reported 

the incident. 

But shortly after, the police officers arrested and handcuffed Sargunam. The police officers forced Sargunam 

to walk to the PS. On the way, they punched Sargunam several times. When Sargunam told the police that 

he had a heart condition, they replied that they would beat other parts of his body. The police officers 

demanded Rs.50, 000, or said they would kill Sargunam within 2 months. 

At the station, Sargunam saw Kesavan Chettiyar seated in a chair. Three police PCs beat Sargunam. Then 

the sub-PI and four PCs grabbed Sargunam and pushed him into a van. In the van, Sargunam was forced 

to sit between two seats while one of the PCs sat on his head. Murugan grabbed Sargunam’s legs while 

another police PC hit his stomach. When the vehicle stopped at Attapuram corner, Kesavan beat Sargunam’s 

face. Others in the van threatened to shoot Sargunam. As the vehicle continued, Ramamurthy, Kesavan 

Chettiyar and Murugan continued torturing Sargunam. 

Around 11.30pm, Sargunam was taken to the Rameshwaram PS. He was stripped naked and kept in lockup. 

The police ridiculed Sargunam, stating that he looked like a eunuch and that his penis was small. Then, 

one of the PCs grabbed Sargunam by his hair and smashed his head against the wall. Another PC verbally 

attacked the caste of Sargunam’s wife, stating “I know that your wife is a prostitute; if some one gives her 

Rs.500/- she will sleep with him; because, she belongs to fisherman community (Dalit).” Ramamurthy, who 

is a member of BJP Party, threatened to file a case against Sargunam and allege that Sargunam is a terrorist 

who went to bomb Rameswaram. 


189 


2007

In the morning, the police took Sargunam to the magistrate. The police told Sargunam not to talk about his 

treatment. But Sargunam told the judge what happened. The Judge ordered an enquiry and told the police take 

Sargunam to the hospital in the Madurai jail. But the police first took him to Rameswaram Governmental 

hospital. There, the doctor told the police to take Sargunam to Ramanathapuram hospital. Accordingly, police 

took him to that hospital. The doctor tested him and told him to stay in the hospital and have treatment. But 

instead, the police took Sargunam to Madurai Government hospital at around 1.30 a.m. 

That night, Sargunam’s wife and his advocate came with the bail order. The next day morning Sargunam was 

released. Sargunam went to Madurai high court and obtained a warrant relaxation certificate. 


190 


Victim(s) : 1) Savithri; 2) S. Dhanam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Saraswathy, SI; 


Location : K.V. Kuppam PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Savithri is sixteen years old. 

On 28 August 2007, Savithri went to take part in her cousin’s marriage. During a power cut at the function, the 

bride’s jewellery went missing. Everyone in the hall except the bridegroom’s family was searched, but nothing 

was found. 

The next day, Savithri’s uncle Prakash called Savithri, accused of her taking the jewellery, and demanded that 

she return it. As a result of this accusation, Savithri’s mother, Dhanam, ended up in a fight with her relatives. 

Savithri’s father, unable to bear the insults, hit Savithri and attempted to commit suicide by drinking poison; he 

was later admitted to a hospital at Arambakum. 

Savithri went and stayed with her sister at Kousampattu. 

On 1 September 2007, the police asked Savithri to report to the K.V. Kuppam PS. There, a female SI asked 

her where she had hidden the jewellery. When Savithri responded that she had no idea what had happened 

to the jewellery, the SI slapped her on her jaw and pinched her cheeks. The SI hit Savithri with a huge log on 

her hands. When Savithri cried in pain, the SI pinched her thighs. The SI made Savithri lie down. A policeman 

stood on Savithri’s thighs and thrashed her feet. Savithri suffered similar treatment until 6.30pm. 

At 6.30pm, the police let Savithri go home after asking her brother-in-law to get her some food and demanding 

that she return the next day at 9.00am. 

Savithri went to her sister’s house, and then to a local hospital to get medical for her pain.

The next day, Savithri, Dhanam, and Savithri’s brother-in-law returned to the station. The police called 

Dhanam in first. Savithri could hear Dhanam being beaten and insulted as “a dog” and “a devil.” 

At 5.30pm, the police released all three detainees and demanded that they return the next morning. 

On 3 September 2007, Savithri, Dhanam, and Savithri’s brother-in-law sat outside the station while one of 

their relatives negotiated with the police. The DSP arrived, and SI Saraswathy asked Savithri if she had been 

tortured. 

Out of fear, Savithri and her relatives have not lodged a complaint. 

SI Saraswathy has written in her report that she acted on a complaint from one Subramanium that he saw 

Savithri taking the missing jewels. 


Victim(s) : Sekhar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Radhakrishnan, SI; 2) unnamed PCs 

Location : Villivakkam D1 PS, Chennai 



191 

Case Details: 

Victim Sekhar was engaged in stealing iron with his friends for ten years, during which he was arrested and 

jailed three times. However, after his marriage, Sekhar stopped stealing and sought to lead a normal life. 

However, the police would not leave him alone, arresting him whenever there was a case of theft and often 

forcing him to admit to false charges. The PI never listened when Sekhar protested that he had stopped 

stealing. 

On 12 October 2007 at 5.00am, Sekhar went to the harbour to perform his usual work. He had returned 

home and was having food when three policemen from Villivakkam PS arrived and asked his wife to see 

him. Sekhar’s wife replied that Sekhar was eating, but the police responded that the matter was urgent. 

Sekhar came outside, where a PC hit him hard in the neck. The police took Sekhar to Villivakkam D1 PS. 

The PI was absent, but SI Radhakrishnan was on-site. 

The SI asked Sekhar where he had been on 10 October 2007, to which Sekhar replied that he had been in 

Villivakkam. The SI told Sekhar that he was lying, and hit Sekhar’s nose with his baton. The SI accused 

Sekhar of performing a gang theft at a house in Madavaram, Kamarajar Nagar. Sekhar responded that he 

had stopped stealing and was now working as a porter, and asked not to be accused falsely. 

The SI kicked Sekhar in the abdomen. Sekhar lost his balance and sat down, unable to bear the pain. The 

SI commanded him to stand, using abusive words such as “son of a bastard [thevadiya].” Sekhar struggled 

to stand. The SI then told him to remove his clothes and stand in his underwear. 


2007

The SI then told Sekhar to lie down. Two PCs held Sekhar’s arms, and another two held his legs. The SI then 

began to beat Sekhar’s buttocks with his baton, asking him who was involved in the theft, and where the stolen 

items were. Sekhar replied that even if the police beat him to death, he would not confess. The SI then said “I 

know how to get the truth from you” and began to beat Sekhar’s feet. Sekhar struggled. 

It was now 12.00pm. The SI ordered the PCs to bind Sekhar in chains. They tied his right leg with a chain and 

attached the chain to the door of a prisoner’s cell. 

At 3.00pm, the police prepared a charge sheet that they asked Sekhar to sign. They took Sekhar to Pookadai 

Court and brought him before a judge. 


192 

At around 6.00pm, the police locked Sekhar in Chennai Puzhal Jail. After thirteen days, his wife released him 

on bail. 


Victim(s) : Sela Raj 

Perpetrator(s) : Ashokan, PI 

Location : CCS PS, Kottaru 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Sela Raj is an auto driver who resides at 173, Sagotharar Street, Nagerkoil Village, Agastheswaram 

Taluk, Kanya Kumari. On 7 October 2007 at around 11.00pm, Sela Raj and his friend Rethinakumar were 

quarrelling in Sela Raj’s auto. PI Ashokan arrived with two uniformed PCs. They verbally abused Sela Raj 

and Rethinakumar. The police also beat Sela Raj’s shoulder. 

Even though Sela Raj and Rethinakumar told the police several times that they had been quarreling for fun, 

the PI took both men to the CCS PS. 

At the station, the police released Rethinakumar but detained Sela Raj. 

The police told Sela Raj to remove all of his clothes before beating him until 1.30am. The PI hit Sela Raj with 

a baton on his hands; Sela Raj’s wrist and left hand were injured and swollen. The PI and the PCs slapped 

Sela Raj’s ears until he could not hear properly. The PI punched Sela Raj’s nose. Sela Raj fainted. 

The next day at around 8.00am, Sela Raj awoke. He asked the PI to take him to the hospital. Instead, the 

PI threatened him. 

The PI filed a case against Sela Raj (Crime No. 956/2007) under section 384. The police produced Sela 

Raj before the Nagerkoil Magistrate Court. The judge asked Sela Raj whether he had been beaten up by the 

police. In fear, Sela Raj replied that he had not been beaten. 

The judge imposed a fifteen-day detention order. The police took Sela Raj to Nagakovil Sub-Jail. 

On 12 October 2007, Sela Raj was released on bail.


Victim(s) : Selvan; Prakash 


Location : Puthuperukulathur PS, Chennai 


Case Details: 

Victim Selvan had been involved in some drunken altercations; some considered him a rowdy person, and 

he had been the subject of at least one previously filed complaint. 

Selvan’s father has stated that on 22 March 2007, one of Selvan’s friends quarrelled with another man; 

Selvan stepped in, and the argument grew large. The Puthuperukulathur Police came looking for Selvan, but 

Selvan had obtained an anticipatory bail. Later that evening, the Puthuperukulathur Police threatened Selvan’s 

family members. The police also arrested Selvan’s father and elder brother, Prakash. They detained 

Prakash for a week, during which time they kicked him with booted feet and thrashed him with a baton on his 

hip, back, and elsewhere. After this incident, Selvan’s father was afraid to send his son outside. 


193 

Selvan’s father lodged a complaint with the Citizens for Human Rights Movement; the Movement circulated 

his complaint at the state and national levels. However, the police then threatened Selvan’s family with arrest 

unless they withdrew the complaint. On 24 March 2007, a female police officer beat Selvan’s mother and 

wife. 

On 26 August 2007 at 7.00pm, Selvan went outside and did not return home. 

The next day, his parents enquired after him at the nearby police station. 

On 28 August 2007 at about 11.00am, Selvan’s parents received a phone call from Puthuperukulathur PS, 

asking them to come to the station. 

At the station, Selvan’s parents saw Selvan locked up and in handcuffs. His lips, cheeks, and forehead were 

swollen, and his body was injured all over. When Selvan’s parents asked the reason for his arrest, the police 

replied that Selvan had caused a nuisance and was found roaming around girls. The police added that 

Selvan’s parents had brought him up wrongly. 

Selvan appeared in court later that day, and was then jailed for four days. The last time that his parents saw 

him, Selvan was hanging upside down, wearing the same shirt and pants as before. 

Selvan’s family was so emotionally traumatised that they decided to commit suicide by consuming pesticide. 

Another complaint has been filed with the Citizens for Human Rights Movement. 


2007


Victim(s) : Senthil 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Rangarajan, PI; 


Location : Koratur T3 PS, Chennai 




194 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Senthil, of the Vanniyar caste, was working as a JCB machine driver for Nagarajan of Annanagar. The 

dead body of a youth was found in which he had loaded sand from Thirumalai Nagar, Koratur Agraharam, 

near Ambathur. 

On the date of the incident, at 5.00am, about 6 policemen and Nagarajan came to his house. The police 

dragged Mr. Senthil into their vehicle. 

At the police station at 6.00am, PI Rangarajan interrogated Senthil and demanded that he tell the truth. Senthil 

replied that he did not know anything. The PI became furious. He took a baton and started to beat Senthil 

brutally: he thrashed Senthil repeatedly on his head, back, hands, elbows, and thighs. The PI told Senthil to 

remove his shirt and dhoti, and made him lie down. PCs held Senthil’s hands and legs while the PI thrashed 

his buttocks severely with a baton. The PI told Senthil, while thrashing his feet, to confess to the murder. 

Senthil quivered and screamed with pain. The PI then asked Senthil to sit leaning against a wall; a PC stood 

on his thighs while the PI thrashed his feet again. The PI repeatedly demanded that Senthil confess to the 

crime. 

At 9.00am, the PI told Senthil to kneel down on the veranda in his underwear. He then spread solid salt 

particles on the ground and told Senthil to kneel on them. Senthil initially refused, but soon realised that he had 

no other option. Blood oozed from his legs as he knelt on the salt. The PI told Senthil that he would die unless 

he confessed to the crime. 

At 10.00am, Senthil was taken to the prisoner’s room in handcuffs. He felt that he had no choice but to confess 

to the crime, because his pain was unbearable. 

At 12.00pm, Nagarajan came to the police station with Adv. Rajesh. The two men spoke to the PI; one of them 

– or perhaps someone else – paid Rs. 10,000 to release Senthil. The police then let Senthil go on the condition 

that he signed a written statement agreeing to return to the police station whenever he was asked.


Victim(s) : Senthil Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Rajesh, PO 2) Selvam, PO 

3) Sivakumar, PO 4) Charles, PO 

Location : CBCID office, Radhapuram Taluk, 

Tirunelveli 


Case Details: 

Senthil Kumar, a daily construction wage labourer, lives with his mother and two brothers. On 22 nd June 

2007, CBCID Police Officer Rajesh went to Senthil Kumar’s house and threatened him saying, “Call 

Sudalaimani, otherwise your family will not be alive!” Senthil Kumar told Rajesh that he did not know any thing 

about Sudalaimani. Rajesh slapped Senthil Kumar. Senthil Kumar’s mother cried, “Do not beat my son, he 

does not know anything!” Rajesh attacked and beat Senthil Kumar’s mother calling her “a bloody Dalit 

whore.” Rajesh threatened Senthil Kumar that if he did not disclose information, he would file a false case 

against Senthil Kumar’s mother labelling her as a prostitute. 

Police officers took Senthil Kumar to CBCID office in Tirunelveli. The police alleged that there was a 

connection between Sudalaimani and Senthil Kumar’s family. There, police officers Rajesh, Selvam, 

Sivakumar and Charles tortured and beat Senthil Kumar, including beating his legs. When Senthil Kumar 

shouted in pain, the officers threatened to kill him. 

The police did not provide Senthil Kumar with any food. While in custody, the officer forced Senthil Kumar to 

bend his back down and they beat him. Senthil Kumar fainted and fell down. The next morning, Police officer 

Siva asked Senthil Kumar to kneel down, and he beat him continuously. Then Siva beat Senthil Kumar’s 

chest. Siva told Senthil Kumar to jump, but Senthil Kumar could not. The police took Rs.150/- in cash and 

18 g of gold from Senthil Kumar. When the police asked Senthil Kumar to give them his jewel, he refused. 

The police filed an FIR against Senthil Kumar. They took his photo, registered his finger print and got his 

signature in a blank sheet of paper. Senthil Kumar was taken to Valliyur Court. When Senthil Kumar told the 

police that he wanted to go to the Hospital, they threatened to file false cases against him and his family. Out of 

fear, Senthil Kumar did not disclose his abuse to the magistrate. He was taken to Nanguneri Jail. 

Senthil Kumar was released on bail on 27 th July 2007. 


195 


2007



Perpetrator(s) : Ulaganathan, PI 

Location : Melapalayam PS, 

Palayamkottai Taluk, Tirunelveli 



196 

Case Details: 

Shahul Hameed is an auto-driver who belongs to the Muslim community. Shahul Hameed initiated the 

preliminary steps to sell the land owned by his father in-law. During the process Shahul Hameed discovered 

that the subject land was sold in 1988 with forged ownership documents by a group of land brokers, including 

Moosa Bhai and Jothi. Shahul Hameed searched and found out the original ownership documents. Shahul 

Hameed also learned that Moosa Bhai and Jothi ran a Timber store in Melapalayam. 

On 20 th July 2007, Shahul Hameed was called by Moosa Bhai and Jothi to the Timber Store to discuss the 

issue. The discussion became a scuffle, and the police were called. PI Ulaganathan went to the Timber store 

and, without any warning, beat Shahul Hameed with a baton until the baton broke. 

PI Ulaganathan took Shahul Hameed to the PS, and made him strip to his underwear. PI Ulaganathan beat 

Shahul Hameed with a steel rod. The beatings fractured Shahul Hameed’s right hand and fingers. The same 

day, Shahul Hameed was remanded to Palayamkottai Central Jail without receiving any medical treatment. 

The next day, Jailor Nijamudeen remanded Shahul Hameed to the Melapalayam PS, and he requested they 

admit Shahul Hameed to the hospital for treatment. Shahul Hameed was treated from 22 nd July 2007 until 2 nd 

August 2007 at the High Ground Hospital. After, Shahul Hameed was released on bail. 

Though Shahul Hameed filed a complaint, no action has been taken. Shahul Hameed still is deeply physically 

and mentally affected. 


2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Siva 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Siva Kumar, SI; 2) other police 



Victim Siva is a labourer in Turaipakkam Kannagi Nagar. Five years ago, the Chennai Government constructed 

houses for the street dwellers who are daily wage labourers in Siva’s community.

Although only a few of the labourers engage in anti-social practices, group clashes are a common feature in 

the area. On 7 September 2007, there was one such clash between the settlers of Reserve Line Quarters 

and those of three-story Government Quarters, because of an earlier grudge. 

During the clash, Selvam received a laceration. He was admitted to the General Hospital. The police 

proceeded to investigate his case and to arrest suspects. 

On 19 September 2007, Siva returned home from work at around 8.00pm. The next morning at around 

2.00am, his mother woke him because three policemen were at the door and asking for him. They had told 

Siva’s mother that they wanted to bring Siva to the police station for questioning, but would return him later that 

morning. 

The policemen questioned Siva about whether he was involved in Selvam’s injury; Siva replied that he did 

not understand what he was being asked. 

At 2.30am, the police brought Siva to the station. One policeman ordered Siva to remove his shirt and lungi. 

Siva obeyed. The police then locked him in a room with other prisoners. Siva repeatedly maintained that he 

had committed no fault. 

At 7.30am, the SI ordered that Siva be brought before him. The SI took a log and beat the bottom of Siva’s 

feet four times, demanding to know why Siva had injured Selvam. Siva replied that he was not the person that 

the police were looking for. The SI responded that Siva would not tell the truth unless he was beaten with his 

hands and legs tied [ladam kattuthal]. 

The police made Siva lie on his chest and ordered him to stretch out his hands. One policeman sat on Siva’s 

back, while the SI beat Siva’s feet fifteen times with a log. The SI threatened to charge Siva with all pending 

cases unless he admitted to the crime. 

Siva’s feet were swollen from the beatings, and he was unable to walk. 

At around 9.00pm, Siva’s mother tried to see him but was denied permission. The SI told Siva’s mother that 

he could not let Siva leave, because Siva was likely to commit crimes in the future. 

At 12.30am, the SI called for Siva again and asked him whether he preferred to admit his crime or to be 

thrashed to death. Siva replied that he could not admit to a crime that he had not committed. The SI became 

angry and slapped Siva hard on his left cheek. He then took a log and beat Siva’s back. Siva shouted in pain. 

The police made Siva lie flat on his chest, and a PC beat Siva’s buttocks violently. Siva cried out in pain and 

agreed to admit to the crime. The SI stamped on Siva’s fingers with his booted foot, and threatened to kill Siva. 

On 29 September 2007 at 3.00pm, the police took Siva’s fingerprints and signature. At 3.30pm, they 

presented Siva before a Judge at Alanthus Court. At 6.00pm, they locked Siva in Puzhal Jail. 

As of the day that these facts were collected, Siva still could not hear properly because of the blow to his head. 


197 


2007


Victim(s) : Subash 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Krishnamurthy, SI; 





198 

Case Details: 

Victim Subash was the driver of a car owned by Mr. Muhammed Hussain. On 29 October 2007, Subash 

allowed his friends to transport a pig in the car. On learning of this, Mr. Hussain, a Muslim, became furious. 

He abused Subash verbally with caste-related insults like “kura payya” and fired Subash. Mr. Hussain then 

bribed the police to file a false charge against Subash. 

On 2 November 2007 at around 3.00am, a PC woke Subash and demanded that he come outside to meet 

SI Krishnamurthy. Outside, the SI interrogated him about the pig in the car, and accused him of attempting to 

beat Mr. Hussain. Subash refused these allegations. The SI slapped Subash, hit his buttocks, and punched 

his nose. The SI demanded that Subash identify the friends who were with him when the pig was transported. 

The SI then took Subash and his friends to the police station. 

At the station, a PC twisted the skin of Subash’s thighs and beat him with a baton on his back. Subash was 

in pain. The SI then summoned Subash and made him stretch out his hands, which he beat four times. The 

SI made Subash lie down. Two PCs grabbed Subash’s hands and legs, and then beat his buttocks and 

legs. 

The police brought Subash to Ambathur Court, from which he was remanded to Puzhal Jail. 


2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Sudalaikani 

Perpetrator(s) : Athish, SI 

Location : Alangulam PS, 

Alangulam Taluk, Thirunelveli 


Sudalaikani, a member of the Nadar community, works as a daily wage labourer. He is married and has three 

children. On 26 th August 2007, Sudalaikani was standing near a shop in the Alangulam Bus Stand. SI Athish 

suddenly hit Sudalaikani on his left cheek and scolded him using highly offensive terms. SI Athish put 

Sudalaikani into an auto and tortured him on the way to the Alangulam PS. 

At the PS, SI Athish beat Sudalaikani with a baton on the left side of his chest. SI Athish tied Sudalaikani’s hands 

together and hung him from the roof, forcing him to stand. SI Athish inserted a wooden pole in between 

Sudalaikani’s hands and hit him on his feet with a baton.

SI Athish threatened Sudalaikani, stating that he will “wipe out” Sudalaikani’s wife and children if Sudalaikani 

did not tell him who else was with him. PI Athish made Sudalaikani sit down, and sat another prisoner on 

Sudalaikani’s lap. He then beat Sudalaikani’s back with a baton. The police tortured Sudalaikani throughout 

the night. They refused to let him sit, forcing him to stand until morning. 

The next day the police resumed torturing Sudalaikani. In the afternoon, Sudalaikani was permitted to 

telephone his neighbour to ask his wife to bring Rs. 350/- to the station. She brought the Rs. 350/- The police 

forced Sudalaikani to sign some written papers. The police told him to pay a Rs. 100/- fine to the court, which 

he did. 

When Sudalaikani was released, he had wounds all over his body. Since this incident, Sudalaikani has been 

unable to work and cannot support his family. 


Victim(s) : Sudalai Kannu 

Perpetrator(s) : Mariappan, PC 

Location : Vijaya Narayanam PS 

Naanguneri Taluk, Thirunelveli 



199 

Case Details: 

Mookkaandi, a member of the Hindu-Maravar Caste, works as a daily wage labourer. His youngest son, 

Sudalai Kannu is a 7 th standard student at R.C High School in Sathankulam. On the bus to school, Sudalai 

Kannu sat in front of two other students, Arunpandian and Sendhurpandian. Arunpandian and Sendhurpandian 

started pinching and hitting Sudalai Kannu. When Sudalai Kannu started crying, Kanni Perumal, a person 

from their village, shouted at the two students for beating Sudalai Kannu. Sudalai Kannu told his father about 

the incident. 

A few days later, Vijaya Narayanam PS PCs took Kanni Perumal to the PS for an enquiry. When he was 

released, Kanni Perumal told Mookandi that the police wanted to speak with him and Sudalai Kannu. 

On 11 th September 2007, Mookandi and Sudalai Kannu went to the North Vijaya Narayanam PS. There, 

they saw Arumuga Thevar, the grandfather of Arunpandian and Sendhurpandian. 

The PC took Sudalai Kannu and Sendhurpandian into a room and forced them to kneel down. The police 

asked them about the incident. PC Mariappan punched Sudalai Kannu on his cheek and thrashed him with 

a baton on his thighs. Sudalai Kannu cried, unable to bear the pain. Later, the police officers told Mookandi to 

raise his son in a disciplined manner. 

The next day, as a result of being punched, Sudalai Kannu was unable to open his eyes, and he had severe 

pain in his thighs. He was admitted to the Thirunelveli Government Hospital for treatment. 


2007


Victim(s) : Tamilvanan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Pandian, SI; 2) unnamed PCs 

Location : N4 PS, Chennai 



200 

Case Details: 

Victim Tamilvanan was drunk and engaged in a scuffle at a shop. SI Pandian and other PCs arrived, hit 

Tamilvanan, and slapped his left cheek. They then took Tamilvanan by his collar and dragged him to the 


At the station, the police beat Tamilvanan several times with a baton; they accused him of being a rowdy man 

who created a drunken nuisance in the street. 

Tamilvanan’s wife arrived at the station. She told the SI that Tamilvanan was drunk, and begged him to let her 

husband go. 

The SI then called Tamilvanan back, asked him to stretch out his hands, and thrashed his hands about ten 

times. Tamilvanan’s fingernail was injured and he quivered with pain. The police then thrashed Tamilvanan’s 

buttocks, and when releasing him told him to run without stopping. 

Later, Tamilvanan’s fingernail developed a blood clot, and his fingers were swollen. Three days after the 

incident, pus began to form on Tamilvanan’s fingernails, which then fell off. 


Victim(s) : Thangaraj 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Maria Selvam, PI; 

2) Pandian, SI; 3) unnamed PCs 

Location : N4 PS, Chennai 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Thangaraj earns his livelihood by fishing. At one time, he used to accompany Nadhiya and Askar when 

they were fishing. Nadhiya and Askar were involved in local arbitration and known to the police; because of his 

association with them, Thangaraj was arrested and abused frequently by the police. Eventually, Thangaraj 

gave up their company because of parental pressure. However, he was still bothered and abused by the 

officers at N4 PS, and contemplated suicide. 

On 20 October 2007 at around 2.00am, two PCs – one in civilian clothing – woke Thangaraj. They dragged 

Thangaraj by his collar into their jeep. In the jeep, Thangaraj told SI Pandian that he had done nothing wrong. 

The SI replied that he knew everything. The police drove Thangaraj to the police station.

At the station, the SI beat Thangaraj with a baton. The SI asked Thangaraj for the whereabouts of Nadhiya 

and Askar; Thangaraj replied that he had no idea. The SI then kicked Thangaraj in the abdomen and struck 

his head with a baton. Similar treatment continued. 

The SI then told Thangaraj to lie on his chest. Two PCs held his hands and legs. Thangaraj told the police 

that he would poison himself if they tortured him. The police responded that he should do so. They thrashed 

Thangaraj’s back and feet about twenty times and locked him in a cell. 

At 10.00am, PI Maria Selvam learned that Thangaraj had threatened to poison himself. The PI slapped 

Thangaraj, hit him with a baton on his thighs, and made him sit in a corner. 

At 12.30pm, some villagers came to the station and demanded Thangaraj’s release. Thangaraj’s mother 

threatened to immolate herself in front of the station if the police did not release her son. 

The police released Thangaraj, but threatened to kill him if they ever saw him again. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/CHE 30/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : E. Vedhamani 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Seetharaman, PI; 


Location : Maduravaayal PS 


Victim Vedhamani worked as a car driver. On 15 April 2007 at around 8.30pm, he was speaking with friends 

near his house. PI Seetharaman arrived on a two-wheeler accompanied by two PCs. The PI, who was 

drunk, demanded “How dare you sit there without paying respect towards me?” As the people in that area 

were afraid of the police, they began to walk towards their respective homes. 

Because Vedhamani had been sitting with his legs folded, one of his legs had stiffened, so he could only walk 

slowly. The PI ran towards him and asked “How dare you walk slowly even after seeing me?” The PI hit 

Vedhamani with a baton on his calves. Vedhamani, in pain, explained why he had been walking slowly and 

asked why the PI had beaten him. The PI became angrier, hit Vedhamani’s legs again, and said “I know 

about the Para [shorter version of “Parayar,” a Scheduled Caste to which Vedhamani belongs] guys and how 

haughty they are!” The PI grabbed Vedhamani’s t-shirt and lungi and twisted them. He insulted Vedhamani 

again with caste-related terms. 

By this time, Vedhamani’s parents and nearly one hundred villagers had gathered around. They asked the 

PI to leave Vedhamani alone, saying that Vedhamani was of good character and did not cause trouble. The 

PI replied that, even if his hand were cut apart, he would not let go of Vedhamani. Vedhamani’s brother asked 

the PI to release Vedhamani, but the PI refused. Vedhamani’s father bowed down to the PI’s feet and asked 

him to leave his son alone; the PI responded by pushing Vedhamani’s father, who fell into a thorny shrub and 

was injured. Vedhamani’s mother begged the PI to leave her son alone, but the PI responded by hitting her 

on her left wrist, which she had previously fractured. Pastor Marin of the ECL Church arrived and asked the 


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PI to leave Vedhamani alone; the PI responded again that even if his hand were cut, he would not let go of 

Vedhamani. 

The PI contacted Maduravaayal PS and asked for a jeep. When the jeep arrived, four PCs took Vedhamani 

by his hands and legs and threw him into the vehicle. Vedhamani fell between the seats and injured his back. 

The PCs prevented the villagers from coming near the jeep. 



2007 

202 

Inside the jeep, the PI continued to harass Vedhamani, punching his chest, shoulder, knee and hand. The PI 

verbally abused Vedhamani, saying “Fuck of your mother, you son of a Para bitch! Are you asking me 

questions?” The PI punched Vedhamani more than fifty times, shouting as he did so “You son of a bitch! You 

eunuch! I never let anybody live who opposes me. You son of a Para bitch! I know how haughty Paras are! 

I won’t let you go without killing you! Whatever may happen and whoever may come to help you, I won’t let 

you go free!” Vedhamani was afraid of dying in the jeep. He begged the PI to stop, but the PI continued to 

punch him, saying “You son of a bitch! You eunuch! Fuck of your mother! You son of a Para bitch! Did you 

dare to question me with your gym-trained body? I will have your skin peeled off!” The PI then stepped on 

Vedhamani’s face, below his left eye, breaking the skin. The PI spit in Vedhamani’s eye. 

Vedhamani was in severe pain. He could not raise his arms to clean the spit from his eye, which was burning 

and which he could not open. 

Two PCs also started to join the PI in hitting Vedhamani. 

At the police station, the four PCs carried Vedhamani inside by his arms and legs. They made him lay on his 

stomach on a bench. Vedhamani was in severe pain. The PI ripped off Vedhamani’s t-shirt and lungi. Two 

PCs held Vedhamani’s hands and legs. The PI beat Vedhamani with a baton more than thirty times. 

Vedhamani slipped into unconsciousness. The PI woke Vedhamani by pouring water on his face. Four 

PCs, holding Vedhamani’s hands and legs, made him face the wall. The PI beat Vedhamani’s buttocks for 

approximately fifteen minutes and continued to abuse him verbally. Vedhamani was bruised and bleeding. 

At around 10.30pm, Pastor Williams, Pastor Martin (from the ECL Church), Kathiravan (ex-Councilor of 

Mugapaer), Prabakran (Vice-President), Thiyagarajan (Ward Member), Sarangabani (Vedhamani’s elder 

brother), and about one hundred villagers came to the police station and spoke to the PI. 

At around 11.00pm, the police released Vedhamani. Before releasing him, the PI threatened to file a false 

charge against Vedhamani and to kill him if he told anyone about his experience at the police station. 

Vedhamani did not tell anyone about the details of his treatment by the police, who filed a charge against him 

under sections 41 and 102. 

Vedhamani’s friends took him to the hospital. Seeing the extent of his injuries, they decided to file a complaint 

against the PI. 

On returning home, Vedhamani could not sleep because of pain and stress. 

On 16 April 2007 at around 11.00am, Vedhamani, Sarangabani, and the Pastors went to the Assistant 

Commissioner’s office to file a complaint. They were directed to the Deputy Commissioner’s Office. When

they went to the Kilpauk Hospital to obtain a medical report, the doctor refused to help them because this was 

a case of police torture. 

On 17 April 2007 at around 11.00am, Vedhamani, Sarangabani, and the Pastors went to the Chennai Police 

Commissioner’s Office and lodged a copmlaint against the PI. The Office assured them that necessary 

action would be taken. 

At 6.00pm, Vedhamani gained admission to the Government Hospital by lying about his aggressor’s identity. 

The doctors at the Hospital examined him. 

The next morning at 4.00am, a policeman arrived and asked Vedhamani to sign a blank paper. 

At 6.00am, Vedhamani was discharged. 

Vedhamani’s father filed complaints with the SHRC, CM Cell, and Chennai Police Commissioner. At the 

SHRC inquiry, the PI was present and asked Vedhamani for forgiveness. 

The PI has since maintained that he was preventing illegal activities in the area, that he was not in the habit of 

drinking, that Vedhamani abused him, and that Vedhamani was not tortured. He alleges that Vedhamani has 

filed a false complaint against him. 


203 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Velmurugan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) unnamed HC; 2) Sabapathy, PI 

Location : Kulithalai PS 


Victim Velmurugan resides at Nadar East Street, Achan Kundram, VK Pudhur Via, Surundai Nellai. On 1 

September 2007, an HC from Kulithalai PS approached Velmurugan, dragged him by his shirt and slapped 

his left cheek. 

The HC took Velmurugan to the police station and made him sit on the floor. The HC kicked Velmurugan’s 

abdomen three times. 

At around 4.00am, PI Sabapathy arrived and asked the HC why he had detained Velmurugan. The HC 

replied that he saw Velmurugan standing suspiciously near the theatre junction and so had arrested him. 

The PI kicked Velmurugan, who cried out in pain. The PI hit Velmurugan with a baton. 

At around 6.00am, Velmurugan’s boss, Christudas, arrived and spoke to the PI, who refused to release 

Velmurugan. 

At around 12.00pm, Christudas brought lunch for Velmurugan. 

Two PCs took Velmurugan to the hospital. After a medical check-up, they brought Velmurugan to the 

Kulithalai Sub-Jail. A judged ordered Velmurugan detained for fifteen days. 


2007

FF Code : TN/MDU 20/FEB/07 

Victim(s) : P. Ramesh 

Perpetrator(s) : Two unnamed PCs 

Location : Thirubuvanam, Sivagangai Dist. 


Case Details: 

Victim Ramesh works as a server at a TASMAC shop. 

On 3 February 2007, two PCs in civilian clothing came to the TASMAC shop, joined by the proprietor of the 

Kala Hotel. All three had drinks but refused to pay for them. When Ramesh asked for money, the policemen 

scuffled with him. They threw tables, broke bottles, and struck Ramesh. [The broken glass] cut the hands of 

[bystanders] Pandian and Kumaresan. 

Ramesh called the emergency police and the Thallakulam PS. A PI from the emergency police, arrived, 

asked some questions, and left. 

On 4 February 2007, the two PCs returned, scuffled with Ramesh, and asked Ramesh’s colleagues Sasi and 

Mahesh about him. 

On 5 February 2007, when Ramesh and a colleague, Raja, were returning home at night, the two PCs arrived 

on a bicycle. One drove the bicycle, while the other struck Raja’s shoulder. Raja ran away. The PC told 

Ramesh to go to hell, and then beat his hands, back, and shoulders. The PCs left on the bicycle; Ramesh 

fainted. 

When Ramesh regained consciousness, his hands and other body parts were swollen. He walked to his 

shop and told Mr. Munisamy about his treatment. Then Ramesh went to the Government Rajaji Hospital, 

Madurai, and was admitted as an in-patient. 

Ramesh’s left hand was fractured and his right elbow was scratched. The fingers on his right hand and his 

back were also swollen. 

On 8 February 2007, Ramesh was discharged. He filed complaints with the Assistant Commissioner and with 

the PI of Thallakulam. 

The police interrogated Ramesh and Raja. Some officers have urged Ramesh to compromise; others have 

threatened Ramesh, saying that the PCs will not be punished. 

The police did not file an FIR for Ramesh’s complaint and have not arrested the PCs who abused him. 


204 


2007



205 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/MDU /53/JUNE/07 

Victim(s) : Muthukamatchi 

Perpetrator(s) : Police 

Location : Sivakasi 


The victim Muthukamatchi, aged 37, worked as a loadman. On 18 th June 2007, the victim came for a festival 

and was creating a fuss by mixing water and mud. The police attacked and beat him. Blood was running 

from Muthukamatchi’s head. 

Muthukamatchi’s relatives went to PS to file a complaint with the higher officer. The police negotiated a 

compromise, thus no FIR was submitted. 


Victim(s) : Ramamurthy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Chandrasekar, PI; 

2)Jaganathan, SI; 3) unnamed HC 

Location : Ambur Taluk PS, Vadapudhupattu 


Case Details: 

Victim Ramamurthy, age 42, belongs to the Hindu Adi-Dravidar-Parayar community (Scheduled Caste) and 

resides in Vengili village, Vaniyampadi Taluk, Vellore District. 

On 18 October 2007, Ramamurthy joined others in questioning the practices of the local Panchayat Councillors. 

An Aambur Taluk HC thus threatened Ramamurthy. 

When Ramamoorthy complained to SI Jaganathan, the SI abused Ramamoorthy. 

On 31 October 2007, PI Chandrasekhar came to the school where Ramamurthy’s wife worked and where 

Ramamurthy was at the time. The PI scolded Ramamoorthy, punched him twice in the chin, pulled his short, 

pushed him into a police jeep, and called him a “thaayoli [bastard].” The PI took Ramamurthy to the Ambur 

PS. 

At the station, the PI beat Ramamurthy and filed a false case against him. 

Ramamurthy was remanded and imprisoned. 

On 6 November 2007, Ramamurthy was released on bail. 

The PI has denied the allegations of abuse and false charge against himself and the HC, alleging that many 

[legitimate] complaints had been registered against Ramamurthy.

FF Code : TN/MDU 21/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : A. Velusamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Justin Prabakar, SI 

Location : Karumbalai, Madurai 

Date ofincident : 20/01/2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Velusamy works as a sanitary worker. 

On 20 January 2007, Velusamy was stopped by a PC while returning home. The PC asked Velusamy where 

he worked, and Velusamy answered. The PC told Velusamy to see SI Justin Prabakar. 

The SI asked Velusamy how many children he had. Velusamy asked why the SI wanted to know. The SI 

responded by slapping Velusamy’s face and insisting that he answer the question. The SI asked about 

Velusamy’s son Karupasamy; Velusamy replied that Karupasamy was at his mother-in-law’s house. The SI 

insisted that Velusamy had not answered properly and threatened to pull out Velusamy’s moustache. 

The SI took Velusamy in his jeep to a place near the Riffle Club. 


206 

Case Details: 



Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ganesan, PI; 2) Sampath, SI 

Location : Kandasamy’s house; 

Kakapalayam PS 


Victim Kandasamy had previously filed a complaint against his agnates regarding the pollution emanating from 

their processing workshop. Kandasamy’s agnates responded by blocking the path to his house. 

On 4 May 2007, PI Ganesan and SI Sampath, with government officials, gathered in front of Kandasamy’s 

house. The two officers kicked Kandasamy in front of the others and razed his compound wall with a JCB 

Engine before his eyes. 

Later, the officers forcefully took Kandasamy to the police station, where they beat him and filed a false charge 

against him. 

The police later produced Kandasamy before the Sangagiri Magistrate, who remanded him to prison. 


2007


Victim(s) : Muthu Muniandy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Balamurugan, SI 2) HPC 

location : Avanyapuram PS 


Case Details: 


207 

Mr. Muthu Muniandy, aged 27, belongs to Thevar caste and is a resident of Avanyapuram, South Taluk, 

Madurai District. On 28 th November 2007 at 12.00am, about six policemen, not in police uniform, went to 

Muthu’s house, and told him to come to PS for inquiry. Muthu denied committing any offense, but the police 

told him they would release him after the enquiry. 

SI Balmurugan told Muthu that he was arrested in connection with the garlanding of Ambedkar’s statue with 

slippers. When Muthu said was not connected with the crime, the SI grabbed Muthu’s head and bashed it 

in the wall. Then, the SI told Muthu to face the wall and beat him severely in the back. Muthu’s body was 

swollen from the beatings. 

The police took Muthu to the Court at 5.00pm. Muthu was remanded to the Madurai Central Prison for twelve 

days. He was later released on bail. He must sign every day. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) Charles Raja; 2) Selvan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ramasamy, PI; 2) Krishna, PC 

Location : Tholampatti PS 



2007 

Victim Charles Raja is twenty-five years old. On 22 March 2007, Charles Raja went to visit his uncle at 

Olapatti village, accompanied by his friend, victim Selvan. 

At Olapatti village, a neighbour of Charles Raja’s uncle named Maheswari had absconded with a woman. 

The woman’s parents suspected Charles Raja and Selvan, so they beat the pair. 

Later, PI Ramasamy and PC Krishna forcefully took Charles Raja and Selvan to the Tholampatti PS, where 

they beat them with a baton. At the urging of the absconded woman’s parents, the police filed a false case 

against Charles Raja and Selvan. 

The police later took Charles Raja and Selvan to the Salem Magistrate, who remanded them to jail.

FF Code : TN/MDU 92/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : Arumugam 

Perpetrator(s) : Karuppusamy, PI 

Location : Ayakudi PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Arumugam (age 30) resides at Kodai Road, Pazhani Taluk in Dindigul District and belongs to Pallar 

community. The Forest Department lodged a false complaint against Arumugam, alleging that he pilfered 

Forest Department materials. Based on this complaint, Ayakudi POs took him into custody. 

In the Ayakudi PS, the police told Arumugam to undress. Two constables grabbed Arumugam’s hands from 

the back and kicked him with their boots. Arumugam sustained injuries in his back, neck, face and left cheek. 

When Arumugam told the officers that he is going to commit suicide, the POs handcuffed him. 

Later the police withdrew the charges against Arumugam. Arumugam who underwent mental agony and 

depression, attempted to commit suicide. He was admitted to the hospital and recovered. 


208 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL/29-1/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : Arun Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajalingam, PI, Valapadi PS 

Location : In front of the Cooperative 

Society, Kallanatham 


Victim Arun Kumar is seventeen years old. In April 2007, he went to his grandmother’s home in Kallanatham 

for the holidays. 

On 30 April 2007 at 8.00pm, Arun Kumar was playing with a friend in front of the Cooperative Society. PI 

Rajalingam arrived in an auto, wearing civilian clothing. The PI asked Arun Kumar where he could buy arrack. 

Arun Kumar told the PI that he was new to that area and did not know where arrack was sold. 

The PI slapped Arun Kumar’s cheeks more than fifteen times. Arun Kumar fainted. The people near Arun 

Kumar sprinkled water on his face and explained to the PI that Arun Kumar was from Valapadi. 

Arun Kumar’s uncle learned of Arun Kumar’s treatment and arrived on the scene. He brought Arun Kumar 

to the Government Hospital. 

The police arrived at the hospital and asked Arun Kumar to sign a statement. They made no reference to the 

PI’s drunkenness. When Arun Kumar’s uncle questioned this omission, the officers replied that a policeman 

should not betray another policeman. Arun Kumar signed the statement. 

On 1 May 2007, the PI met with Arun Kumar and apologised for his actions. 


2007


209 

FF Code : TN/SAL 32/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Tanghavelu; 

2) other handloom employees 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed POs of the Kondalampatti PS 

Location : The road in front of Hand Loom Textiles 


Case Details: 

The victims all work at Hand Loom Textiles. 

About 30, 000 employees, members of the Mahatma Gandhi Workers’ Association, as well as other 

employees, had signed an agreement for a salary increase once every two years from 14 December 1981 

through 22 December 1999. Despite the agreement, at some point in this period, their employers cut their 

salaries by ten percent. Rama Krishnan, President of the Association, began negotiations with the employers, 

leading to a continuation of the original agreement. 

On 11 December 2006, at another meeting, the employers reneged on their commitment. The employees 

requested police permission to protest; the police rejected their request. However, the DSP spoke with both 

parties, and the employers agreed to a salary increase. 

The next day, the employers barred the employees from entering Hand Loom Textiles. The employees 

responded by picketing. 

Officers from the Kondalampatti PS arrived and conducted a lathi charge against the employees. They took 

Rama Krishnan and other employees in a van to the police station. Those employees who opposed the 

police action were threatened with false charges. 

FF Code : TN/MDU 36/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : Meenakshi Sundaram 

Perpetrator(s) : Pandiarajan, PC, Usilampatti PS 

Location : Santhanmariamman Temple, 

Usilampatti Taluk, Madurai District 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Meenakshi Sundaram studies at a Catering College. 

On 5 April 2007, Meenakshi Sundaram attended a festival at the Santhanmariamman Temple. When the 

youths of the village began dancing, the police who were providing security attempted to control them. 

Meenakshi Sundaram protested to PC Pandiarajan (to whom he is related), who was taking one Soundirapandi 

along with him, that the youths were just dancing. The PC became furious and beat Meenakshi Sundaram

with a stick on his head and thigh. The PC threatened Meenakshi Sundaram, saying “I will kill you if I happen 

to see you in this area again!” 

Meenakshi Sundaram was admitted to the Government Hospital at Usilampatti. 

Meenakshi Sundaram’s mother, Mrs. Umadevi, filed a complaint with the Usilampatti SP. The SP conducted 

an investigation and ordered the PC to be transferred to the Armed Police at Madurai. 

Because Meenakshi Sundaram and the PC are related, Meenakshi Sundaram’s family decided not to file a 

case against the PC. 


Victim(s) : 1) Kaliammal; 2) Rukumani; 

3) Prema; 4) Hari Prasad; 

5) Lakshmi; 6) other members of 

the Pallar community 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed DSP; 2) unnamed POs 

Location : Srivilliputhur Tk, Virudhunagar Dist. 



210 

Case Details: 

On 29 April 2007, an altercation took place at Immanuel Street between the Pallar and Parayar communities. 

The DSP responded by calling the Special Task Force Police, who controlled the altercation by performing a 

lathi charge against the Pallar community. 

At 12.00am, police officers entered several houses in the community and attacked those inside, including over 

seventy women. They insulted the inhabitants and hit them regardless of their age. The police arrested several 

male villagers. The polic smashed the tiled roofs of many houses and arrested four government employees 

as well as more than ten school students. 

The officers pulled and tore the saree of one Kaliammal; they also beat one Rukumani, age 18. 

The police also insulted one Prema, a school teacher, and beat her on her hip, hands, and thighs before asking 

where her husband was. When Prema responded that her husband was an officer with the Central Police, the 

officers continued to beat her. They arrested her son Hari Prasad, a student at the ninth standard level. 

The police beat one Lakshmi, age 60, on her abdomen. She sustained internal injuries, vomited blood, and 

died at the Madurai Government Hospital. 

The villagers report that, during the police attacks, two women suffered miscarriages. 

The police have filed cases against sixty-three members of the Pallar community. 


2007



211 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/ SAL 36/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Chandra 

Perpetrator(s) : Earkadu PO 

Location : Earkadu PS 


Chandra’s husband suspected her conduct and asked to get money from her parents. On 26 th April 2007, 

Chandra’s husband hit her and chased her out of the house. Victim Chandra went to her mother’s house at 

7.00pm. Since she did not have any money, she called her sister over the phone. Her sister told Chandra that 

her husband had been to her house with the police saying that she had eloped with her neighbour named 

Ganesh Kumar. 

Chandra contacted Ganesh and asked him to meet her at her mother’s house to explain the matter. Ganesh 

went to meet Chandra the next day. Chandra’s husband and sisters also went to meet Chandra at her 

mother’s house. As soon as Chandra’s husband saw Ganesh, he thrashed him. Chandra became nervous 

and rushed to the PS. Her husband also went to the PS with Ganesh. 

The police hit Chandra with a baton on her legs, hands and back. They took Rs. 1000 from her. The police 

slapped Chandra and Ganesh and told Chandra to marry Ganesh. Chandra was not able to bear the pain 

and so accepted. The police then brought her children and made her sign a letter stating that she had no 

relationship with her children. 

The news reported the incident the next day. Chandra wishes to take legal action for the return of her children. 

FF Code : TN/MDU 46 A8/MAY/07 

Kaleeswari-Selvam 

Victim(s) : Kaleeswari 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) unnamed SP; 

2) other unnamed Pos 

Location : South Taluk, Madurai District 


Case Details: 

Victim Selvam belongs to the Kal Ottar community. 

On 18 May 2007, three policemen in civilian clothing came to Selvam’s house and woke him up, saying that 

the SP wanted to see him. When Selvam responded that he would come in the morning, one policeman 

slapped his face, hit his back, and told him that he must come at once. When Selvam’s relatives tried to 

block the police jeep, the police came and pushed them all aside. The police drove away with Selvam. 

Selvam’s wife, Radha, along with some of Selvam’s relatives, filed a complaint at the police station, but the 

officer on duty did not issue them with a receipt.

FF Code : TN/VEL 14/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : J. Rahul 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Seenivasan, PC; 2) Chitra, SI 

Location : Sivan Temple Pongal Festival 

site, Vellore District 


Case Details: 

Victim Rahul, age 13, resides in Thanigai Polur, Arakonam, Vellore District. He is a student at the 8th standard 

level, and lives with his father Jegadeesan, his mother Packialakshmi, and two sisters. 

On 16 January 2007 at 9.00pm, Rahul and his family were enjoying a concert by Sankar Ganesh’s Orchestra. 

Rahul started to dance with some other children, but Packialakshmi held his hand and made him sit down. 

Rahul got up again. PC Seenivasan approached Rahul and beat him with a lathi. Packialakshmi asked the 

PC why he was beating Rahul. The PC insulted Packialakshmi. Jegadeesan and others of Rahul’s relatives 

surrounded the PC and asked him why he had beaten Rahul. The PC ran away. 

After a few minutes, SI Chitra arrived. She grabbed Packialakshmi’s hand and threatened to take her to the 

police station. Packialakshmi said that she had done nothing wrong, and had only asked the PC why he was 

beating Rahul. The SI said that she would file a false case against Rahul and send him to reformatory school. 

Jegadeesan and Rahul’s other relatives surrounded the SI and demanded to know why she was troubling 

Packialakshmi, who had done nothing wrong. The SI left. 

After some time, Rahul’s parents brought him to the Government Hospital, where he was treated by an 

injection and medication. The Hospital staff informed the Out PS; some officers arrived and collected testimony 

from Packialakshmi. 

On 17 January 2007, Rahul’s family went to the Arakonam PS and asked the SI there to take action against 

PC Seenivasan. The SI asked them to leave, but they refused, insisting that equal justice be done to the PC 

as would be done to an ordinary citizen. 

On 18 January 2007, the Office of DSP Narayanamoorthy sent Rahul’s family an invitation. They went to his 

Office, where the DSP and PC Seenivasan apologised to Rahul’s family. The PC explained that he had 

thought that Rahul and Packialakshmi had been trying to cause trouble, so he had taken action against them. 

The PC asked Rahul’s family not to pursue the issue further, as he had a family to support. Rahul’s family let 

the matter drop. 


212 


2007



213 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL 37/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Noorjahan 

Perpetrator(s) : Police of Rasipuran Police 

Station 

Location : Rasipuran Police Station 


Victim Noorjahan is a 40 year-old widow residing with her grown up children at Rasipuram. On 15 th April 2007 

at 8.30pm, she went to Rathna Munirathnam’s house for supper. Ravi of Mettukadu scolded her indecently. 

While Noorjahan was going home, Ravi and Kokila stopped her. Ravi yelled at her indecently and asked her 

why she had told others that he kept Kokila. Ravi kicked her in the abdomen. Noorjahan fell to the ground in 

pain. Kokila caught hold of Noorjahan’s hair and slapped her. Noorjahan cried out for help. 

Noorjahan’s daughter Sumathi and her husband went to question Kokila. But Kokila locked herself in the 

house and refused to respond. At 9.30pm, the Rasipuram police took Noorjahan to police station. At the police 

station, police officers beat Noorjahan with a baton until the baton broke. The police called her son and told him 

to take her away. 

Noorjahan was admitted at the hospital. She now seeks legal action against the police. 

FF Code : TN/SAL 46/JUNE/06 

Victim(s) : Suresh Kumar 


Location : Kolli PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Suresh Kumar, age 30, is a resident of Mettur, Salem. He is a private lawyer and a legal adviser to 

the PMK Party. 

On 11 June 2007, there was a public protest in front of a hospital regarding the dubious death of a local boy. 

Suresh Kumar and his friend stood on a street corner and watched, before Suresh Kumar returned home to 

rest. 

Later in the day, about ten police officers came to Suresh Kumar’s house and forced him to come to the police 

station with them. 

At the station, the police beat him with batons. 

Suresh Kumar’s mother came to the station and asked the police to leave her son alone; they responded by 

yelling at her. 

That night, the police took Suresh Kumar to the Magistrate, where they forced him to say that the police had 

not beaten him.

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Prakasam 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed POs, Aathur PS 

Location : In front of Karuppur Engineering 

College 


Victim Prakasam, age 22, resides at Aathur Salem. 

On 18 May 2007 at 6.00am, Prakasam went to Karuppur Engineering College to get an application form. 

There, many parents and students were already waiting. College officials told the crowd that they did not have 

any application forms. 

By 11.30am, a big queue had formed at the College. The parents became so frustrated that they picketed in 

front of the College. The College administration did not respond. 

Suddenly, around one hundred police officers arrived and beat the picketers with batons. The picketers fled. 

Prakasam ran into the College to escape. A police officer saw him and thrashed his thighs five times, despite 

Prakasam’s protests that he was innocent. 

Prakasam also lost Rs. 600 while running. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Subramani 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Gunasekaran, SI; 


Location : Matherpakkam PS 


Victim Subramani resides at Thiruvallur Salem. 

On 13 July 2007 at 6.00pm, Subramani was speaking to his friends near a spinning mill at Matherpakkam, 

when two policemen from Matherpakkam PS stopped to ask them some questions enquired them. Since the 

policemen were not in their uniform, Subramani asked them who they were. Angry, the policemen insulted 

Subramani and beat him. They also beat Subramani’s friends, who tried to stop the policemen. Subramani 

told the police that he was a law college student, but the police responded by kicking him with booted feet. 

The police took Subramani and his friend Murugan to the police station. There, SI Gunasekaran kept Subramani 

at the reception and thrashed him with a baton. Subramani sustained injuries all over his body, and blood 

oozed from his nose. 


214 


2007

Subramani’s father came to the station and pleaded with the police to leave his son alone, but the police did 

not listen. 

At 10.00pm., the police took Subramani to the Government Hospital at Ponneri. The police spoke secretly 

with the doctor, who sent Subramani home with two tablets. Though Subramani insisted that the doctor admit 

him, the doctor refused. 

The police brought Subramani back to the station. Later that night, they allowed Subramani to leave after 

making him sign a statement that they had prepared. 

Subramani went to the Royepeattai Hospital for treatment. 


215 


Victim(s) : Indira 

Perpetrator(s) : Muthura, PI 

Location : Annathanapatti PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Indira, age 19, is originally from Theni. In September 2006, she was married to Singaram of Salem 

with the mutual consent of their parents. Her dowry consisted of five sovereigns of gold, a ring, and cash 

amounting to Rs. 5,000. 

Indira had a pleasant married life for 6 months. After that time, however, her in-laws started discriminating 

against her because of her dark complexion. They told Singaram that they would find a better girl for him. Her 

father-in-law abused her indecently and asked her to marry someone else. Leaving Indira alone at home, 

her husband and in-laws moved to another house. 

Indira lodged a complaint at the Annathanapatti PS. The police did not investigate the case. 


2007 

On 2 July 2007, Indira returned to the police station and asked PI Muthura either to unite her with her husband 

or to retrieve her dowry. The PI asked Singaram about the matter; he refused to cooperate. Indira asked 

Singaram to give back her belongings. The PI abused Indira: he told her that she seemed like a thief and 

kicked her abdomen with booted feet. Indira shouted, unable to bear the pain. The PI threatened to lock her 

in jail if she shouted again. 

Indira was admitted at the Government Hospital at Salem. The PI came to the hospital and threatened her so 

that she would not tell anyone that he had beaten her. The PI himself wrote India’s statement about her 

treatment.


Victim(s) : Jothi Easwaran 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Suresh-1476; 2) Shantha- 

1526; 3) Saravanan-2299; 

4) Muthulaksmi-1216 

Location : Trichy Central Jail 


Case Details: 

Victim Jothi Easwaran was a convict at Trichy Central Jail. On 8 July 2007, the police transferred him with 

another convict, Nandakumar, to the Tanjore Court for a hearing. When Jothi Easwaran and Nandakumar 

were returned to Trichy Central Jail at around 5:00pm, the escort police team stamped on their chests with 

booted feet, kicked their faces, and hit their backs. 

The jail superintendant witnessed the incident and filed a complaint against the escort team. 


216 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Idhriyas 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kennedy, PI; 2) Madhavan, SI 

Location : Town PS, Salem 


Idhriyas, age 20, is a resident of Salem and is disabled. 

On 23 July 2007, without telling anyone at home, Idhriyas went to the Collector’s Office to apply for a threewheeler 

cycle. There, he pierced his hand with a blade, demanded the cycle, and created a scene. PI 

Kennedy and SI Madhavan slapped Idhriyas and took the blade from him. They forced him into their jeep and 

kicked his afflicted limb before driving him to the station. 

Idhriyas’s mother learned of her son’s actions and treatment, and went to the station. There, she found 

Idhriyas’s hands cuffed. When Idhriyas tried to approach his mother, the PI and the SI pulled him back. The 

police kept Idhriyas at the station. 

On 25 July 2007, the police released Idhriyas. 


2007



217 

2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Perumal 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Murugan, SI; 2) unnamed POs 

Location : Amaravathi Pudur Out-Post PS 


Victim Perumal lives within the jurisdiction of the Amaravathi Pudur Out-Post PS. 

A woman named Chellammal, of Kallavelli Kanmai, was stabbed to death by an unknown person. The 

police came to investigate, and their police dog found the body near a motor room belonging to Karmegam. 

However, the police did not make any effort to investigate this location. Instead, they took Perumal and his 

friends to the station and forced them to state that Subramani, Chellammal’s husband, had killed her. When 

Perumal told SI Murugan that he was not in the village at that time and so could not make the statement, the 

SI responded by yelling at and beating him. Other police officers threatened to kill Perumal if he did not state 

that Subramani was the perpetrator. The police did not provide Perumal with treatment for his injuries. 

Later, the ASP of Sisavangai looked into the case and released Perumal. 

Perumal went to the the Government Hospital at Sivagangai for treatment. 


Victim(s) : Ranjani 

Perpetrator(s) : Parameswari, SI (female) 

Location : Illayankudi PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Ranjani, age 16, is a resident of Illayankudi. She was in love with Sathyamoorthy, but his parents 

married him to someone else for economic reasons. However, Ranjani and Sathyamoorthy continued to 

love each other; they eloped and were married. 

On 19 July 2007, SI Parameswari took both Ranjani and Sathyamoorthy to the Illyankudi PS, where she 

beat them both with a baton and insulted Ranjani. The SI forcefully removed Ranjani’s thali [a sacred yellow 

thread tied around a woman’s neck by her husband at their wedding] and made her sign in a statement 

saying that she was sent by her father. The SI forced Ranjani, when questioned by a judge, to misstate her 

age. 

At 10.00pm, the SI took Ranjani to the police quarters. 

The next day, the police produced Ranjani at court, from which she was remanded to jail at Paramakudi. 

On 23 July 2007, Ranjani was released on bail.

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Fathima 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed SI (female) 

Location : All Women PS, Kalayarkoil 


Victim Fathima, age 45, resides at Kalayarkoil. 

In Kalayarkoil, there was a theft of jewels from PC Ramachandran’s brother’s house. The PC sought the help 

of a fortune-teller, on whose advice he threatened one Shanthi to confess that the jewels were stolen by 

Fathima. 

On 20 July 2007, he police took Fathima and her husband to the All Women PS. There, a female SI punched 

Fathima’s head and beat her with a baton. 

The police collected signatures from Fathima and her husband, and told them not to tell anyone about their 

treatment at the station. Further, the police threatened Fathima and her husband with imprisonment under the 

Narcotics Act if they sought treatment in a hospital. 

On 22 July 2007, the police released Fathima and her husband. 

Case Detail: 

FF Code : TN/TAN 40/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : Arun Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : PI Subramani 

Location : Madhukoor PS, Pattukottai Taluk, Tanjore 


Victim Arun Kumar runs a Bombay Sweet Stall at Madhukoor Mukkoottu road. Arun Kumar had given a fan 

for repair to Bommaiyan. After one year, Bommaiyan still had not returned the fan. On 1 st November 2007 

at around 8.30pm, Arun Kumar punched Bommaiyan at Mukkoottu road. Madhukoor PI Subramani arrived 

there and caught Arun Kumar’s shirt. He asked him to get in the jeep. When Arun Kumar refused, PI 

Subramani pulled Arun Kumar and slapped him twice on his right cheek. The PI then took the baton from the 

jeep and hit Arun Kumar on both his knees around 4 to 5 times. After that, PI Subramani put Arun Kumar into 

the jeep and took him to the PS. 

Arun Kumar informed the PI that he had left his shop open and requested permission to got and close the 

shop. At around 9.30 pm, Arun Kumar was sent along with a PC to close the shop. But by then, Arun 

Kumar’s father already had closed the shop and gone. The PC who accompanied the victim asked him for 

Rs. 100/-. 

Arun Kumar returned to the station with the PC at around 10.00pm. PI Subramani asked Arun Kumar if the 

PC had asked him for money. Arun Kumar said he hadn’t. While being sent home at 10.30pm, PI 

Subramani said he hit Arun Kumar unintentionally. He told Arun Kumar not engage in street brawls in the 

future. 

Arun Kumar does not wish to pursue this action. 


218 


2007

FF Code 

: TN/TAN 22/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) 

: Edward 


Location 

: Thiruvaiyaru PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Edward, age 29, resides at Thiruvaiyaru. He had been to jail previously under the Goondas Act. 


219 

On 6 September 2007, Edward quarrelled with his brothers over payment of rent; his brothers responded by 

hitting him in the head with a log. 

Edward went to the Thiruvaiyaru PS to file a complaint. At the station, the police beat him with a baton and 

threatened to file a charge against him under the Goondas Act. A PI and an SI watched without taking any 

action. 

Edward sought treatment for his wounds at the Medical College Hospital in Tanjore. 

FF Code : TN/TIR/90/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Ganesan 

Perpetrator(s) : PI Sunder Rajan 

Location : Kadayam PS, Thirunelveli Taluk. 


Case Details: 

Ganesan is the president of Venkatampatti Panchayat and resides in the Alangulam Taluk in Tirunelveli. As 

Panchayat President, Ganesan began receiving complaints that the Government owned liquor shop sold 

liquor that was mixed with water, and that was sold at a higher rate. Ganesan inquired into the matter. On 30 th 

November 2007, after Ganesan learned there was some cheating occurring, he contacted the Kadayam 

PS. 


2007 

The Kadayam SI and two PCs inspected the shop. Ganesan was present. After finding the complaint true, 

they asked Ganesan to lodge an official complaint. Ganesan went to PS at approximately 10.30pm. PI 

Sunder Rajan saw Ganesan and spoke very rudely with the SI. PI Sunder Rajan said that Ganesan had 

hindered the work of the TASMAC wine shop and its employees. He ordered the SI to file an F.I.R against 

Ganesan. 

Ganesan told the PI that he was trying to change the case and file a false case against him. The PI replied 

that Dhanaraj had also given a complaint against Ganesan. The PI asked Ganesan whether he was a great

man because he was Panchayat president, and reminded him that the PI’s position outlasted Ganesan’s 5- 

year term as President. 

Ganesan asked the PI whether he usually arrests people who have come to file a case. The PI asked which 

party Ganesan belonged to. Ganesan replied the Karuppasamy Pandyan’s group. The PI slapped Ganesan’s 

cheeks and pushed him down. He kicked Ganesan’s lower abdomen. 

PI Sunder Rajan threatened Ganesan, and told him to keep his Panchayat rule within his boundary and out of 

the PS. PI Sunder Rajan called Ganesan a rascal and threatened to kill Ganesan and report it as stating that 

Ganesan was shot when he tried to punch the PI. PI Sunder Rajan kicked Ganesan. Ganesan held PI Sunder 

Rajan’s legs and told not to beat him. Ganesan told PI Sunder Rajan to file a case on him if he wants, and they 

can meet again in court. PI Sunder Rajan ordered a PI to file a case on Ganesan, and then left. Ganesan spent 

the night in jail. In the morning he was taken to Tirunelveli. He was released on bail 

On 3 rd December 2007, Ganesan sent a petition to the Collector, D.I.G., S.P., and I.G., for filing a false case. 

Ganesan met the Collector and submitted the petition. Ganesan will pursue the case against PI Sunder Rajan 

who filed a false case on him and attacked him. 


Victim(s) : Gandhi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Iqbal, HPC 2) Adivel, SI 

Location : Shenkottah PS, Shenkottah Taluk. 



220 

Case Details: 

Gandhi resides in Vallam, Shenkottah Taluk, Tirunelveli District. Around 2 ½ years ago, Shenkottah police 

officials filed a false case on Gandhi. Gandhi decided not to involve himself the affair because he was doing 

concrete work in Kerala State. Before Diwali, Gandhi’s family planned to arrange his wedding. Gandhi 

returned home for the wedding. Gandhi’s wife’s father fell sick and died. Consequently the wedding was 

postponed. Gandhi went to work for a fruit vendor in Courtallam. On 28 th November 2007 Gandhi returned 

home. 

On 29 th November 2007, Gandhi went to a movie with his friend Suresh. Tickets were being sold for a higher 

price than the ticket value. When Gandhi asked why, the ticket retailer told him to buy the ticket or leave. But 

Gandhi said he would pay only the amount specified on the ticket. The ticket retailer, the theater manager and 

many others pushed Gandhi and his friend outside. 

Shenkottah HPC Mohammed Iqbal, was standing there, and attacked Gandhi. When Gandhi asked him the 

reason for beating him, HPC Mohammed Iqbal pushed Gandhi said he behaves like a rowdy and called 

Gandhi a rascal. HPC Mohammed Iqbal pushed Gandhi, causing him to fall and injure his head. HPC 


2007

Mohammed Iqbal then beat Gandhi with his baton on Gandhi’s back and head. Gandhi was rendered 

unconscious from the beating. 

A police jeep came, and SI Adivel took Gandhi and Suresh to the PS. There, three cases were filed on 

Gandhi. The District Collector also ordered them detained under the Gundas Act. The police also added 

Gandhi to two false cases in which Gandhi was not connected. 

As a result of the beatings, Gandhi required 4 sutures on the right side of his head and 3 sutures on the left. 

Gandhi continues to suffer without receipt of proper medical treatment. 


221 


Victim(s) : Aeros 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Rajeswari, SI; 


Location : Nithravilai PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Aeros resides with his wife and two children at Fish Market Campus 9, Anbiam Chinathurai, Sathur- 

629176. On 28 August 2007, Aeros quarrelled with his wife. 

The next day, when Aeros returned home from work, Aeros and his wife quarrelled again. His wife poured 

kerosene all over herself and began to light a match. The neighbours gathered, and Aeros’s wife ran to the 

Nitravilai PS. 

At the station, Aeros’s wife told the police that Aeros had tortured her, prompting her suicide attempt. The 

police filed no complaint. 

SI Rajeswari and two PCs came to Aeros’s house, grabbed him by his collar, and took him to the station. On 

the way, a PC hit Aeros on the back with his hand, called him “potta payalae,” and threatened him with death. 

At the station, the two PCs beat Aeros with a four-foot baton on his legs and verbally abused him. Seeing her 

husband tortured, Aeros’s wife told the SI that she had complained falsely. The police responded by beating 

Aeros’s wife. 

At around 5.30pm, Aeros’s wife agreed that she wanted to compromise with Aeros. The police sent the 

couple home, demanding that they return to the station every day for a week to check in.

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/KK26/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : Arul Jestine 

Perpetrator(s) : 1)Police 2) Women SI ,Kottar PS 

Location : Kottar PS, Nagercoil 


The victim Arul Jestine, aged 29 years and belonging to Christian Nadar Community, earns a living by working 

as an auto consultant. On 10 th July 2007, Arul Jestine was driving his bike at midnight, when a women SI 

stopped him. The SI took Arul Jestine’s key and slapped his cheeks. The police beat Arul Jestine on his left 

thigh three times with a baton. When he tried to avoid being struck by the baton, he hurt his left hand. Arul 

Jestine was taken to the Kottar PS. They filed a case on Arul Jestine for allegedly driving drunk and recklessly. 

Arul Jestine was taken to the hospital by the police and received a medical report. While they were returning 

back, the police received a cell phone call from the hospital. The police returned Arul Jestine to the hospital for 

blood and urine tests, but forced Arul to sign documents stating that he refused the tests. The police took Arul 

Jestine back to Kottar PS and seized his motorbike. Police told Arul Jestine to walk home. 


Victim(s) : Azhagarsamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Rajesh, SI 2) Karuppaiah,PC 

Location : Manamadurai PS 



222 

Case Details: 

Victim Azhagarsamy resides at Krishnarajapuram, in Manamadurai Taluk, Sivagangai District. He belongs 

to Hindu-Pallan community. 

Azhagarsamy had asked his elder brother Sonaimuthu for a partition of property; Sonaimuthu disagreed. The 

two quarrelled and then scuffled. Sonaimuthu filed a complaint against Azhagarsamy at the Manamadurai PS, 

alleging that Azhagarsamy had hit and tried to kill him. 

On 30 September 2007 at around 11.00am, SI Rajesh and PC Karuppaiah came to Azhagarsamy’s residence 

and demanded that he accompany them to the police station. When Azhagarsamy asked why, they shouted 

at him, saying “Are you a big shot? Are you behaving like a rowdy? Come, you dog!” The officers then grabbed 

Azhagarsamy’s hand and dragged him to the station. 

At the station, the police made Azhagarsamy remove his shirt and beat him with a baton on his knees. 

Azhagarsamy fainted and fell over. The police woke him by sprinkling water on his face before locking him up 

and bringing him a bottle of soft drink. 


2007

FF Code : TN/TIR20/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : Durai 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed PC, STF Police 

Location : Sundarapandiyapuram, Tenkasi 

Taluk, Tirunelveli District 


Case Details: 

Victim Durai is an auto driver and resides at Sundarapandiyapuram. 



223 

2007 

On 19 April 2007 at around 9.15pm, Durai was talking with his friends near Veeran Sundaralingan Memorial 

Hall. A PC arrived and both beat and insulted Durai. 

SI Jeeno of the Sambavar Vadakarai PS arrived, spoke to Durai, gave him Rs. 100, and suggested that he 

seek treatment at a private hospital. 

At around 12.00am, Durai went to the Tenkasi Government Hospital. There, he asked a female doctor on 

duty for treatment, but she only gave him an injection and one tablet. 

The next day at around 7.00 am, DYFI Coordinator Siddiq, Ward Member Seenipandiyan, and around ten 

others met DSP Mayilvaganan of Tenkasi. The DSP said that he had not previously heard of the incident 

involving Durai, and asked them to leave peaceably. 

Dhalamoorthy, Coordinator of DYFI (CPM, Siddiq) and Durai’s relatives met with Kulandhaivelu, the Medical 

Officer of the Tenkasi Government Hospital, and arranged to have Durai admitted to the Hospital for treatment. 

At 12.00pm, Durai was admitted to the Tenkasi Government Hospital for treatment. 

At around 12.30pm, a PC arrived and collected Durai’s statement and signature. 

Case Details: 

FF Code :TN/TIR 37/AVG/07 

Victim(s) :Subramanian 

Perpetrator(s) :1)Shanmugam,SI; 2) Jamal Bai,PI; 


Location :Pavur Chatram PS 


Victim Subramanian, age 37, belongs to the Hindu Paraya Community and resides at Melapavur, Tenkasi 

Taluk, Tirunelveli District. He works as a Supervisor in a Government Tasmac wine shop at V.K. Pudur.

Gururajappa, the Manager of Tasmac wine shops in Tirunelveli District insulted one Paulraj, a member of the 

Adi-Dravidar community, with caste-related terms. Paulraj lodged a complaint against Gururajappa under the 

SC/ST (PA) Act, 1989 and cited Subramanian as an eye witness. 

Gururajappa requested Subramanian not to come as a witness but the victim refused. Gururajappa thus 

incited one Chellappa, who had a grudge against Subramanian, to lodge a false complaint against Subramanian 

before the Pavur Chatram PS, alleging that Subramanian had fought with him in his wine shop bar, broken 

some bottles there, and threatened to kill him. 

On 20 June 2007, the police registered a criminal case against Subramanian (Crime No. 146/2007) under ss. 

294(b), 427 and 506(1) IPC. 

At around 2.30am, SI Shanmugam and some PCs took Subramanian forcibly to the police station. 

Later that morning, PI M. Jamal Bai came to the station and interrogated Subramanian. Subramanian pleaded 

his innocence, but the PI insulted him and beat him with long sticks. The SI also slapped Subramanian and 

threatened to file many criminal charges against him if he failed to leave the village immediately. 

The police remanded Subramanian before the concerned court of Tenkasi. 

On 25 June 2007, after Subramanian was released on bail, he sent complains to the District Collector 

(Tirunelveli) and the Deputy Inspector of Police (Tirunelveli). No action was taken, but meanwhile the PI and 

the SI threatened Subramanian to try to convince him to withdraw the complaints. 


224 


Victim(s) : G. Radhakrishnan 

Perpetrator(s) : Kannan, PI, Serinhamangalam PS 

Location : Thiruvetanallur Bus Stop 


Case Details: 

Victim Radhakrishnan is a B.Com. student in his first year at Mano College. 

On 29 August 2007, Radhakrishnan tried to get into a government bus. The main part of the bus was full, so 

Radhakrishnan stood in its entrance. 

PI Kannan, who was providing security, called Radhakrishnan a “dog,” and told him either to get inside the bus 

or to walk. Radhakrishnan replied that the next bus would not arrive for a long time. The PI responded by hitting 

Radhakrishnan in front of the other passengers. 

Complaints were sent to the Chief Minister’s Special Cell (Tamil Nadu), the District Collector, the SP, and the 

DSP. 


2007


Victim(s) : A. Murugan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sagaya Shanthi, SI; 2) two 

unnamed PCs 

Location : Thiruvenkatam PS 




225 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Murugan resides in Sankarankoil Taluk, Thriunelveli District. He works as a coolie and lives with his 

wife Kalavathi. 

Murugan’s family had an ongoing feud with the family of one Palraj. 

On 11 October 2007, female SI Sagaya Shanthi and two PCs arrived at Murugan’s house. The SI said that 

Palraj had filed a complaint alleging that Murugan and some others had stolen Palraj’s complaints. The SI 

asked Murugan to come the police station for an enquiry. Murugan responded that he had taken the plantains 

a long time ago, and that he would come to the station in the morning. The SI demanded that Murugan come 

immediately, threatening otherwise to arrest Kalavathi. The SI grabbed Kalavathi’s hair and pushed her. 

Then the SI and the PCs forcefully took Murugan and his cousins to the police station. 

At the station, a PC kicked Murugan with a booted foot. Kalavathi came to the police station and asked why 

Murugan had been arrested. 

The next day, the SI and an HC brought Murugan and Kalavathi to the place where the plantains were stolen, 

where they could see that only about ten plantains remained. Then they all returned to the station. 

The police filed an FIR against Murugan and Kalavathi and produced them in court. News of Murugan’s 

arrest and treatment was published in Tamilmurasu, the Tamil daily newspaper. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Mr. Bose 

Perpetrator(s) : Mr. Rajesh, SI, Mana Madurai 

Location : Manamadurai Nagar, 



On 17 th May 2007 at around 5.00pm, Mr. Bose, a former counsellor, was stopped by SI Rajesh while driving 

near the Mana Madurai Anna Statue. An individual named Mr. Karuppu filed a complaint against Mr. Bose, 

and SI Rajesh arrested him pursuant to the complaint. SI Rajesh thrashed Mr. Bose with baton and verbally 

abused him. When Mr. Bose asked the reason for the attack, SI Rajesh continued to beat him with a baton. 

Unable to bear the pain, Mr. Bose ran away. SI Rajesh pulled Mr. Bose’s dhoti, and Mr. Bose ran with just 

his briefs. He was later caught by SI Rajesh who kicked and beat him.

Mr. Bose was taken to the PS. Hearing the news of Bose’s arrest, his parents and Ponnuswamy Union 

Secretary of the DMK Party came and requested that SI Rajesh release Mr. Bose. He refused, stating that Mr. 

Bose teased some women and created a nuisance by behaving like rowdy. 

The next day, the police produced Mr. Bose before the Mana Madurai Court. He was remanded to Sivagangai 

Sub Jail. After one month Mr. Bose obtained bail. He plans to proceed with an individual case in the court. 

According to SI Rajesh, Mr. Bose often teases women, blocks auto rickshaws on the road, and breaks the 

glass; generally creating a public nuisance. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL 98/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Malayan 

Perpetrator(s) : Selvaraj, Sub-Inspector. 

Location : Aathur Taluk, Salem District. 


The victim Malayan, aged 30, belongs to Scheduled Tribe Community. On 11 th November 2007, Malayan 

was grazing his cattle in the Forest when four 4 policemen asked Malayan if brewed illegal arrack. Malayan 

denied the charges. The police officers forced Malayan to walk to 2km, and then drove him to the Etthapur 

Police Station. 

There, they forced Malayan to undress and sit in his underwear from 12.00pm to 3.00pm. One PC asked 

Malayan where he kept the arrack. Malayan again denied the allegations. The PC took his baton and hit 

Malayan on his back about 10 times. The PC slapped Malayan on his face. The forced him to sit in the PS 

until 5.00pm. Then, Malayan was released with orders to return whenever the police called him. 

Case details: 

FF Code : TN/ TIR 38/AUG /07 

Victim(s) : B. Aiyappan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Gopakumar, Forest Security 

Guard; 2) Saji, Forest Security Guard 

Location : Achankoil, Manalaru, Kerala 


Victim Aiyappan resides at Puliankudi, Sivagiri Talu, Tirunelveli District. 

On 7 August 2007, Aiyappan and his family – like many others from Tamil Nadu – went to sightsee and bathe 

in the Achankoil area of Padhnapuram Taluk, Kollam District. In that area, Forest Security Guards protect the 

sites, but also threaten visitors and take their money. 

While Aiyappan and his family were bathing, Forest Security Guards Saji and Gopakumar insulted them in 

Malayalam, calling them “poori maganae” and “puliadi maganae.” The Guards asked if the women in the 


226 


2007


227 

group were illegally related to the men. The Guards snatched jewels from the women, as well as a car key. 

The Guards threatened the group, demanding to know who had given them permission to bathe, before 

beating some of them with batons. The Guards pulled the women’s hair and pushed them down. Aiyappan 

and his family quarrelled with the Guards, who eventually ran away. 

Aiyappan and his family picketed in protest, joined by the people of Melakarai. 

The Tenmalai police arrived and filed an FIR (Crime No: 167/07) under ss. 34, 294(b), 323, 324, and 325 

IPC, and began a search for the Guards. 

The DFO later stated that he had suspended Saji and Gopakumar from the Forest Guard Team, and that he 

had made no distinction between Tamilians and Malayale in this case. 

FF Code 

Victim(s) 

Perpetrator(s) 

Location 


Case Details: 

: TN/MDU 56/JULY/07 

: Azhagu Vellaichamy 

: Arasu PI 

: Thirumangalam , Thirumangalam 

Taluk, Madurai district 

Victim Azhagu Vellaichamy, aged 27 years, is a resident of Tirumangalam Taluk, Madurai District. There was 

a family dispute over the ownership of land and the right of distribution. Azhagu’s aunt filed a complaint to SI 

Vadivukkarasi Dhanam and to the DSP Thirumangalam that SI Vadivukkurussi did not conduct a fair investigation 

of the dispute. PI Thirumangalam summoned the parties and called for a discussion. During the discussion 

PI Arasu asked Pooncholai to give 50% of the share in money to his aunt. 

Azhagu Vellaichamy replied that they already had given enough money to his aunt. The PI got furious and 

kicked Azhagu in his chest with his boot. Then he slapped Azhagu in the face, causing Azhagu to fall down 

unconscious. Azhagu awoke in the Rajaji Hospital, Madurai where he underwent medical treatment. 

FF Code : TN/VEL 98/NOV/ 07 

Victim(s) : Kaurikumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Baskar, HC; 2) Murugesan, SI; 3) unnamed PC 

Location : South PS, Vellore Taluk, Vellore Dist. 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Kaurikumar, age 29, works as a tailor. He resides in Salavanpaettai, Vellore Taluk, Vellore District. He 

belongs to the Hindu Muthaliyar caste. 

A couple named Balaji and Subha eloped and stayed at the house of Kaurikumar’s brother Velayatham. 

On 10 November 2007 at around 10.00pm, HC Baskarancame to Kaurikumar’s house along with SI 

Murugesan, Reserve Police officers, Subha’s father, and Ganesan (a local rowdy). The men insulted 

Kaurikumar and demanded that he come outside.

The men put Kaurikumar into an auto, picked up Velayatham, and drove to a tiffin centre. The SI asked 

Kaurikumar where he had concealed Subha and threatened to file a case against him if Kaurikumar and 

Velayatham refused to tell her whereabouts. 

The men took Kaurikumar and Velayatham to their sister Nirmala’s house, which they searched unsuccessfully 

for Balaji and Subha. The SI insulted all three siblings in public. 

At 3.00pm, the SI brought Kaurikumar to the South PS and did not provide him with punch. The SI made 

Kaurikumar sit on a bench. 

One hour later, a PC came, slapped Kaurikumar on his cheeks, and told him to confess the truth. Then the PC 

tied Kaurikumar’s hands with a kerchief behind his back and took him to his sister Latha’s house. 

At 11.00am, they arrived at Latha’s house. The PC asked whether Latha was hiding Balaji and Subha, and 

searched for the couple. Not finding Balaji and Subha, the PC gave Latha his telephone number and told her 

to call him if she saw them. 

The police dropped Kaurikumar off near his house in the auto. They told Kaurikumar to be ready the next day. 

The next day at 6.00am, the police took Kaurikumar to his mother’s house, where they asked about Balaji and 

Subha. 

On 17 November 2007, HC Baskar apologised for disturbing Kaurikumar. 


Victim(s) : S. Marisamy 

Perpetrator(s) : Jayakumar, PI 

Location : Tiruvenkadam PS, Sankarankoil 



Case details: 

Victim Marisamy, age 42, works as a farmer on Kalliamman Temple Street in Mukudumalai. 

On 16 November 2007 at 7.30pm, while Marisamy was returning from the fields, he saw his friend Mariappan 

scuffling at a tea stall in the main road. Marisamy asked Mariappan the reason for the scuffle, and Mariappan 

told him that at 6.30pm he had given Rs. 20 to the shopkeeper, Ganapathysamy, for a packet of cigatettes. 

Ganapathysamy had responded that a packet cost Rs. 22; Mariappan replied that he would pay the balance 

of Rs. 2 later. 

Marisamy gave Ganapathysamy Rs. 100 and asked for Rs. 98 in change. Ganapathysamy told Marisamy 

that he did not have change, and promised to pay the balance later. Marisamy responded that Ganapathysamy 

had scuffled with Mariappan for only Rs. 2, so he could not be trusted to return the Rs. 98 later. Ganapathysamy 

asked Marisamy whether he used “sakali paiya [caste-related insults],” mentioning that he and Marisamy 

were both from the same caste. Ganapathysamy yelled at Marisamy, saying that even though they were both 

distant relatives, Marisamy had supported Mariappan rather than Ganapathysamy. Marisamy told 

Ganapathysamy that he and Mariappan had been friends since childhood, so the caste distinction did not 

matter. Ganapathysamy threw Marisamy’s Rs. 100 note outside; the two men quarrelled, and the quarrel 

became a scuffle. 


228 


2007


229 

Marisamy’s father, Seetharaman, arrived. He paid Ganapathysamy Rs. 2 and took Marisamy home. 

Later, Ganapathysamy, helped by his sons Sankar and Balu, purposely damaged Ganapathysamy’s tea 

shop. Then Sankar and Balu filed a complaint against Marisamy at the Tiruvenkadam PS. 

While Marisamy was having a bath, two policemen – PI Jayakumar and one other – arrived on mopeds. 

Seetharaman asked the officers why they had come; they reponsded that Marisamy had broken 

Ganapathysamy’s tea stall, so Ganapathysamy had filed a complaint. Seetharaman described to the 

officers what had actually happened, but they took Marisamy to the police station anyway. 

Although the police had neither an arrest warrant nor an FIR, they locked Marisamy up. They also detained 

Mariappan. 

The next day, the PI and an HC asked Marisamy whether he was a village rowdy. They grabbed his hair and 

beat his thighs with a baton. The PI then threatened to kill Marisamy if he told anyone what had happened. 

At 10.00am, Seetharaman arrived at the station with an advocate named Sunderavel. Seetharaman asked 

the police how they could detain Marisamy without a warrant. The police responded that there was a 

complaint against Marisamy, and that they would file an FIR the next day. Sunderavel told the police that they 

should release Marisamy, because it was Mariappan who had scuffled. 

The police called Ganapathysamy, who said that there was Rs. 2,000 worth of damage to his tea stand. 

Seetharaman gave Rs. 2,000 to Sunderavel; the police sent Marisamy and Mariappan home without filing 

any charges. 

PI Jayakumar has insisted that he did not beat Marisamy. 


Victim(s) : Senthur Pandi 

Perpetrator(s) : Sivan, SI 

Location : Vasudevanallur PS, Vasudevanallur 

Taluk., Thirunelveli District 


Case Details: 


2007 

Victim Senthur Pandi frequented a purotta shop on Vasudevanallur Main Road run by Mr. Abbas. On 20 

October 2007, the day of Saraswathi Pooja, Senthur Pandi, Muthupandi, and five of their friends went to 

Abbas’s shop and ordered several purottas. Abbas packaged the purottas, gave them to the men, and then 

asked them to pay Rs. 3.00 per purotta instead of the usual price of Rs. 2.50. Senthur Pandi and his friends 

refused to pay, and a scuffle began. Abbas was injured. Senthur Pandi and his friends left the place. 

At around 2.30pm, six police officers came to Senthur Pandi’s house and demanded that he come with them 

for an enquiry. Senthur Pandi responded that he would speak to the DSP, and dialled the DSP’s number on 

his cell phone. One officer snatched the cell phone from Senthur Pandi’s hand. The police asked Senthur 

Pandi to show them to Muthupandi’s house; Senthur Pandi did so. The police took both Senthur Pandi and

Muthupandi to the Vasudevanallur PS. There, the police put Senthur Pandi and Muthupandi in separate 

rooms. 

At 4.00pm, SI Sivan arrived and asked Senthur Pandi for his name, address, and family details. The SI then 

hit Senthur Pandi with his baton and asked Senthur Pandi why he had beaten Abbas. The SI trampled on 

Senthur Pandi’s abdomen with his booted foot and hit Senthur Pandi’s back with a baton. The SI asked 

Senthur Pandi whether he sought to incite clashes between Hindus and Muslims. Senthur Pandi explained 

what had happened to the SI, but the SI began to beat him again. Senthur Pandi’s wrist was injured, and he 

cried in pain. The SI asked whether Senthur Pandi and his friends thought themselves to be rowdies. 

After a while, the SI asked Senthur Pandi to sign a paper; Senthur Pandi did so. 

The police took Senthur Pandi and Muthupandi to the Sivagiri Court. 

At 5.30pm, the police took Senthur Pandi and Muthupandi to the judge’s residence. The judge remanded them 

to jail for fourteen days. The police took Senthur Pandi and Muthupandi to the Sankarankovil Sub-Jail. 

After two days, Senthur Pandi and Muthupandi were released on bail. 

Later, Mr. Anbukarasu, District President of the BJP, met Senthur Pandi and Muthupandi and advised them not 

to cause any more trouble. 


230 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Shanmugam 

Perpetrator(s) : Ramachandran, PI 

Location : Ambur Taluk PS, Vellore District 


Victim Shanmugam resides at Patchikuppam village, Vaniampadi Taluk, Vellore District. He belongs to the 

Hindu Adi-Dravidar Parayar caste and works as a coolie. 

Shanmugam often scuffled with his family while he was drunk. Shanmugam’s mother-in-law filed a complaint 

against him at the Ambur PS. 

On 10 November 2007, Shanmugam and his wife quarrelled; his wife left the house. 

On 12 November 2007 at 11.00am, two policemen arrived at Shanmugam’s house and took him to the police 

station for an enquiry. 

At the station, the PI was absent, so Shanmugam was asked to sit on the veranda. 

At 1.00pm, Shanmugam’s wife and mother-in-law arrived and accused Shanmugam of scuffling with them 

while drunk. Shanmugam replied that they had beaten him as well, and showed his injuries as proof. PI 


2007

Ramachandran pushed Shanmugam into a room. Inside, the PI kicked Shanmugam on his stomach, ribs, 

back, and legs with booted feet. Shanmugam grabbed the PI’s legs and asked the PI not to beat him further. 

The PI slapped Shanmugam on his cheek and threatened to detain Shanmugam permanently if there was 

any case filed against him in the future. Blood began to flow from Shanmugam’s injuries. The PI left. 

Later, Shanmugam left the station and went to the Government Hospital. 



231 

2007 


Victim(s) : Boothathan 

Perpetrator(s) : Kandhan, SI 

Location : Udayarpatti, Tirunelveli Taluk, 

Tirunelveli 


Case Details: 

Victim Boothathan, a resident of Western Street, Tirunelveli Udayarpatti, had tethered his cow for the day. 

However, the cow somehow escaped and grazed in the haystack of one of Boothathan’s vellow villagers, 

Peratchi. 

At around 6.00pm, Peratchi approached Boothathan in front of the latter’s house and quarreled with him about 

the cow. Boothathan replied that he had tethered the cow and apologised for any problem. However, Peratchi 

ignored Boothathan’s apology and continued to speak to him indecently. Boothathan responded; the oral 

squabble became a scuffle. People nearby mediated the dispute, advised the pair to ignore their differences, 

and pushed them apart. Everyone left the site. 

Later, a police jeep arrived at Boothathan’s house. SI Kandhan alighted and asked for Boothathan. When 

Boothathan arrived, the SI shouted at him. Boothathan’s wife tried to explain that Peratchi had started the 

quarrel. The SI replied that regardless of who started the quarrel, he would take Boothathan to the police 

station and send him back later. 

At the station, the SI took Boothathan to his office and asked him to recount what had happened. Boothathan 

told his story – but the SI then insisted that Boothathan had beaten Peratchi with a stick and had threatened to 

kill him. Further, the SI told Boothathan that people nearby had described him as acting like a rowdy man and 

that, had he not been restrained, he might have killed Peratchi. 

Then, the SI hit Boothathan with a baton on his wrist and leg. Boothathan tried to rub his beaten leg with his 

hand, but the SI stepped on his hand. Boothathan lost his balance and fell down. 

The SI said to Boothathan that he had a choice: he could pay Rs. 2000 and go free with no case filed against 

him, or he could be thrown in jail and charged with attempted murder. Boothathan replied that he did not know 

what wrong he had committed, that Peratchi had started the quarrel, that Peratchi had beaten him as well, and 

that it was unfair that only he had been arrested. The SI responded that he would ask Peratchi about the 

incident the next day, but that he did not know what would happen if Boothathan was found to have been in the 

wrong. 

The SI left the police station; Boothathan stayed there all night.

The next morning, Boothathan’s wife and her elder brother, a District Representative of the DMK party named 

Senthur Pandian, came to the police station. Senthur Pandian talked with the SI in a room near where 

Boothathan had been moved – but Boothathan could not hear what they said. When they were finished, the SI 

called Boothathan into the room, admonished him never to behave so poorly again and to mind his own 

business, and informed him that he was being released solely on Senthur Pandian’s request. 

On leaving the police station, Senthur Pandian asked Boothathan if the SI had beaten him. Boothathan 

responded in the affirmative. Senthur Pandian told Boothathan that he should have mentioned Senthur 

Pandian’s name to the SI, since the two had been classmates. Senthus Pandian then advised Boothathan not 

to tell anyone about the incident. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Charles 

Perpetrator(s) : Jeyakodi, Inspector 

Location : District Crime Branch PS, 

Thirunelveli Taluk. 


Victim Charles is a 56 year-old Fitter at Madura Coats Mill who resides at Ambasamudram Taluk, Tirunelveli 

District. He belongs to Scheduled Caste-Parayar-Christian community. At around 7.00am on 27 th April 2007, 

two PCs asked Charles to come to the PS. The PCs said Charles needed to sign and could return. Charles 

requested permission to notify his family that was would be home late. 

The PI asked Charles to identify Sahayam’s house. The SI gave Charles a coin, and Charles called his wife 

and told her that he was going to Sahayam’s house. Once inside the jeep, the PI slapped Charles on his left 

cheek repeatedly. Unable to bear the pain, Charles covered his cheeks with both of his hands. Two constables 

grabbed his hands, and the PI slapped Charles another 20 times. The Inspector accused Charles of forgery. 

Charles replied that he bought land from Sahayam, but does not know about any issue. The PI asked where 

Charles got the money to buy the land. Charles told him it was part from the sale of an old house and part from 

that money that borrowed from relatives. 

The vehicle stopped, and the police threatened to kill Charles under the pretext of an encounter. Again the PI 

slapped Charles’s cheeks, which caused severe pain. Then, the jeep again continued towards Tirunelveli. 

The jeep picked up Sankara Narayan along the way. There, the police took Charles and Sankara Narayanan 

to the District Crime Branch section. The police made them sit on a bench the veranda. 

Charles and Sankara Narayanan were produce in court at around 4.00pm, and remanded to the Palayamkottai 

Central jail. When, Charles was inside the prison, he suffered much pain due to the beatings. After two days 

he was medically examined. He told the doctor he was beaten by PI Jeyakodi. 

Charles was released on bail on 5 th May 2007. The next day, he was admitted to E.S.I. Hospital, and later went 

to Tirunelveli Government Hospital for eye screening. 


232 


2007


Victim(s) : 1) Valliyammai 2) Gopal’s Father 

3) Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : Aadivel, SI 

Location : Shenkottah PS, Thirunelveli Dist. 




233 

2007 

Case details: 

There was a clash between two parties in front of the tea shop in Piranoor, Shenkottah Taluk, Tirunelveli 

District. In this, Sandhanaiya, of Vallam Kalaignar Colony, and his friend were attacked. The police lodged a 

complaint in Shenkottah PS. 

On 25 th November 2007, SI Aadivel went to Gopal’s house and called him. Gopal’s mother Valliyammai, 

who asked questions, was attacked. The SI ordered both of them to get into the jeep and told them to see 

whether his Gopal would come to the PS. When they asked why, the SI replied that he would leave them 

when their son comes to the PS. So they got into the jeep. In the jeep, SI Aadivel beat Gopal’s parents with 

a baton. 

Their son-in-law Kumar questioned the SI how he could beat an aged woman. The SI dragged Kumar and 

asked who he was to question. The SI filed him under the case of engaging in the clash near the tea shop. 

Another son-in-law of Karuppasamy came to the place of incident when he learned that the police had taken 

away his father-in-law, mother-in-law, and son-in-laws. 

Karuppasamy went to Shenkottah PS. There, he learned that the SI filed cases all of them, stating that they 

blocked the vehicle. When Karuppasamy asked him the reason for arresting those who weren’t involved in 

the incident, the SI replied that Karuppasamy too would be going to jail and summoned the PC to file a case 

on him too. Karuppasamy remained silent. The SI chased Karuppasamy out, warning that if he didn’t leave, 

the SI would file an FIR on him. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/TIR 67/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : John David 

Perpetrator(s) : Adhish, SI 

Location : Alangulam PS 

Date of incident : 25 /09/ 2007 

Victim John David is a Christian and a resident of Alagapuripattinam, Thutikulam Panchayat, Alangulam 

Taluk. He worked as a coolie at a private wind mill in Thutikulam. 

On 25 September 2007, John David was at work when two PCs approached him and told him that SI Adhish 

wanted to see him. When John David asked why, the PCs told him that they had received a complaint about 

the theft of copper wire from the mill.

The SI, who was waiting in a police jeep, asked the PCs to take John David to the police station in their vehicle. 

When they arrived, they made John David sit in the SI’s room. When he asked why they had brought him to 

the station, the PCs told him that they just wanted to ask him some questions, and that he might be free to go 

afterwards. 

Later in the day, the SI returned and asked John David for details about his work and family. John David told 

the SI about his work, and informed the SI that his family’s neighbours could provide more information about 

them. The SI told John David that someone had stolen copper wire from the mill, and asked John David 

whether he was the thief and where he had hidden the wire. John David replied that he had not stolen anything, 

and that he knew of no such theft while he was on duty. 

The SI hit John David below the knees with his baton and told John David to confess instead of repeating the 

same answers. John David cried out in pain. The SI slapped him in the face, called him “thaayoli,” and told 

him not to lie. John David responded that he would not steal and then return to work at the same place. The SI 

said again that John David should tell the truth instead of repeating the same answers. 

The SI told John David that the police would leave him alone if he confessed, but would otherwise file a case 

against him. John David did not respond. The SI asked him whether he knew who had committed the theft. 

John David replied that he knew nothing. 

The Head PC later brought some food for John David. 

The next morning at 7.00am, the HC told John David that the SI wanted to see him. The SI instructed the HC 

to take John David’s fingerprints and signature and then to let him go. Before John David left, the SI told him 

David that he should come back to the station whenever the police requested him to do so. John David agreed. 

John David told his father about the incident; his father advised him not to return to work. John David was afraid 

that, because the SI had collected his signature, he could file a complaint against him at any time. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Lourdu Anthony 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajendran, SI 

Location : Vaadiyur, Veerakeralampudhur 

Taluk, Irunelveli District 


Victim Lourdu Anthony resides with his parents at 7/161-A, Church Street, Vaadiyur. Earlier in 2007, Lourdu 

Anthony learned of a job available at an iron scrap workshop run by Arumugam. Lourdu Anthony worked at 

the workshop for two months. On 8 October 2007, as there was less work available, Lourdu Anthony told 

Arumugam that he would take a few days off. 

In the meanwhile, Lourdu Anthony took other available jobs in the area. 


234 


2007

On 12 October 2007 Lourdu Anthony was lying down because he was not feeling well. At around 6.00pm, 

a police jeep stopped in front of Lourdu Anthony’s house. The police asked his father where he was; his father 

asked why the police wanted to see Lourdu Anthony. The police responded that they wanted to ask Lourdu 

Anthony some questions. His father asked whether Lourdu Anthony had done anything wrong. SI Rajendran 

replied that Lourdu Anthony had committed no fault and would be returned after he answered some questions. 


235 

The police took Lourdu Anthony to the police station. There, the SI asked him to wait on the veranda and left 

in the jeep. HC Shanmugan collected Lourdu Anthony’s details, including his name and address, and asked 

him to sign a blank piece of paper. Lourdu Anthony asked the HC why he was collecting all of this information. 

The HC replied that only the SI could tell him. 

At around 8.00pm, the SI returned to the station. He told Lourdu Anthony that Arumugam had filed a complaint 

because some old iron materials and a bicycle had gone missing from his workshop on the day after Lourdu 

Anthony stopped working there. The SI threatened to kill Lourdu Anthony if he did not tell the truth. Lourdu 

Anthony replied that he knew nothing about the theft. 

The SI told Lourdu Anthony that he was lying, and beat him with a baton on his buttocks. Lourdu Anthony cried 

in pain and explained that he had not gone to work because he was not feeling well. The SI called him a 

rascal, asserted that he was trying to cheat the police, slapped him, grabbed his hair, and dashed him against 

the wall four times. Lourdu Anthony, feeling faint, told the police that he had not stolen anything. 

The SI told Lourdu Anthony that if he told the truth, the SI would speak with Arumugam and let Lourdu Anthony 

go – but if he lied, the SI would add all pending cases to this charge against Lourdu Anthony. The SI beat 

Lourdu Anthony again on the buttocks. Lourdu Anthony screamed in pain, and then said that he could not 

confess even if he was beaten to death. 

The SI called the HC to take Lourdu Anthony’s details; the HC replied that he had done so already. The HC 

then told Lourdu Anthony to sit on a bench in front of the writer’s room, brought him coffee, and told him to lie 

down and go to sleep. 


2007 

The following morning at 6.30am, Lourdu Anthony awoke. The HC told him to go home, but threatened to file 

all pending cases against him if he told anyone what had happened at the police station.

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/ TIR 49 /SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : Marikannu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ponniah, PC; 2) unnamed PCs 

Location : Palam PS, Thirunelveli Taluk 


Victim Marikannu resides in Therkutheru, Sartharpuram, Tirunelveli Taluk, Tirunelveli District. He belongs to 

Hindu Pallar Caste and works as a coolie. When Marikannu goes out to work at places beyond his village, he 

makes use of his two-wheeler. 

On 6 August 2007, Marikannu was sleeping after a normal day’s work; his father, elder brother, and sister-inlaw 

were also in the house. At about 2.00am, seven policemen in civilian clothing came to Marikannu’s house. 

One of them kicked Marikannu’s pregnant sister-in-law, who was sleeping at the veranda, with his booted foot. 

The policemen came inside and made much noise as they searched for Marikannu. 

When the members of the household asked the policemen what they wanted with Marikannu, the police replied 

that they wanted to ask Marikannu some questions. Marikannu was wearing only his dhoti, so he told them that 

he would come after putting on his shirt – but the police did not listen. They insulted Marikannu with casterelated 

terms, asking whether a “Pallar paiya” wanted two vehicles. 

The police took Marikannu to a van parked at the boundary of the village, where they thrashed his buttocks with 

a baton and insulted him by saying “thevidar maganae.” Marikannu dashed his leg on the van’s door and 

blood began to ooze from the wound. Marikannu wiped the blood with his dhoti and sat inside the van – where 

two other men, Murugan and Mariappan, were already sitting. The police took all three men to the Palam PS. 

At the station, the police put Marikannu in the clerk’s room and the other men in separate rooms. HC Ponniah 

entered the clerk’s room and asked Marikannu to tell him who had snatched the gold chain from a teacher at 

Abisekapatti. The HC made Marikannu stand and thrashed his buttocks. The HC said that Marikannu had 

snatched the chain while driving by the teacher at a high speed, and demanded that Marikannu tell him what 

else he had similarly stolen. Meanwhile, the HC continued to thrash Marikannu continuously, insisting that only 

thus would Marikannu tell the truth. Other PCs entered the room and threatened to join in thrashing Marikannu 

if he did not tell the truth. The other PCs insulted Marikannu with terms like “thevidar maganae.” 

At 5.00pm, the officers returned. They made Marikannu stand and asked him whether he was prepared to tell 

the truth. The officers told Marikannu to reveal where else he had committed thefts, and that they would then set 

him free. As Marikannu did not tell them anything, the HC asked Marikannu to hold his hands together. As the 

HC was trying to tie Marikannu’s hands behind him, he received a call on his wireless. The caller told the HC 

not to fasten Marikannu’s hands, as the police should instead take Marikannu’s hand impressions and get his 

signature on a piece of white paper before taking him to the “picketing spot.” The HC did as asked – although 

Marikannu did not know how to sign his name, so the police took his thumbprint instead. 


236 


2007

Only when Marikannu came home did he learn that Meenaktchi Sundaram, Velammal, Andal and others 

from their street had picketed near the Paettai check post on the Tirunelveli-Tenkasi Highway. It was this 

picketing that had prompted Marikannu’s release. 

Marikannu was nervous that the police would file a false case against him, using with the help of the hand 

impression thumbprint they had collected. 

Mr. Veerapandi, Inspector, Crime Branch, Palam PS has stated that the police did not beat Marikannu, but 

rather registered him as a suspect and let him go. 


237 


Victim(s) : Mathivanan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sivasubramani, SI; 

2) unnamed PC 

Location : Suthamali, Thirunelveli 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Mathivanan resides at No. 11, Nadutheru in Suthamali. He and his friend Nambi are mutually engaged 

in a local cable television business. The two usually collect their monthly charges at night, when the villagers 

are at home. 

Nambi’s brother Krishnan is an advocate; he had previously quarrelled with SI Sivasubramani. 

On 30 September 2007 at around 11.30pm, Mathivanan had gone to Mukudal to collect fees. When he 

returned, he saw a police jeep parked near Melakallur. The SI was there, and was checking all vehicles that 

passed by. Two PCs stopped Mathivanan’s vehicle. The SI asked Mathivanan for his license, RC, and 

insurance; Mathivanan did as he was asked. 

The SI verbally abused Mathivanan using the word “thaayoli [bastard],” and told him to get out of his vehicle. 

Mathivanan did so and approached the jeep. The SI slapped his cheeks and asked Mathivanan whether he 

thought himself important since he spent time with the advocate Krishnan. The SI grabbed Mathivanan’s 

shoulder and kneed him; Mathivanan sustained injuries to his genitals and lower abdomen and cried out in 

pain. The SI then called Mathivanan a rascal and threatened to shoot him if he screamed. A PC standing 

behind Mathivanan punched him in the back. 

Mathivanan cried out and asked to be left alone, but the SI took him to the police station instead. Once there, 

the SI let Mathivanan go home, but made him promise to return the next morning at 7.30am. He threatened 

to charge Mathivanan with all pending cases if he informed anyone that he had been beaten.

Mathivanan returned home, where he told his wife and Nambi about the incident. Nambi took him to the 

Governmetn Hospital at Thirunveli. 

The next day, Krishnan came to enquire after Mathivanan, who told him everything. 

Krishnan later spoke to the SI about this incident, and apparently “resolved” it through negotiation. 

FF Code : TN/ TIR 80/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : P. Ramar 

Perpetrator(s) : SI, Raghupathy Raja, Serinthamangalam PS 

Location : Serinthamangalam PS, 

Thirunelveli Taluk. 



238 

Case Details: 

Victim Ramar resides in Sankarankoil Taluk, Tirunelveli District. Four years ago, a case was filed on Ramar 

for selling ‘gancha’ (sedative). Ramar reformed and did not commit any other offenses. Still the 

Seinthamangalam SI called Ramar to the police station every two months for enquiry. 

On 22 nd November at 11.00am Ramar was having tea when Raghupathy Raja and a HC stopped. They called 

Ramar a rascal, and pulled him by his shirt, and slapped him. The SI called Ramar a ’Thaioli’ and accused 

him of breaking soda bottles at the bar and threatening to kill people. They took Ramar to the Serinthamangalam 

Police Station. 

At 7.00pm, SI Raghupathy Raja slapped Ramar. A HC took Ramar to the SI’s room. The SI accused Ramar 

of breaking soda bottles at Madathupatti and engaging in a scuffle. He told Ramar he was going to file a case 

against him. Ramar denied engaging in a scuffle. The SI beat Ramar‘s thighs, hands and wrists with a baton. 

The SI told Ramar that he would not leave until Ramar told him the truth. Ramar wept and told the SI to believe 

him that he did not do any crime. The SI told Ramar not to pretend in front of him. He punched Ramar in the 

stomach twice. Ramar felt dizzy and fell unconscious. 

The HC prepared a FIR against Ramar, and took Ramar to the Magistrates house at approximately 9.30pm. 

The HC got Ramar’s signature and told him not to say anything to the Magistrate or he would file more cases 

on Ramar. Ramar did not tell the Magistrate about his abuse. 

Ramar was remanded to the Sub-Jail in Tenkasi. After three days, he was released. 


2007



239 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code :TN/TIR 82/NOV/07 

Victim(s) :Ramaraj 

Perpetrator(s) :Muthulakshmi, SI 

Location :Uthumalai PS, Thirunelveli District 


Victim Ramaraj was a 38 year-old resident in Alangulam Taluk, Tirunelveli District. On 5 th November 2007, 

Ramaraj’s wife told him that police were searching for him and asked Ramaraj to come to the PS. When 

Ramaraj asked her the reason she replied that she didn’t know. She told him that the police searched the 

house. Ramaraj went to Uthumalai PS on 5 th November 2007. There, he learned that his neighbour 

Murugaraj filed a complaint on him alleging that Ramaraj had been to his house. Murugaraj had problems 

with his vision, and usually wears spectacles. Both men were having enmity towards each other. SI 

Muthulakshmi called both parties and sent them with unity. 

On 9 th November 2007, Ramaraj was watering chilly plants. His wife called him and said the police have 

come in search of him, and asked him to rush into the house as the police were waiting. Ramaraj rushed and 

asked the police about the matter. Police told him that his neighbour Murugaraj’s wife had filed a complaint on 

him stating that she found him attempting to steal jewels in their house. 

Ramaraj went to the PS with them. SI Muthulakshmi scolded Ramaraj for going into the neighbour house 

once again and beat him with a baton. The SI beat him on his thighs. When Ramaraj bent down to rub his 

thighs, SI Muthulakshmi beat his back three to four times. 

Ramaraj tried to explain that his neighbour has problems with his vision; and they also have some clash 

relating to property. But SI locked Ramaraj in the prisoner’s cell. 

Case Details: 



Perpetrator(s) : Pon Irulappasamy, SI 

Location : Samathaanapuram Bus Stand, 

Manakaavalampillai Nagar, 

Palayamkottai 


Victim Shahul Hameed, of Palayamkottai Pitchuvana Street, was waiting for the bus to Shanthi Nagar at 

around 4.00pm. Nearby, Saravana Ayyappan (whose name Shahul Hameed later learned at the police 

station) was talking to a woman; the two were standing very close to each other and were talking vulgarly with

no regard for those standing around them. Shahul Hameed reprimanded Saravana Ayyapan and the woman, 

asking them how they could talk like that in public and requesting that they speak somewhere private instead. 

Saravana Ayyappan retorted that Shahul Hameed should mind his own business. Shahul Hameed responded; 

the two began to squabble and then to scuffle. Saravana Ayyappan pulled Shahul Hameed’s shirt and pushed 

him to the ground. Shahul Hameed got up and slapped Saravana Ayyappan hard on the cheek. 

An HC, who had been watching this altercation, informed the Palayamkottai police. SI Pon Irulappasamy soon 

arrived, and the HC explained to him what had happened. By this time, the woman had departed on the bus 

to Kattabomman Nagar. The SI asked both Shahul Hameed and Saravana Ayyapan to get into the jeep and 

took them to the station. After reaching the station, the SI asked questions of both men. 

Saravana Ayyappan explained that the woman he had been talking to was his cousin’s wife. Hearing this, the 

SI told Shahul Hameed that their conversation was none of his business. Shahul Hameed responded that he 

had only interrupted the conversation to rebuke them because they were speaking vulgarly in a public place. 

The SI asked Shahul Hameed whether he thought himself to be a rowdy man, and verbally abused him using 

the word “thaayoli.” On saying this word, the SI beat Shahul Hameed’s legs below the knees with a baton. 

The SI told both men to disregard the altercation. He specifically told Shahul Hameed not to complain to anyone 

that he had been beaten by the police – and that, if he did, the SI might file a case on him and add him to the list 

of terrorists. The SI then sent both men home. 

Shahul Hameed took an auto to his home. His leg swelled, so he went to a private clinic and had an injection. 

He regretted having intervened in Saravana Ayyappan’s conversation. 

Shahul Hameed contacted a lawyer and explained the matter to him. After two days, the SI and PI Nagarajan 

came to Shahul Hameed’s house and asked him to consider the incident as trivial. Shahul Hameed’s father, 

Ibrahim, assured the policemen that neither he nor his son would complain to anyone. Shahul Hameed 

requested that no action be taken against the SI who had beaten him. 


240 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : Shanmugaiya 

Perpetrator(s) : Raghupathi Raja, SI, 

Serinthamangalam PS 

Location : Madasamy Temple, Sankarankoil 



Victim Shanmugaiya, age 25, is a farmer who resides in Thiruvettanallur village, Sankarankoil Taluk, Tirunelveli 

District. 

On 15 November 2007 at 9.00pm, Shanmugaiya was chatting with his friends S. Kannan, Velladurai, and 

Murugesan in front of the Madasamy Temple. Policemen from Serinthamangalam PS, including SI Raghupathi 

Raja, arrived and demanded to know who had called them. Shanmugaiya told the SI that he and his friends 


2007

knew nothing. The SI said that he had received a telephone call indicating that someone was chasing and 

beating people at the Temple. When Shanmugaiya told the SI that he had just arrived, the SI asked him 

where he had been. Shanmugaiya replied that he had been working in the market at Puliyankudi. The SI 

asked Shanmugaiya and his friends what they were doing at the Temple so late at night and accused them 

of pretending that they had not been acting like rowdies in the village. Shanmugaiya repeated that he and his 

friends knew nothing, had just arrived, and did not know who had telephoned the police. 

The SI attempted to beat Shanmugaiya and his friends. Shanmugaiya’s friends ran away. The SI caught 

Shanmugaiya, slapped his left cheek, and beat his fingers with a lathi. Shanmugaiya ran home and told his 

father what had happened. 


241 

Shanmugaiya’s fingers became swollen. 

The next morning, Shanmugaiya’s friends arrived and suggested that he lodge a complaint against the SI. 

Shanmugaiya’s father said that a complaint was unnecessary, and would involve walking to the court and the 

police station. Shanmugaiya’s father also said that any complaint would affect Shanmugaiya’s job. 

Shanmugaiya abandoned the idea of lodging a complaint. 

The SI has stated that he did not beat anyone, and has refused to provide further information. 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : Shanmugaiya 

Perpetrator(s) : Raghupathi Raja, SI 

Location : Madasamy temple, Sankarankoil 




2007 

Victim Shanmugaiya was a 25 year-old farmer residing in Thiruvettanallur Village, Sankarankoil Taluk, 

Tirunelveli District. On 15 th November 2007, Shanmugaiya returned from work and was chatting with his 

friends S. Kannan, Velladurai and Murugesan in front of Madasamy Temple. After half an hour, policemen 

from Serinthamangalam PS and SI Raghupathi Raja went there. SI asked them who had called the PS. 

Shanmugaiya told him that they knew nothing. Immediately the SI told that he received a phone call reporting 

that someone was chasing and beating someone. When Shanmugaiya told him that he had just now arrived, 

the SI asked him where he had been. Shanmugaiya told him that he had returned from work in the market 

at Puliyankudi. The police accused them of committing rowdyism. 

Shanmugaiya told the SI that they knew nothing. The SI attempted to beat them, but they all ran. The SI 

caught Shanmugaiya and slapped his left cheek. Then the SI beat on his fingers with the lathi. Shanmugaiya’s 

fingers were swollen. Then Shanmugaiya ran away. Shanmugaiya came home and told his father about the 

matter.


Victim(s) : Sundararaj 

Perpetrator(s) : Sundara Pandian, SI 

Location : Mathapuram Railway Gate, 

Ambasamuthiram Taluk, 



Case Details: 

Victim Sundararaj was working on Anand’s land as a JCB engine driver at 10.00am on the date of the incident. 

One of Anand’s neighbours, PI Suresh Kumar (then of the Seinthamaram Police Station) had encroached 

onto Anand’s land in the past; Anand and Suresh Kumar had previously scuffled over the issue and filed a case 

at the Civil Rights Court in Ambasamuthiram. On this morning, another of Anand’s neighbours, Balasingh, 

arrived and scuffled with Sundararaj about the land issue between Anand and Suresh Kumar. 


242 

Balasingh informed the police about the scuffle. SI Sundara Pandian arrived and asked Sundararaj to stop 

work. 

Anand went with his father and Sundararaj to the Mathapuram Railway Gate. The SI – who went to the Gate 

as well – slapped Sundararaj on his cheeks and stomach. Anand’s father told the SI that the problem was 

between the two landowners and had nothing to do with the driver. The SI apologised and offered to take 

Sundararaj to the Thenkasi Hospital in his two-wheeler. 

Instead of taking him to the hospital, the SI brought Sundararaj to the Kadayam police station. He then contacted 

Anand and told him that the PI wanted to see them. Anand arrived at the police station at 12.00pm, whereupon 

he learned that Sundararaj had been brought there instead of to the hospital. 

The PI asked the SI if Balasingh had filed a complaint. The SI responded in the negative. The PI told Anand 

and Sundararaj that they could leave the police station. 

The SI later asked Anand and his father to retract their claim at the Civil Rights Court; they refused to do so. 


2007

FF Code : TN/CHE 24/MARCH/07 

Victim(s) : Pazhani 

Perpetrator(s) : Police of CholavandanPolice of 

Red Hills Police Station 

Location : Cholavandan Police StationRed 

Hills Police Station 


Case Details: 


243 

On 11 th March, 2007, victim Pazhani, 21 years-old, was approached by the Panchayat President of 

Naduvarambakan regarding the disappearance of the Panchayat President’s daughter, Asha. Asha had 

eloped with one of Pazhani’s friends, Dilli Babu. Pazhani said that he did not know Asha’s whereabouts. 

Asha’s father took Pazhani’s cellular phone and found a number leading to Dilli Babu. The parents questioned 

Pazhani again, now threatening him with death. At the Panchayat President’s request Cholavandan Police 

then apprehended Pazhani and held him in custody at the police station. 

There, he was forced to stand in his underwear and was beaten with a baton overnight. The next morning, 

the Cholavandan Police transferred Pazhani to Red Hills Police Station, where Pazhani was questioned 

again regarding Asha’s location. Pazhani responded again that he did not know her location. The Red Hills 

Police then beat Pazhani with a baton. 

The next morning, Pazhani’s uncle and an advocate took Pazhani from the Red Hills Police Station. Pazhani 

was admitted with serious injuries to the General Hospital at Thiruvallur. 

Pazhani seeks to pursue an action against the police of Cholavandan and Red Hills. 


Victim(s) : Parandaman 

Perpetrator(s) : 1)Arokia Ravinderan, PI 

2) Dass, Writer 

Location : S1 PS 



2007 

Case Details: 

Palraj, father of the victim Parandaman, went to get mutton for the fast food shop he owned. A man near the 

auto stand snatched his money and pushed him down. Ganesan, a policeman who noticed that did not take 

any action. Parandaman, aged 24 years and Congress Human Rights Leader, made a complaint to 

Ravinderan, PI of SI PS. Since the SI failed to take action, Parandaman lodged a complaint to the higher 

officials.

Nine months later, on 10th June 2007, when Parandaman was having dinner with his friends, PI Ravinderan 

arrested and took Parandaman and his friends to PS for an enquiry. At 10.45pm, the PI slapped Parandaman 

on his cheeks and thrashed his back severely with a baton. The PI also abused him in the name of his caste. 

Then the PI put out a few weapons in front of them. The PI forced them to identify the weapons that allegedly 

belonged to them. The PI forced them to write their signatures on a paper, which said that they had committed 

a theft. The PI locked them at Puzhal Jail. Parandaman was not given proper treatment for the injuries he 

sustained from the beatings. Later Parandaman was taken to Court. 

The PI threatened to kill Parandaman and told him that he had listed Parandaman’s name on the list of rowdies. 

Parandaman had complained about this to his higher officials, but no action was taken. 


Victim(s) : Murugesan 

Perpetrator(s) : Raguraman, PI, B 3 PS, 

Vysarpadi 

Location : B 3 PS 



244 

Case Details: 

Victim Murugesan was a 40 year-old plumber in BSNL Colony at Vysarpadi. On 2 nd July 2007, there was a 

theft at flat No.23 in the Y Block. Murugesan and his friends were engaged in cleaning the sump tank opposite 

to that flat. The owner of the house, Ms. Shanthi, lodged a complaint with the B3 PS. The police arrived at the 

spot and took Murugesan and other plumbers to the PS in pretext of enquiry. The police compelled them to say 

the truth and thrashed them with the baton. The victim’s gave a bribe of Rs.3000 to the PI. The police then got 

their finger prints and signatures and asked them to come whenever they were called. 

The victim has requested to take legal action against the PI. 


Victim(s) : C. Subramani 

Perpetrator(s) : Policemen, D-1 PS, Triplicane 

Location : In front of Pallavan Transport 

Corporation Office 


Case Details: 

On 7 th July 2007 at around 2.30pm, the victim Subramani, aged 51 years, got involved in an election dispute 

that arose between the LPF and CITU parties. As a result of which the police abetted with the LPF party and 

attacked the CITU people without any warning. 

Subramani sustained serious injuries on his right hand and was taken to hospital by his friends. 

Subramani lodged a complaint to Mr. Thangaraj, PI, D-1 PS, Triplicane. The PI refused to file the FIR and did 

not give him the receipt of the complaint. 


2007


Victim(s) : Ezhumalai 

Perpetrator(s) : Anand Kumar, PI 

Location : Ezhukinaru Fish Market 


Case Details: 


245 

On 12 th September 2007, Ezhumalai, a 29 year-old fisherman, transported fish on a tricycle from Kasimedu 

Port to Ezhukinaru Fish Market. Ezhumalai stopped to shift the boxes on his tricycle at the first gate of the 

market. Ezhukinaru PI Anand Kumar asked him to move his vehicle. Ezhumalai began to move the 

tricycle, but Anand Kumar struck him on the back with a baton. Anand Kumar then kicked Ezhumalai’s 

chest. People in the market gathered and asked Anand Kumar to stop his beating. Anand Kumar threatened 

to drag Ezhumalai to the PS if he ever saw him at the market again. Anand Kumar then left the scene. 

Vendors from the fish market protested the PI’s actions in front of the PS. The ADSP offered a compromise 

and promised to pay compensation. 

FF Code : TN/CHE 78/SEPT/ 07 

Victim(s) : M. Karthick 

Perpetrator(s) : Kumar, PC of Thuraipakam PS 

Location : Thuraipakam 



2007 

Case Details: 

Victim, 21 year-old Karthick, was at his brother’s restaurant talking to a friend, when PC Kumar rode up on 

a two-wheeler. The PC was drunk and yelled indecently in front of the restaurant. When Karthick approached 

and questioned to PC, the PC asked Karthick to get him cigarettes. Karthick refused and told the PC he was 

a law student. The PC dismounted his two-wheeler and kicked Karthick in the abdomen. Karthick told the 

PC that he would file a case against him. The PC responded by threatening to kill him and arrest his entire 

family. 

Karthick has requested that action be taken on his behalf.


Victim(s) : Raj (24) 

Perpetrator(s) : Ravichandran, PI 

Location : S1 PS 


Case Details: 

After an altercation over foul language, Usman lodged a complaint against Raj (24 years-old) with the police. 

On 3 rd October 2007, the police came to Raj’s house and took him to the S1 PS. At the PS, the PI forced Raj 

to stand in his underwear and beat him with a baton. The PI also insulted Raj with indecent language and 

slapped his face. The next day, Raj was taken to court and forced to pay a fine. 

Raj has requested that action be on his behalf. 


246 


Victim(s) : Absar 

Perpetrator(s) : PI and PCs at O3 PS, 

Location : O3 PS Kooduvacheri 


Case Details: 

On 25 th September 2007, police PCs arrived at Absar’s house and arrested him for attacking a shop owner 

named Babu. At the PS, Absar was forced to stand in his underwear and was beaten with a baton. Absar 

pleaded with the PI and stated his innocence. The PI responded by kicking him in the abdomen with his boot. 

The next day, Absar was taken to Palur PS. The PI threatened to kill Absar. Absar was then taken to 

Thambaram court and locked in Puzhal jail. 

Absar has requested action be taken on his behalf. 


2007


Victim(s) : Chitravel 

Perpetrator(s) : Neelakandan, SI, Alangudi PS, 

Puthukotai District 

Location : Neyveli Vadapathi, Orathanadu 

Taluk, Tanjore District 

Date of incident: APRIL 2007 

Case details: 

Victim Chitravel, age 42, resides at Avanakollai in Neyveli Vadapathi, Orathanadu Taluk, Tanjore District. 

He belongs to the Hindu Adi-Dravidar, Pallar caste and earns his living by working as an agricultural coolie. 


247 

One day in April 2007 at 10.30am, while Chitravel was working in his backyard, SI Neelakandan approached 

him. The SI enquired about Chitravel’s brothers, who had been accused of selling arrack. Chitravel replied 

that he knew nothing about the accusation and added that if the SI wanted to know more, he could simply go 

to Chitravel’s btohers’ houses. Angry, the SI used caste-related insults against Chitravel and hit him with a 

baton on his legs about five times. The SI then threatened to fracture Chitravel’s legs if he did not speak 

politely. 

Later, Chitravel was admitted as an in-patient at the Government Hospital in Pattukotai. The SI, learning that 

Chitravel was in the Hospital, asked for a compromise with the help of Kuchappa, Ex-President and 

Councilor. They asked Chitravel not to exaggerate the SI’s actions, as the SI had undertaken them 

unexpectedly. Since Kunchappa was a wealthy person in the village, Chitravel could not do anything 

against him. 

The problem was also discussed at the village Panchayat. 


Victim(s) : Dakshinamurthy 

Perpetrator(s) : Suyambu, SI, Guindy Traffic Police 




2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Dahshinamurthy, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, resides at 23-A, Kolathur Post, Thozhupedu Via, Cheyyur 

Taluk, Kanchipuram District. He drives Share-Auto in the Guindy Estate Area at Chennai. 

On 18 October 2007, SI Suyambu of Guindy Traffic Police stopped Dakshinamurthy’s vehicle and levied a 

penalty of Rs. 200 as per Traffic Rules Form No. 2 (incident number 1165350). However, the registration

number entered was incorrect, and the offence code was not mentioned in the form. The SI also did not 

provide Dakshinamurthy with a receipt; when Dakshinamurthy asked for a receipt, the SI threatened him by 

saying “You should not ask for a receipt! I am not obliged to issue a receipt if you ask me. You will not be able 

to drive your auto in this area!” 

In the same manner, on 4 November 2007, Dakshinamurthy was again stopped by the SI, who asked him 

for a bribe of Rs. 100. To this request, Dakshinamurthy replied that he did not have any money and mumbled 

that it had become routine for the police to ask money. The SI heard Dakshinamurthy and slapped him on 

his left cheek, saying “What did you say, you bastard?” The SI also used his walkie-talkie to hit 

Dakshinamurthy’s chest. 

At around 2.00pm, Dakshinamurthy went to the Guindy Traffic Police Station to lodge a complaint against the 

SI. The officer on duty refused to take the complaint, saying that the incident must have been Dakshinamurthy’s 

fault. Dakshinamurthy then went to complain to the SI himself, who was incredulous and threatened to 

prevent Dakshinamurthy from driving in the city anymore. 

Dakshinamurthy was frightened after this incident, and from that day onwards he stopped driving his Share- 

Auto. 

FF Code : TN/KK 27/JULY/07 

Victim(s) : David John 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Christopher, 

2) Mutthaiyan, PC 

Location : Kaliyakkavilai PS 



248 

Case Details: 

David John, belonging to the Nadar-Christian community, is residing at Valiyavilai Veedu, Kaliyakkavilai, 

Kanyakumari. On 4 th July 2007 at around 5.30pm he was walking from his home to the Kaliyakkavilai Bus 

stand. At that time, he saw Gladston, who was driving a bike, hit Issac. After hitting him, Gladston tried to 

escape from the spot. David John stopped him by taking the key off the bike. At that time, Kaliyakkavilai PCs 

Christopher and Mutthaiyan came to the spot in an auto. 

Gladston bribed the policemen Rs.100 and tried to flee the scene. The PCs, after receiving the money, told 

Issac who was injured in the accident to go home. When Gladston again tried to move away from the spot, 

David John stopped him. The two PCs, yelled offensive words at David John and asked Gladston to leave. 

Issac was lying on the road injured. David John questioned the PCs whether a man’s life was not worth even 

300 Rupees. The two PCs grabbed David John by his collar and put him in the auto in which they came. 

David John asked why he is being taken in the auto. PC Christopher furiously shouted at him, ‘do you think 


2007

the police are fools? After we have solved an issue, are you a judge to speak against us? PC Mutthaiyan 

slapped him hard on his right cheek 

After taking him to the PS, both the PCs repeatedly hit David John on his chest and back. When he shouted 

aloud unable to stand the pain, Christopher hit him on the right side his belly with his booted leg. Then Mutthaiyan 

slapped his right cheek. David John’s relatives came to the station and spoke with the SI. The police filed a petty 

case on David John and sent him. 

Later that night, David John had severe head ache, stomach pain, and chest pain. His relatives took him to the 

General Hospital, Kuzhithurai and where he was admitted and underwent medical treatment for five days. 


249 

FF Code : TN/CHE 43/JULY/ 07 

Victim(s) : Devi 

Perpetrator(s) : Five unnamed POs 

Location : H1 PS 


Case Details: 

Victim Devi’s husband was arrested for theft after having an illegal relationship with Kamakshi. On the date 

of the incident, five policemen came to her house and accused her of using Kamakshi’s money. At around 

1.00pm, the police took Devi and her six month-old son to the police station and questioned her until 5.00pm. 

During interrogation, a female police officer slapped Devi twice and hit her on the head. The police threatened 

to charge and jail Devi for possession of drugs. They also ridiculed her by saying that, once in jail, she could 

resume a family life with her jailed husband. The police provided neither Devi nor her young child with water. 

An SPI gave a man Rs. 20 to take Devi home. Devi felt scared and insulted. 


2007 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : 1) Dhanapal 2) Illangovan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Imayavarman, SI, Oratthanadu PS 

2) six unnamed POs 

Location : Poyyundarkottai, Oratthanadu Taluk, 

Tanjore District 


Victims Dhanapal, age 35, and Illangovan, age 34, organised a musical performance as part of a festival 

scheduled for 13 September 2007 at Poyyundarkottai in Oratthanadu Taluk, Tanjore District. They obtained 

police permission for the performance.

At 11.30pm, the programme started and the audience watched peacefully. Two PCs were posted at the event 

for security. 

At around 12.00am, SI Imayavarman and six other police officers arrived on the scene, drunk and in civilian 

clothing. The officers thrashed the public with the sticks that had been intended to provide shade for the 

festival. 

The SI and a PC grabbed Illangovan’s back and hit him hard below the knees. When Illangovan asked why 

the police had hit him, the SI responded with offensive caste-related insults. 

The police treated Dhanapal similarly: the SI hit his back, and then a PC hit his back four times. Unable to 

bear the pain, Dhanapal ran back to his house. 

Ilangovan sustained blood injuries and could not walk properly afterwards; he was admitted to a private 

hospital for treatment. Dhanapal back became swollen, and his wife medicated him. 



Victim(s) : Dhanapal 

Perpetrator(s) : Mr. Sekar, SI 

Location : Kilakarai 


250 

Case Details: 

Victim Dhanapal is an auto driver. He did not take the F.C. for his auto. On 23 rd August 2007, Kilakarai SI Mr. 

Sekar took Dhanapal to the PS. He tortured him and demanded he pay a fine of Rs. 5000/. SI Mr. Sekar also 

asked Dhanapal’s brother Kumar to pay the fine. He threatened to fabricate a case of stealing an auto against 

Kumar if he did not pay. SI Mr. Sekar later asked Kumar to pay Rs. 2000. When Kumar replied that he had 

only Rs. 1000, SI. Mr. Sekar told him to run away from the PS. SI Mr. Sekar also threatened to file a drug 

possession case against Kumar and Dhanapal if they refused to pay the fine. 

The next day, on 24 th August 2007 at 8.00 a.m., Kumar returned to the PS. He saw Dhanapal in a cell 

wearing only his briefs. Dhanapal had been tortured by SI. Mr. Sekar. Dhanapal told to Kumar that he was 

not provided with food and prohibited from going to the toilet. While narrating this, SI Sekar attacked Dhanapal 

with a baton. Dhanapal sustained injuries all over his body, including the backside of his neck 

At approximately 12.00pm, Dhanapal was taken to Ramanathapuram Government Hospital because he 

was badly wounded. Dhanapal filed a complaint field before the superintendent of police, Ramanathapuram. 

The issue was later compromised. Dhanapal received a monetary compensation of Rs 15,000/- from SI 

Sekar. Dhanapal does not wish to take further measures. 


2007


Victim(s) : Dhanasekaran 

Perpetrator(s) : 

1) unnamed female SI; 

2) seven unnamed male PCs 

Location : Poovanthi PS, Sivagangai District 



251 

Case details: 

Victim Dhanasekaran, age 20, is a resident of Arasanur, which is within the jurisdiction of Poovanthi PS in 

Sivagangai District. He belongs to the Hindu Kallar community and was working abroad as daily wage labour 

before returning in May 2007. 

In August 2007, on the day of the festival at the Padamatthur Valluvar Temple at around 11.00pm, a police team 

led by a female SI and consisting of seven male PCs (who were drunk and in civilian clothing) entered 

Dhanasekaran’s house, woke him, and dragged him into the street. The officers beat Dhanasekaran and 

trampled him with their booted feet before taking him with them to the station. 

Later that day, Dhanasekaran’s mother informed the ex- President of the Panchayat about the incident, stating 

that her son had not committed any offence. 

The next day, the ex-President returned Dhanasekaran to his house. 

It was later revealed that the police had an arrest warrant against a person named Meenakshi Sundaram, for 

whom they had mistaken Dhanasekaran. 

Dhanasekaran sent a petition to the DSP about his treatment, but no action was taken. 


Victim(s) : Elango 

Perpetrator(s) : Kannan, SI 

Location : Kalakaadu PS, 

Nanguneri Taluk, Tirunelveli District 



2007 

Case Details 

On 19 th August 2007, six brass lamps were stolen from Temple Vadhayamman Kovil. On 21 st August 2007 

Mr. Ramanathan, Administrator of the temple, lodged a complaint of theft at the Kalakaadu PS. On 24 th August 

2007, SI Kannan visited the temple and registered an F.I.R. On 25 th August 2007, at around 6.00pm the SI 

arrested Elango and his Elango’s wife, and took them to the PS under the pretext of enquiry. After reaching the 

PS, the SI interrogated both of them regarding the theft.

The SI asked Elango’s wife to go home and told her that he would release Elango after the interrogation. At 

approximately 8.00pm, the SI started shouting at Elango, using filthy language, and beating Elango on his 

thighs and below the knees with a baton. 

That evening, a PC came and asked Elango to stay at the PS. The next morning at around 7.00am, Elango 

requested permission to use the toilet inside the PS. Since Elango’s legs were swollen from the beating, he 

could not walk and needed assistance. 

The police registered a theft case against Elango. They took his photo, finger prints and signature. At 

10.30am, the police took produced Elango in the Nanguneri Court and the Judge remanded him to jail for 14 

days. Elango was put in the Nanguneri Sub-Jail. 

Elango was later released on bail. He must report daily to the police. Elango is afraid that if he tries to take 

action against SI Kannan, more cases will be filed against him. He does not wish to take further action. 



Victim(s) : Elumalai 

Perpetrator(s) : Radhakrishnan, SI, D1 PS, 

Villivakkam 



252 

Case Details: 

Victim Elumalai, of the Yadavar caste, sells fruit from a trolley. The police often demand bribes of Rs. 50 or 100 

from vendors like him. 

On 20 August 2007 at around 9.00am, Elumalai was working as usual when SI Radhakrishnan came to the 

market and began to chase all of the vendors away. Elumalai continued to place bananas in his trolley, 

prompting the SI to hit his nose and to demand why he had not vacated the market. 

In pain, Elumalai replied that it was unfair for the police to chase away workers while ignoring smugglers. The 

SI became angry and said “You son of a bastard [thevadiya], are you talking insolently?” The SI ordered 

Elumalai to stretch out his hands, which he then beat with a baton. Elumalai cried out in pain and said that he 

would move his trolley. The SI pushed Elumalai and beat his thighs. 


2007


253 


Victim(s) : 1) Esa; 2) Yasmin 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Balakrishnan, PI, Vellore 

Village PS; 

2) Pughazh, SI, South PS, Vellore; 

3) Afzal, PCs, North PS, Vellore; 

4) Partheeban, PC, North PS, 

Vellore; 

5) unnamed female SI, 

Virijipuram PS, Vellore; 

6) six unnamed PCs 

Location : Taluk PS, Vellore; North PS, Vellore; 

Virijipuram PS, Vellore 


Case Details: 

Victim Esa, age 24, belongs to the Muslim Lebbair community. He resides with his wife, victim Yasmin, in 

Mullipalayam village, Vellore District. 

On 3 June 2007 at around 7.00am, PC Afzal came to Esa’s house and asked him to report to the Taluk PS. 

The next day at around 10.00am, Esa reported to the station. The police took his photograph, collected his 

address, and sent him home. 

On 9 June 2007 at around 7.00pm, PC Afzal again came to Esa’s house and asked him to report to the station. 

The next day at around 10.00am, Esa and Yasmin went with Yasmin’s mother and brother to the North PS. 

The police brought Esa inside and interrogated him for a half-hour before telling him to go to Virijipuram PS. 

Esa complied. 


2007 

At the Virijipuram PS, four PCs beat Esa and demanded that he confess to a crime he had not committed. 

Esa cried aloud. The PCs sent his relatives away and closed the door. 

That night, PI Balakrishnan took Tasmin to Usha’s house, where a theft had taken place. Other police brought 

Esa, tied with a chain, to Usha’s house as well. Usha became furious at Esa, slapped his cheek, and said that 

he would not return her stolen jewels in the presence of his wife. A female SI pulled Yasmin’s hair, asked her 

where Usha’s jewels were, called her a “bloody whore,” and slapped her cheeks repeatedly. The SI made 

Yasmin bend over and beat her back. Yasmin shouted in pain and said that Esa had done nothing wrong. 

Meanwhile, SI Pughazh, PI Balakrishnan, and PC Partheeban beat Esa with lathis.

The police then took Esa and Yasmin to the Taluk PS, where there were no female officers. The police 

brought Esa and Yasmin to the PI’s room and made them sit on the floor. PI Balakrishnan sat in a chair, said 

that Esa had spoilt his night’s sleep, and asked Esa to say where he was keeping Usha’s jewels. Then the 

PI, still sitting down, beat Esa with a long wooden pole. Esa cried that he had done nothing wrong and asked 

the PI to stop beating him. The PI told Yasmin to get an answer from Esa. The PI beat Esa with the wooden 

pole again, still questioning him; the beating continued for more than half an hour, and the PI threatened to beat 

Esa to death. When Esa made to stand up, the PI said that he would kill Esa if he tried to stand. Unable to 

endure the pain, Esa said that he had given the jewels to one Sakthivel at Virinchipuram. Then the PI asked 

Esa about a silver spoon. When Esa said that he did not know anything about it, the PI beat him again. 

At around 5.15am, the PI made Esa strip down to his underwear instructed some PCs to tie Esa’s hands. 

The HC made Esa sit down on the floor and tied his arms and legs. Then the PCs pushed lathis through his 

tied arms and legs and hung Esa on them between two tables. The PI beat Esa on the soles of his feet and 

on his fingers, meanwhile insulting him for looking like he was riding a dolly. When Esa asked for water, the 

PI told him to drink Yasmin’s urine. The PI asked again where Esa had hidden the jewels, to which Esa 

replied that he had given them to the blacksmith. The PI left the room. 

At 5.30pm, the PI returned, told Esa that he had been lying, and beat him until 8.00pm. 

At 8.00pm, the PI beat Yasmin’s palms with a lathi. 

The SI left to take a bath, and the police gave Esa and Yasmin tiffin to eat. Esa and Yasmin were detained at 

the station. 

On 11 June 2007 at around 10.00am, the PI returned. He beat Yasmin with a chain before taking Esa into a 

separate room and beating him. Meanwhile, a PC insulted Yasmin. 

After some time, the PI came back outside and told Yasmin that Esa was now saying that he had given the 

jewels to Yasmin’s mother and sister. The PI hit Yasmin with a belt. Yasmin said that her sister worked in a 

shoe company and earned Rs. 2,000 per month, so she could buy her own jewels. 

At 4.00pm, the police took Esa and Yasmin home, where they asked Yasmin’s mother if either Esa or 

Yasmin had given her any jewels. Yasmin’s mother said that she knew nothing about any jewels. 

The police took Esa, Yasmin, and Yasmin’s mother to the Taluk PS. There, they stripped Esa naked in front 

of Yasmin and her mother and began to beat him. The police threatened to shoot Esa in the knee and to 

circumcise him, and then asked him if he was a bastard. 

A PC arrived and murmured something to the PI. Immediately, the PI ordered the PCs to untie Esa and to 

give him his clothes back. The PCs took Esa to the bathroom, washed his face, cleaned him with a towel, 

and made him sit in a chair. The police collected signatures from Yasmin and her mother. The police then 

let Esa, Yasmin, and Yasmin’s mother leave. 

Later, the three went with Kamarudeen to the Adukkampaarai Government Hospital, where Esa was admitted 

for treatment. 

After three days, Esa was discharged from the Hospital. 


254 


2007


255 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Feroz 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Balakrishnan, PI; 

2) Venkatesan, PI; 3) unnamed PCs 

Location : Taluk PS, Vellore 


Victim Feroz, age 26, has a brother named Nasir. 

On 2 August 2007, a burglary took place in Nasir’s house. The unmasked burglars took about fifty-two 

sovereigns of gold from a cupboard. One burglar threatened Nasir’s mother-in-law; she thought she recognised 

the man as Feroz. 

At 2.15am, Nasir and his father-in-law went to the North PS and filed a complaint with SI Balakrishnan and 

DSP Sarvanan. The police registered the case and began an enquiry. 

On 4 August 2007, the police arrested Feroz based on Nasir’s mother-in-law’s testimony. At the police station, 

SIs Balakrishnan and Venkatesan, with some PCs, beat Feroz and rubbed his eyes with chilli powder. 

On 9 August 2007, the police informed Nasir that Feroz had admitted to the crime, saying that he had given the 

gold to twenty-seven other people, including Nasir. 

On 10 August 2007, the police remanded Feroz to the Central Jail. 

Nasir has sent a letter to K. Selvi, Advocate and District Human Rights Monitor, asking that he not take any 

legal action regarding the torture his brother Feroz underwent. 


2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/ VEL 19/MARCH/07 

Victim(s) : Sugumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Inbamani, PC 2) Gopal, SI 

Location : Aarani PS 


On 1 st March 2007, the victim Sugumar and his friends went to an ATM to draw money. PC Inbamani chased 

them and had slapped Sugumar at his cheeks. The police thrashed Sugumar on his back and took him and 

his friend to the PS. The police yelled at the victim and beat him severely in the PS. Then, the PC chased 

Sugumar from the PS. 

Sugumar was admitted at General Hospital. Later Sugumar lodged a complaint against PC Inbamani to Mr. 

Gopal, SI, Aarani PS. The police initially threatened Sugumar, but later took his statement.

FF Code : TN/TIR 42/AUG/ 07 

Victim(s) : 1) Madasamy 2) Mariappan, 

3) Karuppasamy, 

4) Muthulakshmi, 

5) D. Petchiammal, 6) Saila, 

7) Tamizharasi, 8) Petchiammal, 

9) Mariammal, 10) Tamilselvi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ravi, PI 

2) Balasubramaniam, SI 

3) Nesamani, HC 

Location : Kadayanallur PS, 

Melachokkampatti village, 

Tenkasi Taluk, Tirunelveli District 



256 

Details: 

All the members of 150 families living in Gandhi Nagar Colony, Melachokkampatti Village, Tenkasi Taluk, 

Tirunelveli District, are Scheduled Caste-Hindu, Chakkiliya Christines. Madasamy is the leader of the 

community. 

There is a pathway road from the colony leading to the main road. This pathway is used by vehicles going to 

the Fabric Mill owned by a person from an upper caste. Apart from this, upper caste people own plots of land 

lying on both side of this pathway and some buildings are under construction. Thus, the upper caste people 

encroached onto the pathway. 

On 4 th August 2007, after a report that a woman named Annalakshmi was physically abused, a police team 

from Kadayanallur PS, including PI Ravi, SI Balasubramaniam and Head PC Nesamani, beat victims 

Mariappan, Karuppasamy, Muthulakshmi, D. Petchiammal, Saila, Tamizharasi, Petchiammal, Mariammal 

and Tamilselvi with batons and scolded them referring to their caste. Some of the victims included pregnant 

women. The police arrested Madasamy and 4 others. The police also threatened the crowd that gathered 

during the arrest and beatings. 


2007


Victim(s) : Hakima Begam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Vasantha, PI 2) Chitra, PC 

Location : All Women PS, Ramanathapuram 


Case Details: 



257 

2007 

Victim Hakima Begam resides at West Street, Pudhumadam. Hakima Begam had several scuffles with her 

neighbours Abdul Raheem, his wife Bibishan and Mohammed Rafiq for petty reasons. As Hakima Begam’s 

husband works abroad, her neighbours attempted to chase her from her house. Hakima decided to send her 

neighbours a notice through an advocate. 

Before she could send the advocate’s notice, Abdul Raheem and Mohammed Rafiq filed a complaint against 

her with the police. On 2 nd August 2007, two women police PCs from the All Women PS Ramanathapuram 

followed up on the complaint. The police officers asked Hakima Begam to meet the PI immediately. When she 

asked for the reason, the PC asked whether she planned to file a case against her neighbours. Hakima also 

enquired why she was asked to appear in Ramanathapuram when her house is within the limits of Uchapuli 

PS. The PC insisted she go to the PS. 

At the station, Police PI Vasantha, Police PC Chitra and two other women PCs scolded her offensively. They 

asked whether Hakima Begam planned to file a case against her neighbours. One of the police officers caught 

hold of Hakima Begam’s hair and pushed her down. The police kicked her with their boots and slapped her 

face. Hakima Begam sustained internal injuries on her head, chest and neck. The police told her that she 

should compromise with Abdul Raheem or vacate her house. The police also threatened to file a case under 

‘Gancha’ (sedative case) and imprison her permanently. The police officers obtained Hakima’s signature on 

two blank papers and kept her in the station the whole afternoon. The police did not provide Hakima with food 

or water and did not allow her use the toilet. She released at 6.00pm. 

Hakima Begam made a complaint to the Dist. Superintendent of Police regarding the incident and filed an 

individual case at the Ramanathapuram Court.

FF Code : TN/TIR 21/MAY/ 2007 

Victim(s) : Harichandran 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Suyambu, PC, 2) Sankar Raj, PC 

Location : Aalangulam PS, Munneerpallam 

Palayamkottai Tk, Tirunelveli Dist. 


Case Details: 

Harichandran, belongs to the Hindu Maravar Community (BC), and is a daily wage labourer. His cousin 

Muthulakshmi is married to Muthu. Muthu was arrested and detained in the Palayamkottai Central Jail. 

Muthulakshmi and Harichandran went to the court and paid a Rs.25,000 fine for Muthu’s bail release. 

On 29 th March 2007, Harichandran and Muthulakshmi went to the central PS with the bail receipts. The 

police officer brought an individual named Muthuramalingam. They told the police officer that he produced the 

wrong person. But at this point Muthuramalingam ran away. Muthulakshmi told the police officials that the 

man released was not her husband. The policeman shouted at Muthulakshmi and forced her to leave the 

PS. 

On 2 nd April 2007 at approximately 10.00am, Harichandran made a petition to meet Muthu at the PS. While 

waiting for him, police PCs Suyambu and Sankar Raj took Harichandran to a dark room. Suyambu slapped 

and pushed Harichandran down. Both Suyambu and Sankar Raj kicked Harichandran on his back, and 

stomach. Harichandran was crying unable to bear the pain. Suyambu scolded him, calling him, “thayoli, 

serukki pulla, thevudia mavane”. (Highly offensive terms in Tamil slang) Suyambu forced Harichandran to 

sit in a corner and threatened to file a false case against Harichandran for drug peddling. The ASI then came 

and told Suyambu and Sankar Raj to release Harichandran. 

The next day Harichandran filed a complaint at the Kokkirakulam PS. The City Commissioner of Tirunelveli 

received his petition and told him that he would take action. That evening the incident was published in a local 

news paper. Harichandran met with Advocate Pazhani, who had Harichandran admitted and treated at the 

hospital. 

Later the same day PCs Sankar Raj and Suyambu were admitted to the same hospital, allegedly claiming 

that Harichandran attacked them. PCs Sankar Raj and Suyambu were given a bed adjacent to Harichandran’s 

bed, and began threatening him. Harichandran complained, but the hospital doctors and nurses refused to 

move him. Out of fear, Harichandran discharged himself from the hospital. 


258 


2007

FF Code : TN/TAN 44/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : Hariharan 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajendran, SI 

Location : Boodhalur PS, Thiruvaiyaru Taluk, 



Case details: 



259 

2007 

Victim Hariharan, age 17, resides at Indira Nagar, within the jurisdiction of the Boodhalur PS, Thiruvaiyaru 

Taluk, Tanjore District. He belongs to the Hindu Vanniyar community and assists his father in running a 

vegetable shop opposite the bus stand. 

Prior to the date of the incident, there were some cases filed against Hariharan for such things as engaging in 

scuffles or not having platform tickets. In all of these cases, Hariharan was either sentenced to pay a fine to the 

Thiruvaiyaru court or ordered to remain inside the juvenile home. 

In addition, on one occasion, SI Rajendran fabricated a charge of drunken nuisance against Hariharan. 

Hariharan had to pay a fine of Rs. 200 to the Thiruvaiyaru Court. 

On 24 November 2007 at around 6.00am, HC Velmurugan asked Hariharan to come to the police station, as 

the SI wanted to see him regarding a previous case. 

At the station, the PI interrogated Hariharan about his previous cases. 

Harharan’s mother, the President, and the Chairman asked the PI why he had arrested Hariharan and 

pleaded for his release. The PI assured them that the matter was not serious and that Hariharan would be 

released soon. 

The SI said to Hariharan “What? The President and Chairman are speaking in support of you. I will give a 

special treatment that suits you!” 

At around 4.00pm, the SI asked Hariharan to sign in an FIR wherein it was stated that the police arrested 

Hariharan while he was executing a robbery with the help of Pitchai Raj. Hariharan refused to sign the FIR. At 

once, the SI hit Hariharan on his thighs and then slapped him on cheeks. Hariharan thus felt compelled to sign 

the FIR. 

At around 5.00pm, the police took Hariharan to the Thiruvaiyaru Court, where he was remanded to jail for 14 

days. 

Hariharan was later released on bail. He sent a petition regarding his treatment to the SP of Tanjore District.

FF Code : TN/SVG 61/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Jayapal, 2) Selvi, 3) Karupaya 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Mr. Sakthi, PC 

2) Mr. Nagaraj, PC 

Location : SIPCOT PS 


Case Details: 

On 20 th September 2007, there was a theft at Kumar’s house, and he made a complaint at the SIPCOT PS. 

Kumar suspected that Selvi was responsible for the theft. Based on the complaint, Selvi was called to the PS 

for enquiry on 21 st September 2007. Police PC Sakthi questioned Selvi about the theft and stated that the police 

had gone to Pudhukottai to meet a fortune teller regarding the theft. On 29 th September 2007, the police brought 

the fortune teller to Selvi’s house, and the fortune teller declared that Selvi stole the jewels. 


260 

Victim Karupaya resides at Alangulam Village and is working as a driver on daily wage basis. On 2 nd October 

2007, he was asked by SIPCOT Police PC Sakthi to appear in the station. At the station PC Sakthi asserted 

that the Karupaya along with Selvi burgled Kumar’s house. He questioned him about the allegedly stolen 

jewels. Karupaya replied that he is innocent. Suddenly the PC slapped Karupaya on his cheeks continuously 

and scolded him vulgarly, calling him a ’Poondai Mavanae’. Karupaya was also struck on his back and legs 

with a metal object attached to a baton. PC Sakthi interrogated him about the stolen jewels. On the same day, 

Selvi was asked by a PC to appear in the station for enquiry. At 11.00am, Selvi went to the station with her 

husband Jayapal. At the station, Karupaya saw Selvi and Jayapal enter. The police asked Karupaya wait 

outside while the police interrogated Selvi and Jayapal. 

The PC scolded Selvi based on the information allegedly passed on by the fortune teller. The PC also abused 

Jayapal, calling him a “Palla Thaiyoli.” Selvi asked why the police were abusing them with caste name. The 

police PC immediately started beating Selvi with a metal object attached the baton on Selvi’s thighs and legs. 

Karupaya heard the sounds of the police beating someone from outside the station. The police didn’t provide 

Selvi or Jayapal with food. After obtaining their signature, they released Selvi and Jayapal. The police asked 

Karupaya to come to the PS the next day. 

The next day at 8.00am Karupaya returned to the PS. He was asked to return again on 3 rd October 2007. 

Instead of conducting the enquiry, the police asked Karupaya to buy food for the police. They made him wait 

in the station till 10.00pm This continued the next day as well when police told Karupaya to buy cigars, food, 

tea, and snacks for the police. At 7.00pm, Karupaya was interrogated again by PC Nagaraja about the stolen 

jewels. PC Nagaraja told him that a fortune teller had predicted that Karupaya together and ‘Thevidar’ Selvi 

(disloyal wife) had stolen the jewels. The fortune teller also said that Karupaya was having an affair with Selvi. 

When Karupaya denied the allegations, PC Nagaraja slapped him on both cheeks and tortured him. 


2007

On 5 th October 2007 at 10.30am, Selvi and Jayapal were again called for enquiry about the stolen jewels. 

The police demanded two sovereigns of new jewels or else threatened to imprison them. They were 

released at 9.00pm 

Selvi and Jayapal filed a complaint regarding the incident with the RDO, District Superintendent of Police, 

District Collector, SHRC, CM Special Cell, IG of Police, State Women Commission and National SC/ST 

Commission. 



261 

2007 

Karupaya lodged a complaint to the RDO, District Superintendent of Police, District Collector, SHRC, CM 

Special Cell, and IG of Police. Karupaya attempted to commit suicide as a result of the torture. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN /KK 59/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Jeberson 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sorubarani, PI, All Women PS, 

Kulachal; 

2) three unnamed PCs 

Location : Victim’s house, Kodumbaikuli, 

Katimangodu Post, Kanya Kumari 


Victim Jeberson resides with his wife and three children at Kodumbaikuli, Katimangodu Post, Kanya Kumari. 

On 3 October 2006, Jeberson’s wife Mary left their two daughters at home and took the youngest son to her 

mother’s house without anyone’s knowledge. Mary then filed a complaint against Jerberson at the All 

Women PS, Kulachal. 

The police called Jeberson for questioning. They made Jeberson wait a long time before sending him back. 

They repeated this process on other occasions. 

Jeberson applied for anticipatory bail at the District Court. He also applied for divorce (Case D.W.OP. 182/ 

2006). 

On 11 November 2006, based on Jeberson’s applications, advocate’s notices were sent to the SI at the All 

Women Police Station, Kulachal, as well as to the District Superintendant of Police and the Assistant 

Superintendant of Police. 

On 25 January 2007 at 12.30pm, PI Sorubarani and three PCs arrived at All Women PS, Jeberson’s 

house, but Jeberson was not there. The officers climbed in through the compound walls and barged into 

Jeberson’s house. 

In the house, the police officers slapped Jeberson’s father and beat his legs with a baton. They broke many 

household items before taking Jeberson’s father and two daughters away in their jeep. 

Jeberson provided details of the incident by telegram to the SP, District Collector, Chairman, a human rights 

organisation, and a judge at the District Criminal Court, no action was taken. On 29 October 2007, Jeberson 

filed another detailed complaint, but nothing was done.

FF Code : TN/TAN 34/NOV /07 

Victim(s) : Johnson 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Jothimuthu, SI, Allivanam PS; 

2) Ramalingam, SI, Allivanam, PS; 

3) unnamed PO, Pattukotai PS 

Location : Allivanam PS, Thiruvarur 

District; Pattukotai PS, 

Thiruvarur District 

Date of incident : 21/10/2007. 

Case Details: 

Victim Johnson, age 65, resides with his family on Theyriyam Pillai Street, Muthalcheri Post, Pattukotai 

Taluk, Tanjore District. 


262 

On 22 September 2007 at 7.00p.m., SIs Jothimuthu and Ramalingam came in a police jeep to Johnson’s 

house. They enquired about Johnson’s sons Prabakaran and John Solomen, whom they said had stolen 

the idols from Kozhindhueswaran Temple in Kottur. Johnson replied that his sons would not do such a thing. 

The SIs did not listen and took Johnson to the Allivanam PS. 

At the station, the SIs interrogated Johnson. SI Jothimuthu threatened Johnson and hit him twice on his back. 

The next day at 10.00am, the DSP of Thiruvarur came. He informed Johnson that Prabakaran and John 

Solomen had admitted to the theft, and that the police had recovered the stolen idols from their possession. 

On 21 October 2007, five policemen came in a van to Johnson’s house and asked why Johnson had not 

produced his sons before the police. Johnson replied that he was not able to locate his sons. The police took 

Johnson to Kottur PS for an enquiry. 

The next day at about 1.00pm, when Johnson was about to leave the station, four policemen came and took 

him to Pattukotai PS. There, a policeman threatened to bring Johnson’s female family members to the station 

unless he produced his sons before the police. The officer also threatened to take away all the “lazy goats” 

from Johnson’s house. 

At 9.00pm, the police released Johnson. 

Johnson still does not know the whereabouts of his sons. 


2007

FF Code : TN/KK 19 /JUNE/ 07 

Victim(s) : Kabeer 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) PC 2) SI 

Location : Kanyakumari PS 


Case Details: 


263 

The victim Kabeer, aged 25 years, is a tailor. On 25 th May 2007, while Kabeer and his friends were waiting 

for their friend Sheik, a PC came in an auto and asked Kabeer and friends to go to the PS for an enquiry. 

Kabeer was taken to the Kanyakumari PS. There he was slapped on his left cheek by the SI. The SI 

accused Kabeer of cheating his friend Sheik out of Rs. 1 lakh. The police stripped Kabeer naked. When 

Kabeer attempted to refute the charge, the SI scolded him and called him a bastard. When Kabeer tried to 

explain himself, the SI punched him in the face and told him tell the truth. Later, Sheik came to the station, per 

the SI’s request, and told the police that he was cheated by Kabeer. The SI took his baton and, while calling 

Kabeer a pimp, hit him in the face. 

The SI made vulgar remarks about Kabeer’s wife. The S.I caught Kabeer by his neck and punched his 

head. He also asked whether Kabeer and Sheik had a homo-sexual relationship. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) R. Kannan; 2) Gobi; 3) Vinodh 

Perpetrator(s) : Nesamani, PC 

Location : M6 Manali PS, Chennai 


One year before the incident, all three victims – along with another friend named Karthik – burgled four cell 

phones and more than ten mobile panels from a shop in Rayapuram area. They were subsequently caught 

and placed in a reformatory center for one week, before being released on the condition that they must report 

regularly to the probation office. 


2007 

On 22 September 2007 at around 4.00am, PC Nesamani of M6 Manali PS and another PC from Sathankadu 

PS came in search of victim R. Kannan, assuring his mother that they were just taking him for a few questions 

and that they would return him later that morning. The two PCs also took victims Gobi and Vinodh to Manali 

PS. 

At around 5.30am, PC Nesamani asked the victims about the stolen cell phones; they replied that they had 

already returned the phones to the Ambedkar Police Booth. The policemen demanded of R. Kannan that he 

return the cell phones that were in his custody; he insisted that he did not have any.

At around 6.30pm, the policemen asked R. Kannan for the names of those friends with whom he played 

cricket. 

The police kept all three victims in the police station that night. 

The next day at around 1.30pm, the police took the three victims again before PC Nesamani, who was furious 

and demanded that they return the cell phones. He made them put their heads between his thighs and 

squeezed them. He also slapped them violently on their cheeks and punched them in their backs. 

Both Gobi’s and Vinodh’s mothers brought them food; the police asked the women to sweep and to buy them 

tea. 

The police kept all three victims in the police station for another night. 

The next day at around 10.00am, the police asked the three victims to sign a document wherein it was written 

that they had returned the cell phones that they had taken, and that they would report to the police station 

whenever called for. 

FF Code : TN/MDU 70/SEPT /07 

Victim(s) : D. Karthik 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Amirthalingam, SI 

2) Karuppaiya, PC 3) Kumar, PC 

Location : Keelavalavu PS, Melur taluk, 

Madurai Dist 



264 

Case details 

Victim D. Karthik is a 3 rd year student of Coimbatore Law College. On 31 st August, 2007, he returned to his 

village for the Veerakaliamman temple feast. D. Karthik was talking with his friends while preparations were 

being made for a cultural programme (dance & music) in Mandai hall. 

Two policemen asked D. Karthik and his friend what they were doing. D. Karthik replied, “Sir, you are drunk. 

Why do you tease me?” PC Karuppaiya kicked D. Karthik hard in the genitals. D. Karthik said that he was 

a law student and that he could file a case against the PC. PC Karuppaiya slapped D. Karthik’s cheek and 

grabbed his throat, strangling him. Then he kicked D. Karthik in the lower abdomen. D. Karthik fell down. The 

moment he fell down, PC Kumar stamped on his head. Then PC Karuppaiya told D. Karthik that the DSP 

was Karuppaiya’s relative and that therefore he could not file a case against them. D. Karthik returned home. 

D. Karthik’s right eye and forehead hurt. On 1 st September 2007, he was admitted in the Government 

Hospital where a MLC was registered. After he was admitted, the S.B.C.P inquired and, later, Sub PI 

Amirthalingam received D. Karthik’s complaint. 


2007



265 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/TIR 18/APRIL/ 07 

Victim(s) : T. Karuppa Samy 

Perpetrator(s) : Sahaya Fexmer, PI of police, 

Alangulam 

Location : Alangulam bus stop Alangulam 



Karuppa Samy is a thirty-three year old daily wage labourer who belongs to a Dalit community. On 31 st 

March 2007, Karuppa Samy and Manikandan were at the Alangulam bus stand waiting for a bus to a temple 

festival. At around 5.00pm, Alangulam Police PI Mr. Sahaya Jose and another police officer were chasing 

the crowd of people at the bus stand and ordering them to leave. The police attacked Karuppa Samy and beat 

his right leg with a baton. Karuppa Samy grabbed the baton. Believing he was trying to resist, the police beat 

him until he was unconscious. 

Manikandan grabbed Karuppa Samy and pulled him onto the bus. He took Karuppa Samy to a doctor where 

he was diagnosed for a sprain. The next day Karuppa Samy could not walk. Manikandan took him to the 

Thirunelvelli Government Medical College where he as admitted for five days. Police officers met Karuppa 

Samy at the hospital and inquired about the incident, but the police officer did not write down Karuppa Samy’s 

statement or take his signature. 

Case details: 

Case Number : TN/SAL 74/SEPT/ 07 

Victim(s) : Surendran 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Megavarnan, PC 

2) Balakrishnan, PC from 

Chevvaipettai PS 

Location : Salem Government Hospital 


Surendran (23) resides at Anaimedu, Salem District and is a 4 th year Law student of Dr. Ambedkar Govt. Law 

College. On 17 th August 2007, one of Surendran’s friends was hit by a scooter and admitted in the Salem 

Government Hospital. At around 11.00pm, Surendran went to the hospital to attend to his friend, but the 

hospital gate was locked. 

Surendran jumped over the compound wall and entered inside. Three PCs, including Chevvaipettai PCs 

Megavarnan and Balakrishnan, were on security duty. The PCs stopped Surendran and questioned him. 

Surendran replied that he was a law student. The PCs called Surendran a rowdy. PC Megavarnan slapped 

Surendran’s cheeks and started to beat him with baton. Surendran was hit on left arm and shoulder. The 

PCs grabbed Surendran’s friend and kicked both of them with their boots. 

Surendran was admitted in the hospital. Surendran reported the incident and several police officers took 

his statement and provided security to Surendran.

Case details: 

Case Number : TN/SAL 75/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Selvaraj 2) Shanmugam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Gandhi, PI 2) Venkatesh, SI 

Location : Salem District 


Selvaraj (40) and Shanmugam (35) belong to the Vanniyar Community. On 9 th August 2007, as a part of Sri 

Muthumariamman Temple Festival, the local youth organized a folk dance performance. Devaraj was 

standing on the stage at around 10.00p. Shanmugam asked Devaraj to get down from the stage. The PO 

on security duty kicked Devaraj and pulled him by his collar. Selvaraj and Shanmugam requested the PO 

leave Devaraj as he did not know he was not supposed to be onstage. 

At t around 12.00am, PI Gandhi, SI Venkatesh, and 10 more policemen went to the spot and took programme 

organizers, including Selvaraj and Shanmugam, to the PS. Both Selvaraj and Shanmugam were dragged 

by their collars. The PCs thrashed them with their batons more than 10 times. The police verbally abused 

Selvaraj’s wife and daughter who came to the station, calling them “prostitutes” and kicking Selvaraj’s wife. 

The State secretary of Pattali Youth Association called the police and requested them to leave the arrested 

persons. At approximately 1.00am, the police forced Selvaraj and Shanmugam to sign in a paper stating that 

they did not sustain any injuries. Both Selvaraj and Shanmugam were allowed to leave the station, but were 

asked to appear in the station on the next day. 

Due to the pain, the victims were admitted at the Govt Hospital at 2.00am. 

Later the Pattali Youth Association compromised the matter. 


266 

Case details: 



Perpetrator(s) : 1) Utrapathy, PI 

Location : Kopu Konda Perumal Temple 

premises, Pethanayakanpalayam 


Murugan (22) resides at Aathur Taluk, Salem District. On 6 th October 2007 Murugan and his friend went to 

Perumal Temple. PI Utrapathy permitted some people who were familiar to him to enter the temple, but made 

others wait. Murugan protested. The PC caught hold of Murugan’s hand, pushed him, and struck his thighs 

with baton for 3 times. The PI abused and insulted Murugan in front of over a 1000 people. 


2007

FF Code : TN/KK 22/JUNE/ 07 

Victim(s) : Krishnan 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajaram, SI 

Location : Pudhukadai PS 


Case Details: 


267 

On 13 th July 2007 the victim Krishnan was in a quarrel with Chandrasekharan. SI Rajaram took 

Chandrasekharan to the PS and told Krishnan to come to the PS. But Krishnan did not go. The SI returned 

and found Krishnan. The SI verbally abused Krishnan. The SI grabbed him by his shirt and slapped his 

cheek. The SI kicked Krishnan with his boot, and then stood on Krishnan’s left leg. The SI pushed Krishnan, 

causing him to fall. 

The SI took Krishnan to the PS. In the Station the SI said he would file a case against Chandrasekar for 

starting the quarrel. The S.I threatened to file a false case against Krishnan if he told anyone about his beating. 

As a result of the SI’s assault, Krishnan suffered a fracture left leg. 


2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Kumar 




Victim Kumar resides at Krishnarajapuram, in Manamadurai Taluk, Sivagangai District. He belongs to 

Christian-Parayar community. 

On 30 October 2007, Kumar was returning from work when his younger brother asked him for some money. 

The two disagreed, and the disagreement ended in a scuffle. A police officer approached them and asked 

them whey they were fighting in public. The officer then took them to the police station. 

At the station, SI Rajesh scolded Kumar and his brother and made them kneel. The SI beat Kumar with a 

baton on his legs and back. 

The police kept Kumar and his brother in the station all night. 

The morning at around 8.00am, as nobody had come to enquire after Kumar and his brother, the police sent 

them home. The police warned Kumar and his brother that if they fought again with each other, the police would 

file a case against them under the Goondas Act.

Case details: 


Victim(s) : Kumarasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Seenivasan, PI, East PS, 

Kumbakonam; 

2) Krishnamoorthy, PI, West PS, 

Kumbakonam 

Location : Kumbakonam East PS, 

Kumbakonam Taluk, Tanjore 


Victim Kumarasamy, age 33, resides in the Azoor Area, Kumbakonam Taluk, Tanjore. He belongs to the 

Hindu Adi-Dravidar community and was engaged in marketing work at Kumbakonam. The police had been 

searching for Kumarasamy’s younger brother Ayya in relation to a murder case that took place in 2005. For 

the six months preceding the incident, Ayya had supposedly been working at a garment shop in Chennai and 

staying in the house of Mr. Sivaraman, an advocate. 

On 24 November 2007 at around 2.30pm, PIs Sreenivasan and Krishnamoorthy came to Kumarasamy’s 

house in search of Ayya. Kumarasamy told them that his brother was at Chennai. The PIs demanded that 

Kumarasamy and his two other brothers get into their vehicle. They abused Kumarasamy verbally. When 

the car reached Kumbakonam town, the police told Kumarasamy and his brothers that if they provided 

information about Ayya, they would be set free. Kumarasamy replied that he did not know anything. 

At 3.30pm, the police took Kumarasamy and his brothers to the East PS. There, PIs Sreenivasan and 

Krishnamoorthy slapped Kumarasamy’s cheeks, asking “Why are you acting? Won’t you say where your 

younger brother is, when we ask you?” They told Kumarasamy to get into their vehicle. 

The PIs told Kumarasamy to speak casually with the advocate in Chennai, as if the police had not beaten 

Kumarasamy. Kumarasamy did so and enquired about his brother. The advocate replied that for the past 

three months Kumarasamy’s brother had not been at his home. The police heard the conversation. 

At 10.00pm, three PCs and PI Krishnamoorthy took Kumarasamy to Chennai. 

The next day at 7.00am, the police took Kumarasamy to the advocate’s house and to the garment shop 

where his brother worked. At both places, Kumarasamy enquired into Ayya’s whereabouts. 

On 26 November at 5.30am, the police and Kumarasamy returned to the East PS. 

Later in the morning, the police told Kumarasamy to sign a paper wherein it was stated that his brother had 

some connection with the 2005 murder. Then the police allowed Kumarasamy to leave the station. 

Mr. Sivaraman, the advocate for Kumarasamy’s family, said that he has already talked with the DSP, who 

in turn has assured him that the police would no longer disturb the three brothers. 


268 


2007


Victim(s) : Kumudha Valli 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed female PO 



Case Details: 


Victim Kumudha Valli has been a member of the Women’s Association (Mathar Sangam) for fifteen years. 

The Association has fought for the right to pensions for widows and elderly persons below the poverty line, 

even if these persons have a male child over eighteen years of age. The Association planned a protest on 12 

September 2007 in front of the Chennai District Collectorate, in order to encourage government action and to 

further the Association’s aims. 

269 

In preparation for the protest, all members of the Association gathered before the Chennai District Collectorate. 

At the same time, more than one hundred police were standing with their vehicles in front of the District 

Collectorate. 

The protest was proceeding peacefully, when a female police officer informed Kumudha Valli that she was 

under arrest. The police officer pulled Kumudha Valli’s hair, and Kumudha Valli cried out in pain. 

Kumudha Valli’s colleagues tried to stop the police, who began to assault them as well. The female police 

officer who had assaulted Kumudha Valli caught hold of Kumudha Valli’s hair and left hand, pulled her, and then 

pushed her down. Kumudha Valli fell down, receiving scratches on her right elbow and left ankle. She 

quivered with pain. Her colleagues took her to a police van for safety. The police arrested them all. 

Kumudha Valli’s colleagues applied medicine to her wounds. The police released all of them at around 

6.00pm. 


2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/ KK 56/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : Kurusu Anthony 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Muthuraj, SI; 


Location : Manavalakurutchi PS 


Victim Kurusu Anthony resides at No. 8/2, Thomas Street, Kadyapattinam Post, Kanya Kumari, where he is 

a member of the Village Committee.

On 23 October 2007, some villagers were doing construction work on a local road outside the village. Kurusu 

Anthony approached them to ask why they were working in such a desolate area instead of repairing roads 

within the village. Leenus, of Chnnavilai Village, replied that a priest had given them permission. Kurusu 

Anthony asked the villagers to accompany him to seek clarification from the priest. Leenus replied that the 

priest would be arriving in a few minutes. 

A little while later, SI Muthuraj arrived with two PCs in a police jeep. The police called to Kurusu Anthony 

because he was a member of the Committee. 

The police took Kurusu Anthony to the police station. On the way, the SI slapped him and said that he would 

transform the village by beating Kurusu Anthony. 

Outside the station, a PC slapped Kurusu Anthony, who fell down. Two other PCs kicked Kurusu Anthony, 

grabbed him by his neck, and pushed him into the police station. 


Lakshmiyammal 

Victim(s) : Lakshmiyammal 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Chandrasekaran, PI, 

Railway Police, Katpadi 

Junction; 

2) two unnamed female PCs; 

3) unnamed male PC 

Location : Katpadi Railway PS 



270 

Case Details: 

Vitim Lakshmiyammal is forty-five years old. 

On 17 September 2007, Lakshmiyammal boarded a train from Bengaluru to Kakkinada. At Katpadi station, 

she descended from the train to get some water. Two female PCs arrived, hit Lakshmiyammal with a baton on 

her right hand, shoulder, and back, and pulled her hair. When Lakshmiyammal screamed in pain, the PCs put 

her on a cot, tied her feet, and hit her thighs. Then the PCs slapped Lakshmiyammal’s cheeks and asked her 

where she had kidnapped the child from. Lakshmiyammal insisted that there was no child with her when she 

descended from the train at Katpadi station. 

The PCs detained Lakshmiyammal all night. 

The next morning, a male PC arrived and resumed the interrogation. He hit Lakshmiyammal with a baton 

while the two female PCs pulled her hair. The police forced Lakshmiyammal to provide a thumb impression. 


2007

The advocate Selvi heard of a commotion at the Railway PS, arrived, and arranged to have Lakshmiyammal 

remanded as soon as possible. 

Lakshmiyammal was then produced at the JM IV court in Vellore, where she was ordered to be taken for 

medical examination at Adukkamparai Government Hospital. Lakshmiyammal was then remanded to the 

Vellore Women’s Jail. 

PI Chandrasekaran has stated that Lakshmiyammal was found with a child, refused to cooperate with the 

police, and provided contradictory testimony during interrogation. The PI believes Lakshmiyammal to be part 

of a child-trafficking mafia. 


271 

The advocate Selvi believes that Lakshmiyammal was subjected to police violence, but has doubts about 

Lakshmiyammal’s testimony. 

FF Code : TN/SVG 16/FEB/ 07 

Victim(s) : Latha 

Perpetrator(s) : Ramachandran, police officer 

Location : Ilayangudi taluk, Sivagangai Dist 


Case details: 

Mrs. Latha is a twenty-eight year-old member of the Hindu Pallar community. She works as a coolie and 

lives in the Ilayangudi taluk, Sivagangai District. Latha entered into a dispute with Manjula and went to the 

Salaikkiramam PS to file a complaint regarding the incident. However the Inspector replied that it was her 

husband Paulraj who started the quarrel and refused to register the complaint. Later at 3.00pm, Manickam, 

Ramalingam and Manjula came to the station and the SI received a complaint from them. Latha asked 

policewomen Mrs. Revathy their complaint. She told Latha to put her complaint on the table and leave. 


2007 

On 19 th February 2007 at 11.00am, PO Ramachandran went to Latha’s house. He ordered Paulraj to come 

with him. Paulraj replied that he was having his food and would come after his dinner. Hearing this Ramachandran 

scolded Paulraj, took his stick, and went to beat Paulraj. Due to fear Pualraj ran away. The police then 

became furious and thrashed Latha on her chest and kicked her with their boots. Latha’s father–in-law begged 

the police not to beat Latha. However, the police continued to beat her. While they beat her, they said, 

“Enthiridi, Station kku vadi, Ennadi Nadikkira.” Later a team of about 10 policemen came to her house looking 

for Paulraj.

On 21 st February 2007, a complaint was given to DSP about the incident. Later on 27 th February 2007, a police 

team headed by Ramachandran came to Latha’s house and enquired about Paulraj. She replied that nothing 

is known about him. The police then took Latha’s relatives Sandhanam and Sankar to the PS where they were 

detained until the next day. Latha informed SP about the arrest and thus they were released by 12.00pm. 

Latha filed a complaint with the District Collector, SP, RDO, SHRC, and the SC&ST of women commission on 

1 st March 2007. 


Victim(s) : 1) Veeran; 2) Rajenderan 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajagopal, Reserve Police 

Location : Saidapet Road, Vadapalani, 

Chennai 



272 

Case Details: 

Victim Veeran is an advocate, and once represented a prisoner named Alias. Victim Rajenderan is also an 

advocate. 

On 5 September 2007 at around 5.00pm, the Reserve Police brought about ten pisoners – including Alias – 

from the Central Puzhal Prison to Saidapet Court in a van. On their arrival, Veeran spoke to Alias. Reserve 

Police Officer Rajagopal, irritated, scuffled with Veeran. Rajenderan tried to stop them. The officer struck 

Rajenderan with his cap, injuring Rajenderan near his eyes. The officer insulted both Veeran and Rajenderan, 

calling them “thevidar paiya.” Assistant Commissioner Natraj and Deputy Commissioner Seishaye arrived 

and stopped the scuffle. 

Veeran and Rajenderan went to the hospital and returned with a medical certificate. 

Later, Veeran and Rajenderan went to the Kotturpuram PS and filed a complaint with PI Rajenderan. The 

Assistant Commissioner assured them that he would take action, but no action was taken. 

An officer at the police station, on enquiry, stated that PI Rajenderan and the police writer were both unavailable, 

and refused to provide their contact information. 


2007


273 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/KK 71/NOV/07 

Victim(s) : Rani 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed PC; 

2) Maraiarosely, SI 

Location : Vadacheri PS, Veturmadam, 

Agastheswaram Taluk, Kanya 

Kumari District 


Victim Rani is thirty-four years old. 

On 14 July 2007 at 3.00pm, one Sekar was attacked near Kamarajapuram. Sekar later went to the 

Asaripallan Hospital for treatment. 

At 9.00pm, when Rani was sleeping at her house, the police arrived, woke her up, held her hair, and insulted 

her. The police took her to the police station. 

At 1.15am, the police took Rani back to the police station. The PC on duty accused Rani of beating Sekar. 

Then the PC beat Rani with a baton on her buttocks and shoulder about six times. SI Maraiarosely told Rani 

to sleep in the lock-up room. 

Rani could not sleep all night because of fear and pain. 

On 15 July 2007, the police filed a complaint against Rani and four others (Crime No. 759/2007) under ss. 

323, 324, 341, and 506(ii) IPC. The police produced Rani before the Judicial Magirstrate II, Nagerkoil. Rani 

was remanded to the Nagerkoil Sub-Jail before being released on bail. 


2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/SAL 64/AUG/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Pappathi; 2) other injured 

demonstrators 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ashok Kumar, DSP; 

2) Selvaraj, PI; 3) unnamed POs, 

Theevatipatti PS 

Location : Pannapatty village, Salem District 


On 23 July 2007, Vazharamathi, age 13, fell from a bus and died. The bus driver ran away. Bystanders 

gathered and blocked the of Salem-Dharmapuri National Highway road for over an hour.

On knowing the news, PU Selvaraj arrived with some other policemen, spoke to the crowd, and asked them 

to disperse. However, the crowd called the Branch Manager of Transport (TSTC) and the District Collector 

(Salem) to come and to render justice. 

After an hour, the DSP Ashok Kumar arrived with a team of twelve policemen. They began to attack the crowd 

indiscriminately, beating them with iron-edged batons without even warning them to disperse or making any 

enquiry. Amongst the hundreds of injured was victim Pappathi, who sustained injuries to her face. 

The injured demonstrators were treated in various hospitals. 

Complaints were sent to the National Human Rights Commission, the State Human Rights Commission, the 

National Commission for Women, and the Tamil Nadu State Commission for Women. 


Victim(s) : Lourdu Anthony 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Anandhakumar, PI 

2) Rajendran, SI 3) Sridhar, SP 

4) Kingslean, D.S.P 

Location : Surandai PS, Veerakeralampudhur 

Taluk, Tirunelveli 



274 

Case details 

On 12 th October 2007 at around 6.00pm a police jeep stopped in front of victim Lourdu Anthony’s house. The 

police asked Lourdu Anthony’s father to direct him to the PS for inquiry, and explained that Lourdu Anthony 

had not done any wrong; they just wanted to speak to him. Lourdu Anthony was summoned. 

Lourdu Anthony was taken to Surandai PS. At the station, Head PC Shanmugam noted Lourdu Anthony’s 

details and obtained his signature on a blank piece of paper. Lourdu Anthony asked why the police needed his 

details and information. Head PC Shanmugam replied that he would know the reason when the SI arrived. 

Around 8.00pm, Lourdu Anthony was taken to the SI’s room. The SI told him that one Arumugam made a 

complaint that some old iron materials and a bicycle were stolen from the workshop where Lourdu Anthony 

previously worked. 

The SI threatened to kill Lourdu Anthony if he did not return the goods. Lourdu Anthony said he was not 

involved in the matter. Thereafter, the SI beat Lourdu Anthony for almost an hour. The S.I. struck Lourdu 

Anthony with a baton on his buttocks. The SI slapped Lourdu Anthony and smashed his head into the wall four 

times. Lourdu Anthony felt he was about to faint. He pleaded to be released. 

The PC threatened him not to reveal what had happened during the enquiry. 


2007

FF Code : TN/MDU 70/SEPT/07 

Victim(s) : D. Karthik 

Perpetrator(s) : POs Keelavalavu PS 

Location : Keelavalavu village, Melur Taluk, 

Madurai dist 


Case Details 


275 

The victim Karthik, aged 21, belongs to Kallar community. On 31 st August 2007, Karthik and his friends were 

talking at a cultural programme. Two security policemen asked Karthik why he was roaming around there. 

They grabbed Karthik’s shirt and punched him. The PO kicked Karthik in his genitals with his boot and 

slapped his cheek. The PO strangled Karthik and then kicked him in his lower abdomen. Karthik fell to the 

ground. After he fell, the POs stamped on his head. 

Karthik was admitted to the Govt. Hospital and he registered a MLC. A SBCP inquired on the case while 

Karthik was in the hospital. SI Amirthalingam received the complaint. 


2007 

Case Details 


Law college students 

Victim(s) : Periyakaruppan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Somasundaram, PO 

2) Thavamani, HPC 

Location : Madurai 


The victim Periyakaruppan was a first year student in the Government Law College. Following his professor’s 

instructions, he went to a photo studio on a motorcycle. Periyakaruppan wore a helmet, but his passenger 

Senthil, did not. The traffic HPC Thavamani asked Periyakaruppan to stop his vehicle. The HPC asked for 

the Periyakaruppan’s driver’s license and Insurance. Periyakaruppan told the police that they were from 

Govt. Law College. The police rebuked them using filthy words and made both of them get into the police jeep. 

The police ordered Periyakaruppan to pay them Rs. 500. Periyakaruppan refused. The police pushed over 

Periyakaruppan’s motorcycle. PO Somasundaram took Periyakaruppan’s camera and cell phone and 

threw them onto the grown. 

Periyakaruppan lodged a complaint at the Tallakulam PS. But the police did not register an F.I.R. A.I.A.D.M.K. 

Students Wing Secretary lodged a complaint in court. The police told the judge that an F.I.R was registered 

on the complaint given by the students. The Judge advised the students not to make an issue about the 

complaint.

All the students then staged a demonstration in front of the Court. A team of 30 policemen lathi-charged the 

students. The students were pushed into a police van and taken to Mariamman Temple. Members from 

A.I.A.D.M.K. Party went and talked with the Deputy Commissioner of Police and asked him to take the injured 

student for medical treatment. The police took the students to the hospital. The police then registered an FIR 

on 29 students at Anna Nagar PS. On 19 th October 2007, the police remanded the students to the court. They 

were released on conditional bail. 


Victim(s) : Narayanan 

Perpetrator(s) : Aruppukottai police 

Location : Madurai District 



Case Details: 

The victim Narayanan, aged 26, belongs to Kal Ottar community. On 9 th September 2007, the police took 

Narayanan and his friend, Thangaraj, to Aruppukottai PS to inquire about a gold theft. There, five POs beat 

Narayanan on his back. Narayanan tried to explain that he only was in town to attend a wedding, but police did 

not listen. 

On 11 th September 2007, Narayanan and his friend were taken to Kariyapatti PS and a false case, alleging that 

they were pickpockets and had stolen Rs.130, was filed against them. Narayanan was presented in 

Virudhunagar Court, and remanded to Madurai Central Jail. He was released on conditional bail on 12 th 

October 2007. 


Victim(s) : Paramasivam 

Perpetrator(s) : PI, Thiruvengadam PS 

Location : Pavalzhi Panchayat, 

Virudhunagar, Madurai 


276 

Case Details 

The victim Paramasivam, aged 54, belongs to Kal Ottar community, and worked grinding stone. On 28 th 

September 2007, when the victim was sleeping, nine policemen grabbed Paramasivam by his hair and 

beat him on the back. One PO beat the Paramasivam’s wife repeatedly with a baton. The PO accused 

Paramasivam of burglary. 

Paramasivam was taken to Thiruvengadam PS. He was detained for three days before being released 

from custody. 


2007


Victim(s) : Kalimuthu 

Perpetrator(s) : Chatrapatti police officers 

Location : Veerapandiya Nagar, 

Karuppayurani, Madurai 


Case Details 


277 

The victim Kalimuthu aged 25, belongs to the Kal Ottar community, and earns his living by moulding grinder 

stones. On 28 th June 2007, the police grabbed Kalimuthu and arrested him. Kalimuthu was taken to 

Chatrapatti PS. At the PS, the police grabbed Kalimuthu by his hair and beat him on his back with the palms 

of their hands. They twisted Kalimuthu’s right hand and turned it backwards, causing him severe pain. The 

police continued to beat Kalimuthu, and demanded that he turn over the ornament that he allegedly stole. 

The police then took Kalimuthu to Karuppayurani PS and filed a case against him for stealing a 5 ½- 

sovereign gold ornament. While being detained in Madurai Central Jail, another arrest warrant was issued 

on Kalimuthu for allegedly stealing 7 ½ sovereign gold ornament in Umachikulam. Kalimuthu was in jail from 

1 st July 2007 to 23 rd August 2007 under the order of the court. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Chellapandi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed PI; 2) unnamed POs 

Location : Samayanallur, Madurai 


Victim Chellapandi is seventy years old. 


2007 

On 12 June 2007, a team of ten policemen led by a PI arrived in a police van and knocked on Chellapandi’s 

door. When Chellapandi opened the door, the officers kicked him with booted feet. When Chellapandi tried to 

get up, an officer hit him with a baton on his right hand and pushed him down. Chellapandi could not breathe 

properly (he was already an asthmatic). The PI shouted “Where is your bastard son?” Chellapandi asked 

the PI why he was being so insulting. The PI threatened to file a false case against Chellapandi’s son and to 

kill him. The policemen entered Chellapandi’s house, searched for something, and then left. 

Chellapandi was admitted to the Government Hospital in Madurai for treatment. 

On 16 July 2007, Chellapandi left the Hospital.

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Ansari 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed HC;2) unnamed PO 

Location : Town PS, Srivilliputhur, 

Virudhunagar District 


Victim Ansari is thirty-five years old and a Muslim. 

On 13 August 2007, Ansari stopped at the front gate en route to a hearing at the Court in Srivilliputhur. There, 

an HC on security duty insulted Ansari’s religion, saying “You Muslim guys have become arrogant nowadays!” 

Ansari asked the HC why he was insulting Ansari’s religion. The HC threatened to have Ansari beaten to 

death in prison. 

Other officers arrived and took Ansari to his hearing. 

After the hearing, Ansari went to the Town PS. There, an officer on duty stripped Ansari for a search. The 

officer poked Ansari’s anus forcefully with a baton until Ansari bled. 

The next day, Ansari was treated at a clinic on the Central Prison campus. 


278 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : R. Manivannan 

Perpetrator(s) : Manivannan, SI 

Location : Athirampattinam, Pattukotai Taluk, 



Victim Manivannan, age 48, resides on Sethu Road in Athirampattinam, Pattukotai Taluk, Tanjore District. He 

owns a hotel. 

On 1 November 2007 at 1.00pm, Manivannan entered into a scuffle with the supervisor of the TASMAC wine 

shop. After leaving the wine shop, Manivannan consulted a soothsayer at Sekar’s cycle shop nearby, desiring 

to know the horoscope of his sixteen year-old grandson. Manivannan paid the soothsayer Rs. 20 for the 

service provided. 

At 12.30pm, SI Manivannan and an unnamed PC came in an auto to victim Manivannan’s house and asked 

him to come outside. In the street, the police questioned victim Manivannan, asked him whether he was a 

rowdy who yelled in the street, and accused him of slapping the soothsayer. Victim Manivannan rejected the 


2007

allegation and asked the police about the source of this misinformation. The SI asked victim Manivannan if 

he intended to cross-examine the police before slapping him twice on his cheeks. Victim Manivannan felt 

dishonoured because he had been slapped in front of his house. The SI told victim Manivannan to stand still 

for one hour and then left. 

Victim Manivannan stood in the rain for one hour. His wife called AC Ravichandran to inform him about victim 

Manivannan’s treatment by the police. AC Ravichandran said that victim Manivannan could return to his 

house and promised to discuss the matter with the SI. 


279 

The SI has stated that victim Manivannan often scuffles with everyone and that on the date of the incident he 

yelled abusively in the road. The SI added that victim Manivannan also thrashed the soothsayer. He insists 

that victim Manivannan was warned and asked to leave the street, but that victim Manivannan had protested 

and refused to do so. 


Victim(s) : Mathi 

Perpetrator(s): 

1) Hemalatha, female SI; 

2) unnamed PI 

Location : Athirampattinam PS, Pattukotai 

Taluk, Tanjore 


Case details: 

Victim Mathi resides within the jurisdiction of Athirampattinam PS, Pattukotai Taluk, Tanjore. 

In October 2007, Mathi had a dispute with Ezhil, supervisor of a liquor shop with no permit. Ezhil verbally 

abused Mathi and threatened him as well. 

On 2 November 2007, Mathi’s friend had an argument with Ezhil, whom he accused of adulterating drinks 

with water. Ezhil threatened to thrash Mathi’s friend and to file a false charge against him. 


2007 

Mathi lodged a complaint with SI Hemalatha, alleging that Ezhil had no liquor permit. The SI asked Mathi 

“How dare you file a complaint against the shop?” She made Mathi sit near a lock-up room until 3.30pm, and 

later tore up Mathi’s complaint in front of him. When Mathi questioned the SI’s action, a PI slapped his 

cheeks twice. The SI asked Mathi whether his complaint meant that he suggested that Ezhil had bribed the 

police. She then beat Mathi on his back. She made Mathi bend over and hit his back again. Mathi pleaded 

for the SI to stop, as he was unable to bear the pain. The SI threatened to lock him up on a theft charge. 

Finally, the police let Mathi go. 

Out of fear, Mathi has refused to file a complaint.


Victim(s) : Mayazhagu 

Perpetrator(s) : Nagaraj, PC 



Case Details: 

Victim Mayazhagu resides at Kalkurichi village in Manamadurai Taluk, Sivagangai District. 

Mayazhagu loaned Rs. 10,000 to Palammal, who resides in the same village. When Palammal did not return 

the money as promised, Mayazhagu beat her. 

On 7 November 2007 at around 11.00am, Palammal’s husband, Pandi, lodged a complaint against Mayazhagu 

at the SIPCOT PS. Based on this complaint, PC Nagaraj took Mayazhagu to the station. There, the PC beat 

Mayazhagu with a baton twice on his back and legs. The PC filed a case against Mayazhagu and detained 

him at the station until 4.00pm. 

The PC has since stated that he already had three pending charges against Mayazhagu, including the 

murder of his father and the torture of his wife after demanding a dowry. 

Palammal maintains that not only did Mayazhagu beat her, but he also demanded that she have sex with him. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Mayazhagu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sakthi , PC; 2) Nagaraj, PC 

Location : SIPCOT Police station 


Victim Mayazhagu resides at Kalkurichi village in Manamadurai Taluk, Sivagangai District. He belongs to the 

Hindu Pallar community and owns a mini truck. On 9 October 2007 at around 4.00pm, while Mayazhagu was 

having his bath, two PCs Sakthi and Nagaraj came to his residence and asked him to appear in the station, as 

they had received a complaint about him. Mayazhagu replied that he would come to the station immediately. 

While Mayazhagu was on his way to the station, PC Sakthi intercepted him, caught hold of his shirt, started to 

beat him, and accused him of engaging in illegal sand quarrying. The PC took Mayazhagu to the police station 

and made him sit in the lock-up room. PC Nagaraj asked Mayazhagu whether he had any money. The PC 

also threatened Mayazhagu with permanent incarceration. PC Sakthi then beat Mayazhagu again with a 

baton on his back and made him remove his shirt. The police did not permit Mayazhagu to make any 

telephone calls; they made him stay in the station until 10.00pm and continued to beat him. 


280 


2007

Mayazhagu’s wife learned of his arrest; she informed Mayazhagu’s mother, who went to the station. There, 

the police demanded Rs. 5,000 from Mayazhagu’s mother in order to set her son free. 

Mayazhagu’s mother could only amass Rs. 2,000, which she gave to the police. The police then set 

Mayazhagu free. 

The police have denied the above facts. They maintain that one Tahsildar had informed them that Mayazhagu 

was engaged in illegal sand quarrying, and that they just gave Mayazhagu a simple warning. 



281 

2007 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/VEL 103/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Chokeswaran (expired), 

2) Mohan, 3) Saravanan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Mrs. Sakunthala, SI, Arcot PS 

2) Mrs. Vasanthi SI, Arcot PS 

Location : Village Police Station, Arcot 


Victims Chokeswaran, Mohan, and Saravanan were arrested and interrogated for allegedly stealing teak 

trees form an ex-MLA’s field. On 9 th December 2007, at 11.00pm police went to victims’ village and asked 

all them to come to the Taluk PS. At the PS, SI Ms. Sakunthala and Ms. Vasanthi told victims that there was 

a complaint against them for cutting down and selling teak trees for Rs.600. 

Victims were sent to an adjacent room where another constable came and told them to confess to the crime 

or they would be beaten. After half an hour, SI Sakunthala told victims that she would detain them if they did not 

confess. Victims denied having anything to do with the crime. The SI told them strip to their underpants. 

When victims hesitated, they were struck on their hands with batons. The constable hit Saravanan with the 

baton for staring at him. 

Later another constable, who had come for duty, let victims put on their clothes and have some tea. Then, SI 

Vasanthi arrived. She grabbed Chokeswaran by the collar and slammed him into the doorframe for staring 

at her. She slapped his cheeks four times, and then kicked him with her boot. Chokeswaran fell to the ground. 

The HC yelled at the rest of them, and told them they should have poisoned themselves rather than steal. 

Victims were stripped of their clothes. SI threatened to hang the victims upside down. SI Vasanthi forced 

victims to kneel down and she photographed them. She told them to accept the crime or she would charge 

all theft cases against them and dishonour them by publishing their photograph at the bus stand. SI Vasanthi 

then hit Chokeswaran 15 times on his back and hit Mohan on his back and buttocks five times. Then she left. 

Chokeswaran felt dishonoured for being beaten for a crime he did not do. Subsequently, he committed 

suicide. The RDO enquired into the matter and said the SI behaved wrongly. He said she would be 

suspended.


Victim(s) : Moorthy 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajesh, SI of Manamadurai PS 

Location : Sivagangai 


Case Details: 

On 6 th April 2007 at 2.00pm victim Moorthy went to the Thyamangalam bus stand where he got into a scuffle 

with a bus driver. The traffic police tried to separate them. Soon the SI Rajesh arrived and thrashed Moorthy 

on his back, hands and legs. SI Rajesh forced Moorthy to walk to the PS. At the Station, SI Rajesh again beat 

Moorthy. 

Despite the demands of DMK party members, the police refused to release Moorthy. Moorthy was 

produced before the Manamadurai Court and a case was filed on his name. He came out on bail after five 

days. At present, the case is under investigation. 


282 


Victim(s) : Muniyasamy 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Unnamed SI; 

2) three unnamed PCs 

Location : Tanjore West PS, Satherum 

Karupur, Kumbakonam 


Case details: 

Victim Muniyasamy, age 35, belongs to the Hindu Nadar community and earns his living by preparing and 

selling sweets. On one occasion, he borrowed money from the owner of the Pechimuthu Oil Store. 

On 8 May 2007 at 2.00am, an SI with three PCs in civilian dress, accompanied by Muniayasamy’s fatherin-law 

and Councillor Ganaraj, came to Muniyasamy’s house and asked him to come to the police station. 

When Muniyasamy’s wife asked why, the police didn’t respond. She again asked for the arrest warrant and 

immediately one policeman pushed her neck towards the wall and replied “Are you asking for the arrest 

warant?” The police took Muniyasamy to the Tanjore West PS. At 6.00am, Muniyasamy’s wife went to the 

station and asked for permission to meet Muniyasamy. However, the police allowed her to speak with him 

for only five minutes. 

At 7.00am, some leaders of TN Vanigar Sangam came to the station and asked for Muniyasamy’s release. 

The police then asked Muniyasamy to sign certain documents relating to money he had borrowed. 


2007

Muniyasamy refused to sign, stating that he would pay back the money soon. Therefore the police were 

unwilling to release Muniyasamy. 

The Sangam made a Dharna, so DSP Almashri came to the station and asked for a compromise. 

At 2.00pm, the police released Muniyasamy, who has agreed to pay back the money he owes as soon as 

possible. Muniyasamy’s wife experienced pain for nearly three days due to her treatment by the police. 


283 



Perpetrator(s) : 1) Arumugam@Isakki, PI 

2) Jamal, SI 3) Sridhar, SP 

Location : Kallidaikurichi police, Pottal 

Village, Ambasamudram 


Case details 

On 3 rd September 2007, Mr. Madhavan, the owner of a kiln, made a complaint about a theft at his factory to the 

Kallidaikurichi PS. On 4 th September 2007, SI Jamal and one head PC came to inquire. They interrogated 

everyone in the kiln, including victim Murugan. 

On 5 th September 2007, Murugan did not go to work because he was painting his house. Around 10.00am, 

SI Jamal and the head PC went to Murugan’s house and told Murugan to get into the jeep. When he got into 

the jeep, he noticed that an individual named Subramaniam and a tarpaulin were in the car. The police took the 

three men to Kallidaikurichi PS. 

Murugan said he had no connection to the theft case. The SI shouted at him and demanded that Murugan 

confess to the crime. The PI slapped Murugan. The SI accused Murugan of asking Subramaniam to steal 

the tarpaulin; worth Rs. 10,000/-. The SI added that Subramaniam had told him everything. SI Jamal punched 

Murugan in the back. 


2007 

Meanwhile, Subramanian was sitting inside the clerk’s room. He was called and asked to narrate the incident. 

According to Subramaniam, on 3 rd September 2007, Murugan asked him to steal the tarpaulin and keep at it 

at Subramaniam’s home. Murugan told the police that Subramaniam was lying and was falsely accusing 

Murugan. Around 3.00pm, the SI asked the head PC to file a case against Murugan and take him to the Court. 

The head PC took Murugan’s finger prints. Police officers took both Murugan and Subramaniam to the court. 

On the way, they were threatened that if they told the Judge about the torture, false cases would be filed against 

them. They were produced before the Judicial Magistrate Court at Ambasamudram and remanded for 14 

days. The next day, Murugan was released on bail. Subramanian still is in the jail.


Victim(s) : Muthulakshmi 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed PI 

Location : All Women PS, Sivagangai. 


Case Details: 

Victim Muthulakshmi, age 31, belongs to the Hindu Yadar Community, resides with her husband at 

Kanchirangal Village, and earns her living by working as coolie. She was not on good terms with her brother, 

Poovalingam, because he married without her consent. 

On 8 September 2007 at 9.00pm, two female PCs came to Muthulakshmi’s house and asked her to come 

with them to the police station because the PI wanted to meet her. Muthulakshmi replied that she would come 

as soon as her husband returned from his shop. However, the PCs forcibly took Muthulakshmi from her 

house and brought her to the station in an auto. 

At the station, the PI interrogated Muthulakshmi about her brother. Muthulakshmi replied that she was on 

poor terms with her brother because he had married without her consent. The PI slapped Muthulakshmi and 

made her sit in the PI’s office. 

At 11.30pm, the PI forced Muthulakshmi to sign a paper whose contents she was prevented from knowing, 

under the threat of having a false charge of kidnapping filed against her. 

When Muthulakshmi’s husband learned that she was at the station, he went there with Chokkalingam (Vice- 

President of the Panchayat, Kanchirangal). Muthulakshmi was later released. 

Muthulakshmi filed a complaint against the PI with the Superintendent of Police. The next week, a female PC 

came to Muthulakshmi’s house and asked her to compromise and to accept some money – but Muthulakshmi 

refused. No further action has been taken on Muthulakshmi’s complaint. 


284 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : Muthuramalingam 

Perpetrator(s) : Subramani, PI 

Location : Madhukoor PS, Pattukottai 

Taluk, Tanjore District 

Date of incident : Week of 08/10/2007 

Victim Muthuramalingam, age 27, resides on Agraharam Street, within the jurisdiciton of Madhukoor PS, 

Pattukottai Taluk, Tanjore District. He supports his family by working as fish vendor. 


2007

In the second week of October 2007 at 7.30pm, Muthuramalingam quarrelled with Dharman (from the 

Illangadu area) at the Pattukottai wine shop. A policeman who was present held Muthuramalingam’s shirt 

and hit him hard with his hand on his cheek and back. 

At 7.50pm, the officer took Muthuramalingam to Madhukoor PS at 7.50pm. 

At around 9.00pm, PI Subramani slapped Muthuramalingam about four times. The PI also insulted 

Muthuramalingam, saying “You drunken dog, who creates problems on the road – you ought to be imprisoned 

under a ganja charge.” 

Later, the local President and Muthuramalingam’s father arrived and spoke with the PI. 


285 

At 10.00pm, the PI released Muthuramalingam. 

Muthuramalingam fears trouble from the police if he pursues a grievance against the PI. 


Victim(s) : Nagaraj 

Perpetrator(s) : Tamil Selvam, Deputy 

Supreintendant 

Location : Central Jail, Theerapadi, Vellore 


Case Details: 

Victim Nagaraj, age 38, belongs to the Adhi-Dravidar caste and resides at Raja Ganapathy Nagar, Mettur 

Dam, Salem District. 

On 25 July 2007, Nagaraj was convicted and sent to Vellore Central Jail. 

On 7 September 2007, Nagaraj filed a written complaint with Deputy Superintendent Tamil Selvam against 

Murugesan. Samy and Nedunchezhiyan also submitted similar petitions. 

On 10 September 2007, Tamil Selvam demanded that Nagaraj withdraw his complaint. Nagaraj refused. 


2007 

On 12 September 2007, Tamil Selvam visited the convicts’ area and threatened to beat Nagaraj to death 

unless he withdrew his petition. Tamil Sevam also insulted Nagaraj’s mother. 

On 17 September 2007, Nagaraj submitted petitions to change jails. 

On 20, 21, and 24 September, Nagaraj’s petitions were rejected. 

Tamil Selvam later beat Nagaraj on his back and shoulders. 

Nagaraj was admitted to the General Hospital on the Jail campus.

FF Code : TN/CHE 29/MAY/07 

Victim(s) : 1) Nagarajan; 2) Dinesh; 3) Ganesan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ragupathy, PI; 2) Natarajan, SI 

Location : P1 Pulianthopu PS 


Case Details: 

The victims are all of the Adi-Dravidar caste and reside in the same village. 

A rowdy man named Ravi forcefully gave beef to Palani’s young son. When Palani and victim Ganesan 

questioned Ravi about this action, Ravi tried to pull Ganesan’s shirt off and to beat him. Other villagers 

approached and tried to stop Ravi. However, Ravi took two soda bottles from a nearby shop and tried to 

assault Ganesan. Ganesan tried to resist, with some trouble because his left hand was functionless due to 

polio. 


286 

Shortly afterwards, the villagers gathered. Victim Dinesh, victim Nagarajan, and others called the police. Two 

patrol vans came from P1 Pulianthopu Police Station. 

Later, the victims and approximately thirty other villagers went to P1 Pulianthopu Police Station, where they 

complained to PI Ragupathy, who asked Sub-PI Natarajan to respond. However, Ravi began to abuse the 

victims verbally, using words like “thevidar paiya” in front of the police. The SI laughed at this and threatened 

the victims instead of taking any complaints. The SI also asked Dinesh why he accompanied victim Nagarajan, 

whom he said was not a man of good reputation. The SI then asked for a bribe before taking Rs. 200 – which 

he said he needed for auto charges – from Dinesh’s pocket. 

Since the PI had done nothing, the villagers sat on a footpath to protest calmly. They began a hunger strike 

at 11.50am on 28 April 2007. The PI and the SI arrived, took Dinesh and Nagarajan to the police station, and 

beat the two men all over their body. The SI also slapped Dinesh on his right cheek, kicked his hip with a 

booted foot, and stepped forcefully on his foot. The victims ran out of the station in panic; the police chased 

them and assaulted everyone who protested with batons. The police also thrashed the people gathered 

there, slapped the women with their hands, and prevented anyone from entering the station. About eight 

women, ten children and ten men were injured. 

Nagarajan, Dinesh, and Ganesan all filed complaints about the police. They were admitted to the Stanley 

Hospital at 12.30am and discharged at about 1.00pm. 


2007

FF Code : TN/SVG 91/DEC/ 07 

Victim(s) : Nagarani 

Perpetrator(s) : Nagarajan, Inspector 

Location : Erwadi Dharha PS, Kadaladi 

Taluk, Ramanathapuram District 


Case details: 


287 

Victim Nagarani, age 30, resides with her husband at Chairman Nagar, Chinna Erwadi in Kadaladi Taluk, 

Ramanathapuram District. She belongs to the Christian-Valayar community and works as a cook in an 

Anganvadi Center. 

Nagarani often scuffles with one Poomam, who lives in the same area. After one such scuffle on 17 

November 2007, Nagarani went to the Erawadi Dharha PS to lodge a copmlaint. There, PI Nagarajan 

slapped Nagarani’s cheeks, saying “Have you come to lodge a complaint? I received all sorts of information 

about you over the phone!” 

Nagarani filed a complaint against the PI with the SP and DSP. 

The PI has stated that, although Nagarani came to file a complaint against Poomam, it was Nagarani who 

thrashed Poomam and who accused her of having an illicit relationship with Nagarani’s husband. The PI 

also stated that Nagarani’s elder brother had called him and suggested that it might be better just to warn the 

two women – which, in Nagarani’s case, he insists that he did, rather than assaulting her physically. 

The village head, Thavasi Andi, has stated that Poomam is not of good character, but that she has not 

engaged in an illicit relationship with Nagarani’s husband. 


2007 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) Narayan; 2) Thangarasu; 3) Muthu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Vujayan; 2) unnamed POs 

Location : Aruppukottai PS 


Victims Narayan and Thangarasu reside at Muniyandipuram, 2nd Street, Vilacheri, Madurai. Victim Muthu 

resides in Virudhunagar. 

On 8 September 2007, Narayan and Thangarasu went to Kamudhi to attend the marriage ceremony of one 

of their relatives.

At around 2.00am, while Narayan and Thangarasu were sleeping, police officers arrived and took them to the 

town police station, accusing them of having stolen a golden ornament. 

At the station, the police interrogated Narayan and Thangarasu and told them to produce the ornament. 

Narayan and Thangarasu said that they knew nothing about the case. Five officers, including Vijayan, 

proceeded to beat them. 

At around 4.00pm, the police also brought Muthu to the station. They locked him in a room, bent his fingers, 

and banged his legs against the wall. 

On 11 September 2007, the police brought Narayan and Thangarasu to the Kariyapatti PS and filed a case 

against them. The police then took Narayan and Thangarasu to the Virudhunagar Court, from where they were 

remanded to Madurai Central Jail. 

On 12 October 2007, Narayan and Thangarasu were released on bail. 


FF Code : TN/ KK 51/OCT/07 

Victim(s) : A. Nisham 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed PC 

Location : Kulachal PS 


288 

Case Details: 

Victim Nisham, a Muslim, resides at R/O 204, opposite the Muslim Arts College, Thiruvidhangodu 629 174. On 

11 October 2007 at around 7.30pm, one of Nisham’s relatives in Kulachal telephoned him and asked for 

assistance at his shop. Nisham went with his neighbour, Bagarutheen, to the shop. 

When Nisham was about one kilometre from Kulachal, at the VKP junction, four unnamed PCs from the 

Kulachal PS were checking vehicles. The Constbales stopped Nisham’s vehicle. One PC approached 

Nisham and struck him with a baton on his back. Nisham fell unconscious, and scraped the skin on his face; 

Nisham began to bleed. Bagarutheen swabbed Nisham’s injury with a cloth. 

The PC who had struck Nisham got him some water. Nisham regained consciousness. 


2007


Victim(s) : Pandiammal 

Perpetrator(s) : Sakthi, PC 



Case Details: 

Victim Pandiammal, age 37, belongs to the Hindu Pallar caste. Pandiammal engaged in a dispute with a 

woman named Raku, who accused Pandiammal of engaging in sexual relations with her husband. 


289 

On 15 September 2007 at 11.00pm, Pandiammal saw Raku near her house with a log. Annoyed, Pandiammal 

hit Raku’s head with a log. Raku’s son Shankar lodged a complaint against Pandiammal at the SIPCOT PS. 

On 18 September 2007 at 12.00pm, PC Sakthi came to Pandiammal’s house and demanded that she 

accompany him to the police station. Pandiammal asked if she could come when her husband returned 

home, but the PC refused her request, grabbed her hand, and demanded that she come at once. Pandiammal 

informed her neighbours and went with the PC. 

At the station, the PC pulled Pandiammal’s sari and asked her if she engaged in rowdyism. The PC then 

slapped Pandiammal and struck her with his baton. The PC said that if Pandiammal wanted sexual relations 

with every village woman’s husband, then she could ask him as well. 

The PC detained Pandiammal at the station until 10.00pm, when her husband arrived to take her home. 

In fear of angering the police, Pandiammal and her husband do not wish to take action against the PC. 


2007 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : S. Pandian 

Perpetrator(s) : Samson, DSP 

Location : Sakkandhi Panchayat, 

Sivagangai (District) 


Victim Pandian, age 31, resides at Asisi Nagar, within boundary limits of Sakkandhi Panchayat, Sivagangai 

(District) Taluk. He belongs to the Hindu Nadar community and works as an agent in travel agency. In 2002, 

he married the younger sister of PC Pandi of the Sivagangai AR Wing. 

On 12 August 2007, Pandian quarrelled with his wife. She went to the PC’s house.

On 13 August 2007 at around 10.00pm, the PC entered Pandian’s house accompanied by three rowdies. 

The men proceeded to beat Pandian. 

The next day, Pandian’s father lodged a complaint against the PC with the SP. 

On 16 August 2007 at around 7.00pm, on the basis of the above complaint, PI Sibikumar of the Sivagangai 

Town PS conducted an enquiry. The PI came to Pandian’s village, interrogated the witnesses to the incident, 

and assured Pandian that he would file a case against the PC. However, nothing has been done. 

On 22 October 2007 at 7.00pm, DSP Samson of Sivagangai also conducted an enquiry. As part of the 

enquiry, Pandian and his father went to the police station. 

After the enquiry, the DSP asked Pandian to take his wife back home. Pandian responded that his wife was 

between seven and eight months pregnant, and that there was no one in his house to care for her – so he 

would take her back after their child was born. The DSP responded by threatening to file a dowry charge 

against Pandian and to imprison him. The DSP also slapped Pandian’s cheeks. When Pandian’s father 

objected, the DSP threatened that any case against Pandian would also affect his family. 


290 

The DSP made Pandian and his father sign statements before letting them return home. 


Victim(s) : Pandiyamma 

Perpetrator(s) : Jeyakrishnan, SI 

Location : Usilampatti Taluk,Thulakkampatti 


Case details 

Pandiyamma is married and has two children. For the past 13 years, she has lived at the foot of Kurukkampatti 

Mountain. Adi Dravidar made a complaint to the Sedapatti PS that Pandiyamma built her house on his private 

land and verbally abused Adi Dravidar. 

On 8 th September 2007, Sedapatti Sub PI Jeyakrishnan and another PC attacked Pandiyamma. He grabbed 

her hair and pushed her. He told Pandiyamma that if she did not vacate the house, he would file a case against 

her. After threatening them, the police officers left. 


2007



291 

2007 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : Ragunathan 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Sundar, PC 2) Kennedy, PC, 

Illayankudi PS 

Location : Near Kalliamman Temple, 

Thiruvallur,Illayankudi, 



Victim Raghunathan, age 50, belongs to the Hindu Pallar community and earns his living by working as a 

coolie and farmer. 

There was a dispute between Raghunathan and others regarding the land between the Kalliamman and 

Arokiamatha Temples. The High Court ruled in favour of Raghunathan, so his opponents appealed to the 

Supreme Court. The case is still pending. 

On 16 September 2007, the Christian Nadars of the village – namely Albert, Arokiasamy (Vice Panchayat 

President), Thiruvallur, James (PC, Salaigramam PS), and others – removed the stone idol from in front of 

the Kalliammam Temple. They insulted Ragunathan’s fellow Pallar caste members, asking “Why do you 

Pallar guys need God?” The men also threatened to kill anyone who questioned their actions. Reghunathan 

was not present while the said incident took place. 

On 18 September 2007, Ragunathan went to the Illayankudi PS and made a verbal complaint to PI Tholkapian 

about the incident. However, the PI threatened Raghunathan, asking “How dare you lodge a complaint 

against the policemen?” 

Later that day, Raghunatahn entered into a dispute with Albert, which ended in Albert using caste-related 

insults against Ragunathan. 

At around 4.00pm, two PCs from Illayankudi PS, Sundar and Kennedy, interrupted Raghunathan and asked 

about the complaint that he had made to the PI. Raghunathan realized that the PCs were drunk. PC Sundar 

insulted Ragunathan, saying “You, Palla dog, when I say there is a complaint, you keep questioning the 

policemen instead of coming to the police station.” PC Sundar used the cloth from Raghunathan’s shoulder 

to fasten Raghunathan’s hands behind him. Then PC Sundar slapped Raghunatahn harshly on his left ear 

and PC Kennedy kicked him with booted feet. Unable to bear the pain, Raghunatahn cried aloud and was 

scolded by PC Sundar for pretending to be innocent. PC Sundar also insulted Ragunathan with offensive 

terms like “thaayoli [bastard]” and slapped Raghunathan on his left ear. 

Raghunathan’s daughter, Devi, who saw the police beating her father, came running to the scene. She held 

PC Sundar’s leg and begged him to leave her father alone. PC Sundar kicked at her shoulder and pushed 

her down.

When Ragunathan’s neighbours arrived on the scene, the PCs fled. 

Due to his treatment by the PCs, Ragunathan experienced severe chest pain. 

At 9.00pm, a retired teacher named Alagarsamy took Ragunathan to the Illayankudi Government Hospital. At 

the hospital, the doctor asked Ragunathan for a medical memo. Algarsamy informed the District Collector, 

who advised him to contact the Medical Director. 

PI Tholkapian of Illayankudi PS, Crime SI Paethuru, and SPCID Murugesan came to the Hospital. The PI 

said to Ragunathan, “I would have taken action if you informed us, so why instead did you go to the DSP?” The 

officers then spoke to the on-duty doctor and left. 

Later, Raghunathan was transferred to the Government Hospital at Sivagangai, where he was admitted as an 

in-patient. 

On 19 September 2007, Ragunathan sent complaints regarding the incident to the CM’s Special Cell, the 

SHRC, the State SC/ST Director, the Police Commissioner (South Zone), the District Collector, the DSP, and 

the RDO. The police responded by fabricating a false charge against Ragunathan. 292 


Victim(s) : Raja 





Case Details: 

Victim Raja, age 23, resides at Krishnarajapuram Colony in Mamamadurai Taluk, Sivagangai District. He 

belongs to the Hindu Parayar Community and works as a daily wage labourer. 

Raja quarrelled often with his wife, Parameshwari. Following one such quarrel, on 29 October 2007, 

Parameshwari filed a complaint against Raja at the Manamadurai PS. 

Based on this complaint, SI Rajesh arrested Raja, took him to the station, confined him half-naked, and beat 

him. The SI hit Raja’s back with his hand and with a baton. Raja could not breathe properly. The SI scolded 

Raja in front of Parameshwari, saying “What work you are doing? You are not a man if you beat a woman 

and demand a dowry! If you are a real man, try beating me now!” 

Later, the SI made Raja and Parameshwari compromise. After the SI obtained a statement from both of 

them, he sent them home. 

Parameshwari has stated that Raja had affairs with other women and that he had tortured her, demanding 

money and gold. Because her mother had passed away and her father had remarried, Parameshwari 

believes that she had no other choice but to turn to the police. Parameshwari praised the SI for his quick 

response to her complaint. 


2007


Victim(s) : Rajendran 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Pazhanival, SI 

2) Chellakannu, PC 

Location : Malliyakkarai PS, Salem District. 


Case Details: 



294 

2007 

On 5th June 2007, the victim Rajendran, a 48 year-old member of the Hindu Vanniyar Community, went to the 

PS regarding the complaint his neighbours lodged against him. In the station SI Pazhanival threatened 

Rajendran for failing to report the previous day. 

On 8 th June 2007, Rajendran again went to the PS with his family. At around 4.30pm, SI Pazhanival came out 

and shouted, “Who is Rajendran?” When Rajendran went to the SI, the SI grabbed his shirt and dragged him 

into the PS. He started beating Rajendran with his baton on Rajendran’s thighs and back. Rajendran 

screamed aloud saying, “Sir, don’t beat me!” But the S.I didn’t stop. The SI caught Rajendran’s hair and 

slapped his cheeks. Seeing this, Rajendran’s son Babu begged the SI to stop beating his father. PC 

Chellakannu told Babu that no one will protect Rajendran, and further beat Rajendran on his face and back. 

The S.I then kicked Babu with his boot. 

Rajendran’s wife begged to the SI not to beat Rajendran. SI Pazhanivel shouted at her and kicked her hard 

in the chest with his boot. Rajendran’s wife fell to the floor in pain. SI Pazhanivel called her a “whore” and told 

her to leave, or “I will do whatever I wish, I have been in the Special Task Force police earlier. Nothing can be 

done against me!” 

Rajendran was on the floor in pain. SI Pazhanivel kicked him on his chest, and Rajendran screamed in pain. 

The public saw the abuse, begged the SI to stop, and pulled Rajendran from the station. Rajendran immediately 

fell unconscious. He was taken to Aathur Government Hospital. 

At around 10.30pm the SI went to the hospital. Out of fear, Rajendran’s family refused to go to the hospital. The 

SI found Rajendran’s family and threatened them not to report the police abuse. He said, if they did, he would 

file a false case against them under the Narcotics Act and put them all in jail.


Victim(s) : Ramachandaran 




Case Details: 

Victim Ramachandaran belongs to the Pallar caste. He became involved in a disagreement with Murugesan 

over a sale of land; the disagreement became a scuffle. Murugesan filed a complaint against Ramachandaran 

with SI Rajesh, who proceeded to call Ramachandaran often for enquiries and to demand money frequently 

from Ramachandaran. Ramachandaran responded by sending an advocate’s notice to Murugesan, which 

infuriated the SI. 

On 6 November 2007 at 6.00pm, when Ramachandran was standing near the VAO Office, the SI verbally 

abused him with caste-related insults. The SI took Ramachandaran to the police station in a two-wheeler. 

At the station, the SI continued to insult Ramachandaran and stamped on his right thigh with a booted foot. The 

SI beat Ramachandaran with a baton five times below his knees. Ramachandaran, unable to bear the pain, 

screamed aloud. 

Ramachandaran filed complaints with the DSP and the PI of Manamadurai PS, but nothing was done. 

Ramachandaran thus filed a complaint at the Madurai High Court Bench. The High Court ordered the 

Manamaduari Court to seek a solution to this problem; a case has thus been opened at the Manamaduari 

Court. 

The SI has denied Ramachandaran’s allegations. The PI of Manamadurai PS has alleged that the SI is a 

law-abiding officer. 


295 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Rani 

Perpetrator(s) : Kamala, SI 

Location : All Women PS 


Victim Rani belongs to the Hindu Pallan community often takes her family’s cattle to graze. She entered into 

a relationship with a man named Gobi, who lured her with false promises and trapped her into having sexual 

intercourse with him many times. Later, Gobi cheated Rani, so she informed her parents. Rani’s parents 

met Gobi’s parents and arranged their children’s marriage. Later, however, Gobi’s parents filed a false 

charge of prostitution against Rani. 


2007

On 11 October 2007 at around 10.00am, two policewomen approached Rani, grabbed her hand, and took her 

to an auto. The officers scolded Rani, saying that she was a prostitute. Rani’s mother came with Rani, and the 

police took both women to the All Women PS. On the way, the officers verbally abused Rani and her mother. 

At the station, the SI thrashed Rani with a baton, saying “Do you need a man now? Your mother also seems 

to help you like a pimp and your father collects money for it!” The SI continued to insult Rani and slapped her 

cheeks. 

The police made Rani sit in the station until 4.00pm before releasing her. 

Because of her physical and mental trauma, Rani later attempted suicide, but her parents stopped her. 


296 

The SI maintains that she has enquired into Rani’s case and has filed a case on Gobi that is currently pending 

before Sivagangai Court. 


Victim(s) : Ranjith 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed PCs 



Case Details: 

Victim Ranjith was a student at Government Unani Medical College, Arumbakkam, Chennai. 

In 2004, students protested against the College’s Vice Principal, who had threatened and scolded the students; 

the Vice Principal was thus transferred him to another place. However, he later returned as the College’s 

Principal. He misbehaved and threatened the students, prompting the students to engage in a strike. 


2007 

The picketing began on 26 November 2007. Approximately fifty police PCs responded by attacking the 

students with batons. One PC slapped the students and pushed them from the road. Others dragged students 

by their collars into police jeeps. Still others ran into the College and dragged students out into a police van. 

In particular, one PC used a baton to hit Ranjith’s hands, wrist, left knee, neck, and ribs. 

The police arrested many students and took them to Arumbakkam PS before releasing them at 6.30pm.



Perpetrator(s) : Srinivasan, HC 

Location : Out-Post PS, Vellore District, 

Vaniampadi Taluk, Thimampettai 


Case Details: 

Victim Ravi, age 42, belongs to the Hindu Naidu community and resides in Thimampettai village. 

On 15 August 2007 at around 8.00pm, Ravi was talking with some friends after work when HC Srinivasan 

passed by. The HC asked what Ravi and his friends were doing there. Ravi, unable to see who was 

speaking to them because of the darkness, said “okay, sir.” 

At 8.15pm, the HC (allegedly drunk) returned, called Ravi and his friends “bastards,” and asked what they 

were doing at that location. The HC slapped Ravi on both cheeks. Ravi asked the HC why he was slapping 

him and tried to stop the abuse. Four nearby men in Special Police uniforms asked Ravi and his friends how 

they dared to interrupt the HC’s actions. The HC called the men “pundai [a highly offensive term for female 

genitals],” removed his slippers, and hit Ravi with them more than ten times. 

The HC took Ravi and his friends to the Out-Post PS. There, the HC took a baton from a Special Policeman, 

hit Ravi’s thigh, and called Ravi a “pundai” and a “pichakaaran thaayoli.” The HC hit Ravi and his friends on 

their thighs. When Ravi tried to stop the HC, he received injuries to his finger and wrist. The HC hit Ravi’s 

stomach and knees. Ravi began to scream. 

Villagers who heard of Ravi’s treatment stopped the HC from beating him further. 

That night, Ravi could not sleep because of the pain. Both of his thighs were swollen stiff, and his left wrist hurt. 

Ravi could not walk because of the pain in his knee, and his watch had been smashed. 

Ravi went to a homeopathic doctor for treatment. 


297 


2007


Victim(s) : Sagayam (a) Sagayaraj 

Perpetrator(s) : Chellamuthu, PI 

Location : H3 PS, Thandayarpaettai, 

Chennai 




298 

2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Sayagam, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, resides at V.O.C., Nagar, Thandayarpaettai, Chennai. 

On 15 July 2007, Sayagam joined with 7 others and engaged thugs to kill Mr. Sheik Paridh Kadri Bala for 

having an illegal affair with Sharmila Banu Sheik Paridh Kadri Bala and engaging in magical art. 

Sayagam and his seven colleagues went into hiding until 18 July 2007. 

On 19 July 2007 at 3.30pm, Sayagam surrendered himself to Assistant Commissioner Murali of Vannarepettai 

PS. The police at the station verbally abused Sayagam, saying that he looked like an innocent person but had 

been involved in a murder. 

The police then transferred Sayagam to H3 PS, Thandayarpaettai. There, PI Chellamuthu made him sit in the 

entrance. The PI asked him wildly for details of the murder, threatening to kill Sayagam if he did not tell the truth. 

The PI then thrashed Sayagam’s knees. Sayagam shouted with pain and wandered painfully around the 

entrance room. Then, the PI asked Sayagam to stretch out his hands, which the PI then thrashed brutally. The 

PI also thrashed Sayagam on his back with both hands and a baton. 

An advocate came to the station and asked the PI to stop beating Sayagam. 

The PI asked Sayagam to sit in the entrance room till 5.00pm. 

At 6.00pm, the police presented Sayagam before the Magistrate at Beach Court. A judge ordered Sayagam 

to be detained at Puzhal Jail for one month. Sayagam was later released on bail.


Victim(s) : Sankar 

Perpetrator(s) : Radakrishnan, SI , D1 PS 



Case Details: 

Victim Sankar, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, earns his living by driving an auto in the Villivakkam area. On 17 

September 2007 at 6.30pm, he stopped his auto near Nagamuni theatre and waited for for customers. 

SI Radakrishnan, who was on his rounds with a PC, arrived, struck Sankar with a baton, abused him with 

filthy words like “thevidar paiya,” and demanded that he move his auto. The SI also struck the windshield of 

Sankar’s auto and cracked the glass. Sankar was dejected, and asked the SI why he had done that. The 

SI became angrier and again hit the glass. As Sankar refused to move his auto, the SI abused him again by 

calling him “ottha” and slapped him on his left cheek. The SI snatched Sankar’s auto key and asked the PC 

to take the auto to the station. Sankar replied that he earned his living by driving his auto and asked how he 

would survive without it. The SI threatened Sankar, saying that if he asked questions, the SI would take him 

to the station and beat him like a dog. 

Sankar described the incident Palani, Secretary of the Auto Drivers’ Association. Together, they went to the 

station at about 9.00pm. They asked to see PI Muthuvelu, Sub-PI Radakrishnan, and Sub-PI Vijayakumar, 

so that Sankar could recover his auto, which was his means of livelihood. However, the PI was stubborn and 

replied that Sankar had spoken harshly to the police, so could not recover his auto. Palani assured the PI that 

such an incident would not be repeated, but the PI did not listen. 

When Palani told the PI that he would file a case about the missing auto, the PI became nervous and agreed 

to a compromise. The PI, after warning Sankar, allowed him to take his auto. 


299 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Santhosh Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Pandian, SI; 2) unnamed PC 

Location : R6 PS, Chennai 


Victim Santhosh Kumar, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, resides at Palmore Street, West Mambalam, Chennai- 

33. He was involved in three scuffles for which his name was on file at the R6 PS. Afterwards, the police 

regularly arrested him whenever there was a scuffle or problem in the local area, and often abused him. They 

filed false charges against him and added his name to the list of rowdies. 


2007

On 3 December 2007 at around 3.00am, SI Pandian and an unnamed PC woke Santhosh Kumar and 

demanded that he accompany them to the police station. When Santhosh Kumar asked why, the SI replied 

“I am calling you; how dare you speak without respect?” and then slapped his cheek. The PC told Santhosh 

Kumar that he was being summoned as part of an enquiry, and that no charges would be filed against him. 

The policemen did not let Santhosh Kumar inform his parents about the matter. The SI grabbed Santhosh 

Kumar’s neck and hit him with a baton in his nose. 

At 4.00am, the policemen took Santhosh Kumar to the police station. There, the SI beat Santhosh Kumar with 

a baton on his back. He made Santhosh Kumar remove his shirt and lungi and sit in one corner. The SI also 

threatened to detain Santhosh Kumar permanently. 



300 

2007 

At 9.00am, the SI asked Santhosh Kumar to sign a blank paper. He informed Santhosh Kumar that nearly 

110 cases had been filed against him. 

At around 9.30am, the police released Santhosh Kumar. 

Since the date of the incident, the police have regularly disturbed Santhosh Kumar. Santhosh Kumar has 

threatened that if such conduct persists, he will poison himself in front of the R6 PS. 

Case Details: 



Perpetrator(s) : 1) Kumar, PC; 2) unnamed 

POs, J9 PS, Thuraipakkam 



Victim Saravanan, of the Adi-Dravidar caste, had been involved in the arrack business for two years, during 

which he had bribed the police and been arrested. Desiring to transform his life, he went to the J9 PS and 

submitted a written document stating that he would never engage in the arrack business again. Saravanan 

began work in an Indian Oil petrol station in the Cholanga Nallur area. 

On 14 October 2007 at around 2.00pm, PC Kumar came to the petrol station for a fill-up. On finishing, the PC 

demanded that Kumar pay; Kumar replied that he did not have enough money, and that if the PC refused to 

pay Saravanan would report him to the authorities. The PC became angry and replied “Para [caste name] 

thevadiya [bastard], are you so haughty?” Saravanan replied that the PC should not use his caste name. 

The PC approached Saravanan, asking “What will do you? What will you do?” 

The PC then slapped Saravanan’s left cheek repeatedly and kicked his abdomen. Saravanan fell down and 

quivered with pain; during his fall, he hit the back of his head and began to bleed. The PC said “Son of a 

thevadiya [bastard], I won’t leave without putting your name on the rowdies list.”

The PC called an auto and put Saravanan inside it. In the auto, the PC punched Saravanan’s back, mouth, 

and chin, and threatened again to put his name on the rowdies list. Saravanan cried and begged for 

forgiveness. The PC stopped the auto near the Cholanga Nallur check post and said that if he saw Saravanan 

again, he would file a charge against him and imprison him permanently. 

Saravanan later recounted his story to Thirayan, a member of the People’s Awakening Movement, who filed 

a complaint on his behalf with the District Superintendant of Police. After enquiring into the incident, the police 

gave Saravanan Rs. 2,000 for his medical expenses, assured him that he would not be disturbed again, and 

suspended the PC for one month. 


Victim(s) : Sasivarnam 

Perpetrator(s) : Rajesh, SI, Madamadurai PS 

Location : Sivagangai 



301 

Case Details: 

Victim Sasivarnam, of the Pallar caste, resides in Kalkurutchi Village, Manmadurai Taluk, Sivagangai 

District, where he works at an auto driver. On 20 August 2007 at 4.00pm, Sasivarnam was driving some 

customers. SI Rajesh stopped Sasivarnam near the Anna Statue, dragged him out of his auto, and shouted 

that he was breaking the rules by transporting six customers at a time. The SI then beat Sasivarnam with a 

baton on his back and legs and demanded that Sasivarnam follow him to the police station. Sasivarnam 

responded “Why should I come to the station?” and said that the SI could fine him instead. The SI slapped 

Sasivarnam and asked him whether he had knowingly broken the law. Sasivarnam said that he would drop 

off his customers before coming to the station. As Sasivarnam did so, the SI followed him, and later slapped 

him again. 

At 5.00pm, Sasivarnam went to the station, where he pleaded with the SI not to file any charges against him. 

The SI replied that he often received information that Sasivarnam was causing trouble, so he wanted to file a 

charge against him. Sasivarnam cried and promised the SI that he would behave properly in the future. 

At 6.00pm, the SI obtained from Sasivarnam a signed promise not to commit any further offences. 


2007


Victim(s) : Sathya (a) Sathyanathan 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed PI 

Location : Town PS, Arcot Taluk, Vellore Dist 


Case Details: 



302 

2007 

Victim Sathyanathan, age 36, belongs to the Adi-Dravidar caste. He resided at Arcot Taluk with his wife, Usha 

Rani, and their daughter. Sathyanathan and Usha Rani quarrelled regularly after Sathyanathan got drunk in 

the evenings. 

On 7 April 2007, after one such quarrel, Sathyanathan’s mother-in-law asked him to go stay at his mother’s 

house. Sathyanathan would typically return the next morning from such a visit to his mother’s house, but the 

next morning he arrived instead at the STD booth on Arcot Street, telephoned Usha Rani, and asked him to get 

him something to eat. 

While Sathyanathan was talking on the telephone, PCs Sekar and Arumugham approached him and told him 

to go to the police station, where he would receive a thrashing in response to a complaint filed against him by 

Ezhumali, a security guard at the Co-Operative Bank. 

That evening, Usha Rani and her daughter arrived at the police station with food for Sathyanathan. A policeman 

made fun of Usha Rani, saying that she had mixed poison with the food. 

When Usha Rani and her daughter saw Sathyanathan, he was leaning against a wall. His head was bleeding, 

his back was swollen with rod marks, and his legs were fractured. Sathyanathan told Usha Rani that he was 

unable to pass urine or stool. 

Sathyanathan is now in the Vellore Central Prison, charged with approximately fifteen cases of theft, rape, and 

clash-related charges. 

The PI at the Arcot PS has denied that Sathyanathan was tortured. He asserts that Sathyanathan was an antisocial 

element, a local troublemaker who was properly charged under the Goondas Act.


Victim(s) : Selvam 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Santharaj, SI; 2) unnamed PC; 

3) Anandhan, Writer 

Location : Central Excise PS, Vellore 


Case Details: 

Victim Selvam, age 43, belongs to the Vanniyar caste. He resides near Thiruvalam. 

On 21 September 2007, about eight policemen came to Selvam’s house. They told him that they were from 

the Rannipettai Excise PS and asked why he had not obeyed his court summons. Selvam replied that he 

had not received any summons. 

The policemen took Selvam on a bike to the police station. En route, one officer kept banging Selvam’s 

helmet and asking him why he had not gone to court. Selvam was terrified that he would fall from the bike. 

At around 3.15, the policemen and Selvam arrived at the Vellore Central Excise PS. There, the SI kicked 

Selvam several times on his hip and accused him of being a pimp. Selvam asked the SI not to kick him, as 

he had had an accident earlier. Then, a PC intervened, and the SI left Selvam alone. 

The PC asked Selvam to lie down in another room. Then, the DSP entered that room and locked Selvam 

inside with another man named Pazhani from Arani. 

At 8.30pm, the police Writer Anandhan entered the room and told Selvam that he would be set free if he paid 

Rs. 10,000. 

Advocate Selvi, whom Selvam’s wife had told of Selvam’s arrest, called the police station. 

The Writer then told Selvam to sign some papers, informed him that he was free to go, and demanded that 

he return the next day with Rs. 10,000. 

The next day, Selvam arrived at the station with Rs. 10,000, which the Writer accepted. 

The Writer has since denied that Selvam was detained or abused. 


303 


2007


Victim(s) : 1) Selvaraj; 2) Sekar 

Perpetrator(s) : Puzhal SI, South PS, Vellore 

Location : South zone of Sankarapalayam 


Case Details: 

Victim Selvaraj is fifty years old; victim Sekar is thirty years old. 



304 

2007 

On 6 July 2007, Selvaraj and Sekar went to the Parimala Hotel, behind the bus stand at Sankarapalayam. 

Selvaraj ordered food while Sekar waited on his bike. 

Two men on a bike slammed into the back of Sekar’s bike. Sekar dismounted and asked the men what they 

were doing. One of the other men dismounted, said that Sekar didn’t know his place, and laughed. Sekar 

became frustrated, and then the man slapped him. 

Selvaraj, seeing what was happening, picked up his food and approached Sekar and the men. He and one 

of the men recognised each other, and the man identified himself as a PC. The PC then introduced the other 

man as SI Puzhal; he told the SI that Selvaraj was the President of the Unorganised Labour Welfare Association. 

The incident thus ended peacefully and the parties went on their ways. 

At around 8.15pm, when Selvaraj and Sekar had gone half a kilometre away and were in an isolated area, the 

SI blocked their way. The SI slapped Sekar, kicked his bike, and dragged him by his collar. When Selvaraj 

tried to stop the SI, the SI grabbed Selvaraj by his neck and strangled him. The SI asked Selvaraj if he 

intended to cross-examine a police officer. The SI then sent Sekar with a PC to the police station, where the 

police charged him with drunk driving. 

At 11.00pm, Selvaraj brought Sekar home. 

The next day, Selvaraj was unable to bear the lacerations to his neck. He went to the government hospital at 

Adukamparai. There, the doctor refused to provide him with MLC because Selvaraj had not come for 

treatment the night before. 

Selvaraj filed a complaint with the CM’s Special Cell, which forwarded it to Bagayam PS. 

On 7 September 2007, two PCs conducted an enquiry. However, PI Mathivannan of the South PS has said 

that the enquiry has been halted pending SI Puzhal’s return from suspension.

FF Code : TN/SAL 103/DEC/07 

Victim(s) : Settu 

Perpetrator(s) : Police, Yethapur PS 

Location : Yethapur PS 


Case Details: 

On 15 th November 2007, at about 9.00pm, Settu a 23 year-old coolie, was walking from Puthira Kavundan 

Palyam to Karumathurai bus stand. Two policemen stopped next to Settu and enquired where Settu was 

from and asked he walked fast when he saw them. Nervous, Settu stood silent for two minutes, and then said 

he came to get an old TVS 50. A policeman told him to answer properly. The police officer walked up to Settu 

and hit Settu’s thighs and back with his metal baton. The police officer told Settu to tell the truth or they would 

torture him. 

Settu asked them why they assaulted him in public like a dog. The police officers told him not to say anything, 

and left him. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) M. Shankar; 2) M.N. Rajan 

Perpetrator(s) : Nadesan, HC, Vannarpettai PS 

Location : Stanley Hospital, Chennai 


Victims Shankar and Rajan are advocates, as are their colleagues Bhaskar and Madhivannan. On the date 

of the incident at around 8.45pm, the four were about to go home [from work] when Madhivannan was hit by 

an auto. He sustained severe injuries to his legs and fingers and was bleeding. He was struggling in pain and 

unable to stand. He went to Stanley Hospital at around 9.00pm. 

The head doctor at the Hospital, Mr. Boopalan, would not stitch Madhivannan’s wounds before taking an x- 

ray. Boopalan also asked for details about Madhivannan, including his name, workplace, and salary. He 

demanded that Rajan and Shankar pay money for Madhivannan’s treatment, but the two replied that they 

would only pay after their colleague was treated. 

HC Nadesan, who was on night duty at the Hospital, caught hold of the back of Rajan’s collar and punched his 

face and nose repeatedly. Seeing this, Shankar tried to separate the HC and Rajan. The HC responded by 

punching Shankar repeatedly on his left cheek. Shankar’s eyes turned red and he struggled in pain. Another 

HC, Manivannan, told HC Nadesan to stop. 

Later, both Shankar and Rajan obtained treatment, as did their colleague Madhivannan. However, the 

treatment was of poor quality because the Hospital staff resented their behaviour towards Boopalan. Thus, 

Shankar, Rajan, and Madhivannan moved to Dr. G. Sekar Hospital for treatment. 


305 


2007



306 

2007 

Case details: 


Victim(s) : Sivachandran 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Meenaktchi, SI; 

2) Velusamy, PO; 3) unnamed PO, 

Alangudi PS, Puthukottai District 

Location : Selvaraj Tea Stall, Neyveli 

Vadapathi , Tanjore 


Victim Sivachandran, age 18, resides at Avanakollai in Neyveli Vadapathi, Orathanadu Taluk, Tanjore District. 

He belongs to the Hindu Pallar caste and earns his living by working as a coolie. 

On 19 October 2007, Sivachandran took his uncle’s two-wheeler and went to a teashop. There, a policeman 

interrupted him and enquired about his name, address, and other details. The policeman then snatched away 

Sivachandran’s RC book, thrashed him with a baton and asked him to enter into his van. 

At the Alangudi PS, SIs Meenaktchi, with two officers (one of whom was named Velusamy), beat Sivachandran. 

However, they could not arrest him, since the teashop is in Tanjore and thus within the jurisdiction of the 

Orathanadu PS; they could arrest Sivachandran only if the police of Orathanadu filed a complaint. 

Sivachandran’s father has added that in April 2007, SI Neelakandan of Alangudi PS thrashed and subjected 

Chitravel to torture, and that Sivachandran was admitted to the Government Hospital at Pattukotai; later, 

Sivachandran was arrested based on the SI’s statement. 

Case Details: 

FF Code : TN/ KK.11/APRIL/07 

Victim(s) : Sukumarankani 

Perpetrator(s) : Thangaraj, SI 

Location : Siddarat PS 


The victim Sukumarankani was a pastor. The police ordered Sukumarankani to go to the PS based on a 

false complaint that he was having an illicit relationship with a person’s wife. Sukumarankani went to the PS 

with 2 nd Ward Councilor Mrs. Rajini. 

When Sukumarankani entered the station, SI Thangaraj yelled at him, saying, “You rascal, do need some 

one’s wife? It seems you will even lay your sister if permitted!” The SI kicked Sukumarankani’s left thigh with 

his boots. Sukumarankani cried aloud, unable to bear the pain. The 2 nd Ward Councilor Mrs. Rajini 

questioned the SI’s behaviour. The SI told them to stand outside. After some time, SI called Sukumarankani

and Mrs. Rajini back into his room. The SI ordered Sukumarankani to remove his dhoti. Sukumarankani 

hesitated because he was not wearing underwear. The SI slapped him and threatened to beat him. The SI 

grabbed his dhoti and, in the presence of Mrs. Rajini, pulled the dhoti off him. Mrs. Rajini then left the room. 

The SI forced Sukumarankani to tie the dhoti over his eyes. Sukumarankani stood naked and blindfolded. 

The SI grabbed three batons and beat Sukumarankani on the back of his thighs. The SI then told 

Sukumarankani to put his dhoti back on. The SI forced Sukumarankani to sign a paper stating that the police 

can take any action against him if commits the alleged offense again. He was then released. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) Tamil Kudimagan; 

2) Madan Kumar; 3) Suresh; 

4) Saravanan 

Perpetrator(s) : Team of POs headed by 

Krishnamoorthy, Assistant 

Commissioner of Police, Chennai 

Location : Presidency College, Chennai 


The victims are all of the Adi-Dravidar caste and students at Presidency College. 

For the past several years, the students of Presidency and Pachaiyappan Colleges have engaged in 

scuffles. On 12 October 2007, there was one such scuffle on a city bus. The students of Pachaiyappan 

College complained, and two students of Presidency College, Vinodh Kumar and Charles Daniel, were 

arrested and jailed. 

Ob 15 October 2007, the victims approached the Principal of Presidency College and demanded the 

release of the arrested students. The Principal replied that the incident had taken place outside the College 

and refused to act. The victims grew agitated and threw stones at the College. The Principal informed the 

police. The victims ran inside the College, and closed the College gate so that the police could not enter. 

However, Assistant Commissioner Krishnamoorthy, Joint Commissioner Balasubramanian, Deputy 

Commissioner Rasubramani, Alibashaba, and more than two hundred other police entered the College and 

struck the victims. The police used abusive terms like “son of a bastard [thiruttu theyadiya payyangal]” and 

hit the students’ arms, thighs, and buttocks. A female SPI stamped on Madan Kumar and Tamil Kudimagan’s 

chests with her booted feet; other police similarly stamped on other students’ chests. The Assistant 

Commissioner struck Madan Kumar, injuring his left knee. Special Task Force police also beat other 

students with batons, injuring Saravanan’s right hand and left knee. Further, the police entered the College’s 

classrooms, beat the students, and abused them verbally. 

The students had to undergo treatment at Royapettah Hospital. 


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2007


Victim(s) : 1) Theerthamalai; 2) Kamatchi 

Perpetrator(s) : Tanigasalam, Forest Ranger 

Officer, Ranipaettai 

Location : Forest Ranger’s Office, 

Ranipaettai 




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2007 

Case Details: 

Victim Kamatchi had a strained relationship with her husband Ramesh after the birth of their son Rajesh. 

Ramesh used to torture her daily after getting drunk. 

In July 2007, Kamatchi received a telephone call from her mother and learned that Ramesh had eloped with 

Kamatchi’s sister-in-law. Kamatchi returned to stay at her parents’ house in Talangai, where she earned a 

living by making coal. 

During her work, Kamatchi fell in love with victim Theerthamalai, who worked as a coolie. Despite resistance 

from Kamatchi’s parents, she and Theerthamalai eloped with Kamatchi’s son and set off for Theerthamalai’s 

brother’s house in Kalinjur. 

When they reached the forests of Jambukulam, Forest Ranger Officer (FRO) Tanigasalam stopped Kamatchi 

and Theerthamalai, and asked them suspiciously if they were trying to cut down sandal trees. The FRO then 

struck Kamatchi with a stick and told her to tell her the truth. Kamatchi replied that she and Theerthamalai had 

eloped, but the FRO did not believe her. He called them “thevadiyar [bastards]” and threatened to strip 

Kamatchi and have female police officers torture her. 

The FRO took Kamatchi and Theerthamalai to the Forest Ranger’s Office in Ranipaettai. There, the TRO 

thrashed Theerthamalai with a stick on his foot. Blood oozed from Theerthamalai’s foot. The FRO then gave 

Kamatchi Rs. 10 and forced her to leave the Office. 

Kamatchi went to Theerthamalai’s house and told his mother what had happened. Theerthamalai’s mother 

went to the station with ten other local people. When they arrived and secured Theerthamalai’s release, they 

found him with a swollen face and leg. 

Theerthamalai’s family informed Eshwari, the wife of Rajenderan, a member of the Public Forum, about what 

had happened. 

The FRO has denied that he beat Theerthamalai, insisting that he only detained Theerthamalai for cutting down 

sandal trees.

Case Details: 

FF Code :TN/VEL 51/JULY/07 

Victim(s) :Usha 

Perpetrator(s) :Unnamed PC, All Women PS, 

Vaniampadi 

Location :Government Hospital, Vaniampadi 


Victim Usha is a resident of Vaniampadi. On 27 June 2007, she went to the Government Hospital, where she 

waited in a queue for an out-patient card from a worker named Rajavelu. 

Usha asked Rajavelu for a card in her name. Rajavalu responded by demanding money. Usha objected, 

noting that no one else had paid for their cards and that this was a General Hospital. Rajavalu became angry 

and used a caste-related insult against Usha. 

A female PC arrived, grabbed Usha’s hair, and hit her neck. The PC also used a caste-related insult. 

Usha filed a complaint with the Colector and informed People’s Watch of her treatment. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Velu 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Anitha, SI; 2) unnamed PO 

(driver); 3) three unnamed PCs 

Location : Thirubyvanam PS 


Victim Velu, of the Hindu Pallar caste, resides at Sotathatti village and works as a coolie. During the month of 

October 2007, there were frequent clashes between members of the Pallar and Kallar caste in Velu’s village. 

The police took action against those involved. On 19 and 20 October 2007, officers under the leadership of SI 

Anitha barged into several Dalit households and tortured several of the residents. 

On 22 October 2007 at 4.00am, the SI with three PCs in civilian clothing and a driver entered Velu’s house and 

took Velu’s father, brother, and in-laws aside. Velu rushed to the scene and asked the officers to leave his father 

alone, as he was still recovering from a stroke. The SI told the other officers to leave Velu’s father before 

slapping Velu on his left ear. The driver grabbed Velu’s shirt and struck his neck. The PCs slapped Velu, 

dragged him for approximately one hundred metres, and brought him to the police station. 

At the station, a PC interrogated Velu, asking about his village and his mother’s location. The PC took Rs. 100 

from Velu’s shirt pocket before making Velu take off his shirt and lungi and sit in a cell in his underwear. When 

Velu asked to have his money returned, the PC slapped his cheeks. 

At 10.00am, the PC returned Velu’s shirt and lungi and brought him to the village to search for his mother before 

returning him to the station. At 4.00pm, Velu’s relatives retrieved him from the station. 

Velu has filed a complaint with the Assistant Superintendant of Police, Manamadurai. 


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2007


Victim(s) : Veluchamy 




Case Details: 


310 

Victim Veluchamy is a member of the Hindu Chakkiliyar Community. At 9:30pm on 8 November 2007, he 

was returning from Manamadurai with his friend Rajaram when he was stopped by SI Rajesh, who demanded 

to see his driver’s license. Veluchamy refused, and the SI commanded him to stand aside. The SI made 

Veluchamy stand still until 11.00pm before the SI asked to smell his breath and threatened to file a charge of 

drunk driving against him. 

The SI took Veluchamy to the police station, where he thrashed Veluchamy with a lathi and picked him up by 

his neck. The SI then told Veluchamy to remove his shirt before bending his hand backwards and punching 

his back. The SI then shut Veluchamy in a cell. 

At 12:00am, Veluchamy’s father arrived at the station and secured his release by paying Rs. 300 and 

assuring the SI that he would return Veluchamy in the morning. 

On 9 November 2007, Veluchamy appeared in court and obtained bail. 

It has since been established that Veluchamy was driving drunk and without a license. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Vijayakumar 

Perpetrator(s) : Unnamed traffic policeman 

Location : Triplicane Road, Chennai 



2007 

Victim Vijayakumar is a native of Namakkal District. In his minivan, he delivers goods from Sreevaari BunInn 

Packs to all parts of Chennai. 

On 18 September 2007 at around 6.30pm, Vijayakumar was riding along Triplicane Road when a Suzuki 

motorbike overtook him. The bike then slowed; Vijayakumar raced ahead. However, the bike fell into 

Vijayakumar’s minivan, and its driver was injured. Vijayakumar responded by driving more quickly, fearing 

that he would be in trouble. The bike’s driver banged on the back side of Vijayakumar’s minivan and broke 

its left-side light.

A traffic policeman stopped Vijayakumar. He beat Vijayakumar hard and repeatedly on his left ear. The 

policeman also threatened to file a case against Vijayakumar unless he paid Rs. 1,500. Vijayakumar paid the 

sum and left. 

For two days, Vijayakumar was deaf in his ear and unable to bear the pain. He sought treatment at Seenivasa 

Hospital on 21 September 2007. 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : 1) Vijayarani; 2) Alagi 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Mr. A. Saravanan, SI; 

2) Ms. Vincent Anbarasi, SI 

Location : Thirupathur PS; All Women’s PS 


Victims Vijayarani and Alagi live in a village within the jurisdiction of the Thirupathar PS. 

A land dispute dating to 1963 led to a situation in which Sakla, President of the Town Panchayat, sought to 

demolish the house where Vijayarani’s sister had lived for fifteen years, in order to build a hall for the Women’s 

Self Help Group. 

On 9 September 2007 at 10.30am, Sakla arrived with eight other people, demolished Vijayarani’s sister’s 

house, and tried quickly to construct a new building. Vijayarani, her sister, and her mother approached the 

group crying and prevented them from continuing their work. 

At 11.30am, SIs Saravanan and Vincent Anbarasi, answering a call from Sakla, arrived on the scene with four 

PCs. The police dragged Vijayarani around, slapped her cheeks, stamped on her thighs with booted feet, and 

verbally abused her. The police also injured Alagi. 

The police then took Vijayarani and Alagi to the Thirupathur PS. The police then helped Sakla and his group 

to complete their construction. 

The police detained Vijayarani and Alagi at the station until 1.00pm, when they walked the pair to the All 

Women’s PS. There, the police detained Vijayarani and Alagi until 6.00pm before returning them to the 

Thirupathar PS. Throughout this time, the police provided Vijayarani and Alagi with neither food nor water. The 

police also threatened to incarcerate Vijayarani and Alagi at the Paramakudi prison. 

At 6.30pm, the police released Vijayarani and Alagi on bail after having them sign written statements that the pair 

would return whenever called for. 

The land dispute has continued. 


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2007


Victim(s) : Sridharan 

Perpetrator(s) : Sambandham, HC, 

Thiruvidaimaruthur 

Location : At Sridharan’s house 


Case Details: 

Victim Sridharan, age 38, was a resident of Kumbhakonam. 

Sridharan had previously feuded with HC Sambandham. Sridharan filed a complaint with higher officials 

against Sambandham, but no action was taken. 

On 10 May 2007, while Sridharan was going to his house on a two-wheeler, a group of five people stabbed 

him to death. 

Sambandham, who was implicated in the case, was not arrested. 

Sridharan’s family has filed a complaint against the perpetrators, but the complaint was refused. 

Sambandham’s relatives have since threatened Sridharan’s family members with weapons. 


312 

FF Code : TN/CHE 14/JAN/07 

Victim(s) : M. Suresh 

Perpetrator(s) : Police 

Location : Nallankuppam at K.K. Nagar 


Case Details: 

Victim M. Suresh of the Mooppanar Community resided in Ashok Nagar, Chennai, with his mother and sister. 

On 24 th December 2006, M. Suresh’s mother was informed that her son was seen with a knife in Nallankuppam 

at K.K.Nagar. At midnight an unidentified person informed her that the police were looking for her and that that M. 

Suresh was injured and admitted in the Chennai General Hospital (CGH). She refused to go as it was midnight. 

On 25 th December 2006, she went to CGH with her son-in–law, Mr. Pichamuthu. She saw him with a cut on his 

head in the shape of ‘L’ and a three-inch cut on the back of his head. M. Suresh told her the the police beat him. 

According to the police, M. Suresh was engaged in a robbery on 24 th December 2006, and when the police tried 

to catch him, he ran away, climbed over a compound wall, and fell. When he fell, he allegedly injured himself, and 

was thus admitted in the hospital. M. Suresh’s mother had doubts regarding the police report. She saw the 


2007

police at the hospital and accused them of beating her son. She also inquired with the doctor about her son’s 

condition. The doctor told her that M. Suresh had cuts and wounds on both hands and dried blood on his 

head. The doctor stated that M. Suresh must have been injured in some kind of theft. M. Suresh’s mother 

replied that her son is not of that character. The doctor refused to discuss her son’s condition with her after this 

exchange. 

M. Suresh’s condition became worse. He died on 1 st January 2007. M. Suresh’s mother refused of her 

son’s dead body. Rowdi Raji, Kullaraji of the Panchayat and the police gave her Rs.50, 000. She was also 

asked to pay Rs 3000 as an advocate fee. She was also offered a sum of Rs 3 lakhs, but she has not yet 

received the amount. 

M. Suresh’s mother is not a native of Nallankuppam. She cares for her physically handicapped daughter. 

She refuses to take action in this matter because she is afraid she will not be allowed to continue to live there. 


313 


2007


Victim(s) : Varnakula Surreys Conecius 

Fernando 

Perpetrator(s) : Devaraj, Prison guard 

Location : Central Prison Madurai 


Case Details: 

Varnakula Suriya Conecius Fernando, aged 44, resided in Sri Lanka. He was a treasurer of Sea Street 

Kudapadu Fishermen Federation and of All Sri Lankan Fishermen Association for ten years. Four Sri Lankan 

fishermen were arrested and taken to Ramanathapuram Court for crossing the international boundary in 

Tutticorin. They were remanded to fail for four months. On 25 th September 2007, Conecius Fernando left Sri 

Lanka to attempt to secure the release of the fishermen. 

According to official procedures, Conecius Fernando obtained a letter from the Office of the Deputy High 

Commissioner, Chennai, for the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka. He went to the Court at 

Ramanathapuram to get an order to rescue the boats. On 29 th September 2007, Conecius Fernando went to 

Tuticorin to complete the formalities associated with rescuing the Sri Lankan fisher men and their boats. 

On 1st October 2007, Conecius Fernando went to Madurai Central Prison to meet the four prisoners, but due 

to confusion he only met with two prisoners. On 5 th October 2007, Conecius Fernando returned to meet the 

prisoners, but he was denied entry. Conecius Fernando showed the Prison Inspector his permission letter. 

The Prison inspector asked Conecius Fernando to return at 4.00pm. Conecius Fernando went with a Prison 

guard to Arasaradi, Arapalayam road. When he returned, Prison Guard Devaraj put his gun to the middle of 

Conecius Fernando’s chest and shot him. Conecius died immediately. 


314 


2007


Victim(s) : Sita, wife of Kumar 

Perpetrator(s) : Mr. Sini Babu, SI at the P-1 PS 

Location : Sita’s house 


Case Details: 

After a disagreement over a loan with a family member, Sita had a complaint lodged against her with the 

police at P-1 PS. SI Sini Babu entered her home while she was breastfeeding her six-month-old baby. Sini 

Babu grabbed Sita’s hair and asked where her husband was. Sita said that she did not know. Sini Babu 

slapped Sita’s cheek and pushed her onto a cot with his hands on her breasts. Sita believes he may have 

been drunk during this incident. Sita screamed. Other people gathered to tell Sini Babu to leave her alone. 

Sini Babu then told Sita that she could not live in this area if she filed a case against him. Sini Babu then took 

Sita’s relative, Ananthan, and her brother to the PS. After threatening them not to tell anyone of his actions, 

Sini Babu released them both. 

Sita lodged a complaint against him. SI Jenatin arrested Ananthan and took him to the PS. Ananthan was 

forced to stand half-naked and was beaten with batons. Only when Ananthan’s wife appealed to Nagarajan 

at the Rajiv Gandhi Association was Ananthan released. Additionally, Assistant Commissioner Chandran 

spoke indecently to Sita during her appeal and asked her if she had exchanged love letters with Sini Babu. 

Later, PI Govindarajan asked her to sign a document. Sita refused and left the PS and said she would 

petition higher officials. She has requested assistance from People’s Watch. 


315 

Case Details: 


Victim(s) : Kumudha 

Perpetrator(s) : 1) Ravikumar, PI, Central Excise, 

Vaniampadi; 

2) Singaram, HC, Central Excise, 

Vaniampadi 

Location : At the victim’s house 


Victim Kumudha, age 39 and a member of the Muthirayar caste, lives in Peria Gangainallur village, 

Anaikattu, Vellore. In 1992, her husband abandoned Kumudha and their young daughters. Unable to 


2007

support the family with various jobs, Kumudha started selling arrack. With the money she earned from selling 

arrack, Kumudha successfully saw her first daughter married. 

In 2004, the Anaikattu Police filed a case against Kumudha for selling arrack. They detained her in Vellore Jail 

for three months. Kumudha then renounced her job selling arrack and began to work as a coolie. 

Kumudha’s daughters Govindammal and Saraswathi now study at the Government Higher Secondary 

School, Anaikattu. 

On 10 September 2007, the Anaikattu Police and the Central Exercise Police conducted an arrack raid. They 

stopped in front of Kumudha’s house, told her that her name was on the list of arrack sellers, and threatened 

to beat her if she did not get into their van. Kumudha pleaded with the police, saying that she did not sell arrack 

and that she had to support her family. 

The police took Kumudha to the JM in Vellore, where Kumudha pleaded to be relieved. The judge shouted at 

the police and refused to admit her. He remanded Kumudha to the Vellore Women’s Jail. 

On 13 September 2007 at 8.00pm, PI Ravikumar and HC Singaram arrived drunk at Kumudha’s house, 

caressed Govindammal’s and Saraswathi’s bodies, and used sexually explicit words with them. 

On 14 September 2007, Kumudha’s son-in-law Devaraj came to the Jail. He told Kumudha what the PI and 

the HC had done. 

On 25 September 2007, Kumudha was released on bail and went home. She was ill with a kidney stone 

infection and depressed by the PI’s and HC’s actions. 

On 29 September 2007, Kumudha filed a complaint against the PI with the District Collector and the SP. 

On 30 September 2007, Kumudha was informed that the CID and the SP had looked into the matter. 


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2007

JSTF CASES: SEEKING JUSTICE FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE TAMIL NADU / 

KARNATAKA JOINT SPECIAL TASK FORCE, 1993-2004 

Background 

In 1990, the Governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka separately established police task 

forces to capture Veerappan, a forest brigand and smuggler operating in the border region 

between the two States. Three years later, following a series of bombings and a murderous 

attack by Veerappan’s gang, the States pooled their resources and created a 2,000-officer strong 

Joint Special Task Force (“JSTF”) with the same mandate – apprehending Veerappan – and 

with de facto limitless powers to enforce it. 

Many of the villagers living in and around the border region, threatened by Veerappan’s gang, 

were reluctant to cooperate with the police. Thus, between 1993 and 1996, JSTF personnel 

adopted a strategy of terrorising and intimidating these villagers to extract information and to 

punish persons considered to be Veerappan’s sympathisers. The resultant human-rights abuses 

included fabricated encounters, disappearances, custodial rapes and deaths, torture by electric 

shocks, unlawful imprisonment and wilful deprivation of food and water – leaving many villagers 

physically and mentally traumatised. 

The press highlighted these atrocities and abuses, and civil society began to push for a state 

response. However, the National Human Rights Commission (“NHRC”) did nothing, despite its 

mandate for suo moto action and its role under s. 12(a) of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 

1993. 

In March 1999, after further lobbying by individuals and rights groups, the NHRC sent its 

Special Rapporteur, Shri Chaman Lal, to visit Mysore Central Jail, where many villagers had 

been detained under false or inflated charges filed by JSTF personnel. These charges – most 

under the Terrorism and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (“TADA”) – saw hundreds of persons 

imprisoned, some for several years with neither parole nor a trial date. 

At the same time, groups sympathetic to the victims of JSTF abuses formed the Campaign for 

the Relief and Rehabilitation of TADA Detenues (the “Campaign”). Campaign members included: 

1. the Society for Community Organisation Trust (SOCO Trust); 

2. the Tribal Association of Tamil Nadu; 

3. the People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) of Karnataka and Tamil Nadu; 


317 


2007

4. the South Indian Cell for Human Rights Education and Monitoring (SICHREM); 

5. the Human Rights Cell of the Indian Social Institute; and 

6. People’s Watch. 

Individuals from these organisations visited villages in the border regions of Tamil Nadu and 

Karnataka, and prepared affidavits on behalf of many who had been subjected to JSTF atrocities. 

The Campaign presented these affidavits to the NHRC, and – when the NHRC did not respond 

– to the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission. Meanwhile, police officials intimidated 

and threatened Campaign members, and the JSTF categorically denied all allegations of abuse. 

In June 1999, the NHRC finally formed a panel of enquiry, chaired by Justice A. Sadashiva, to 

investigate alleged human-rights violations. After a lethargic start and debates over its jurisdiction 

and procedures, the Sadashiva Commission began its work. In a series of sittings spanning four 

years, the Commission deposed 192 victims (out of a then-estimated 1000) and 28 JSTF officers, 

as well as doctors, jail authorities, and members of human-rights organisations. Thus, the 

horrifying extent of torture by JSTF personnel was revealed. 


318 

Meanwhile, following negotiations with Veerappan, the States of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka 

publicly promised on 25 August 2000 to pay Rs. 5 crore each as interim compensation to the 

victims of JSTF human-rights violations. 

The Sadashiva Commission submitted its Report to the NHRC on 2 December 2003. The 

Commission acknowledged that torture had been perpetrated, but declined to identify individual 

perpetrators. For twenty-two months, the NHRC did not respond. 

On 18 October 2004, the JSTF claimed to have located and killed Veerappan; the exact 

circumstances of the alleged final encounter with Veerappan remain unclear. The State 

Governments of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka announced rewards and promotions for the JSTF 

personnel involved, despite the overwhelming number of alleged human-rights violations pending 

against these same officers. 

Eventually taking action, the NHRC repeatedly asked the State Governments to respond to 

the Sadashiva Commission Report, but did little to enforce its requests. The two Governments 

did not react, despite lobbying by the Campaign, by other civil society actors, and by the victims 

themselves. 

Finally, on 15 January 2007, the NHRC ordered the disbursement of Rs. 2 crore 80 lakh to 

those 89 victims whose tales of torture were accepted by the Sadashiva Commission as “credible.” 

The State Government of Karnataka has yet to respond fully; interested parties continue to press 

for full compliance. 


2007

Even where victims have received compensation, it has often been awarded at police stations, 

or in the presence of the very JSTF officers who perpetrated the human-rights abuses themselves. 

Some victims refused to accept the compensation in such circumstances. There have also been 

allegations that some JSTF officers have tried to appropriate victims’ compensation money. 

Neither the State Government of Tamil Nadu nor that of Karnataka has made arrangements to 

hear from those hundreds of victims whose testimony was not collected by the Sadashiva 

Commission. Meanwhile, although the government withdrew all TADA charges, many villagers 

accused of having helped Veerappan still stand charged with offences under the Indian Penal 

Code, the Arms Act, and the Explosives Act, and have been denied procedural justice. 

The physical and mental echoes of JSTF abuses resound in the villages where Veerappan 

was sought. The crusade against Veerappan cost Rs. 150 crore and lasted eleven years – but the 

human cost is significantly higher and will endure much longer. 

The twelve accounts of torture that follow are a representative selection from amongst the 

hundreds amassed by the Campaign through fact-finding missions to the villages in which the 

JSTF operated. Some, including members of the Sadashiva Commission itself, have questioned 

the reliability of such testimony – but the stories speak for themselves. 

Further details are available on the NPPTI website at http://pwtn.org/euptttn2008.htm/ 

pttaffidavitsweb.zip 


319 

•• 


2007

The Tamil Nadu Police Bill 

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative has provided critical commentary on the Tamil 

Nadu Police Bill (“Police Bill”), enacted in May 2008. The Police Bill was enacted in response 

to the Supreme Court of India (“SC”) of India’s directives on police reform, and the 

Commonwealth’s commentary analyzes the bill’s compliance with those directives. The 

Commonwealth’s main findings are as follows: 

• The Tamil Nadu Police Board (“TNPB”), created by the Police Bill, contravenes the SC’s 

directives, as the board is not tasked with eradicating undue state government influence 

or pressure on the police, which was the SC’s principal objective in mandating such a 

board. The TNPB also cannot issue binding recommendations, in contravention of the 

SC’s directive. Structurally, the TNPB’s creation is not immediate, as required by the SC, 

and the TNPB’s membership policies and procedures deviate substantially from any of 

the SC’s recommended models. 

• The Police Bill improperly terminates the Director General of Police’s (“DGP”) tenure at 

the date of superannuation, despite the SC’s rejection of superannuation as a relevant 

marker. The DGP selection procedures also fall short of the SC’s directive requirements. 

Additionally, the grounds for the DGP’s removal, and the removal of Senior Officers, are 

overbroad and do not ensure the SC’s requirement of those officials’ immunity from state 

government interference. 

• The Police Bill does not adequately articulate the immediate separation of the police’s 

investigation and law and order functions, as mandated by the SC. Further, the Police Bill 

falls far short of the MPA Model’s (Sorabjee Committee) provisions needed to ensure a 

successful separation of the two functions. 

• The Police Bill’s allowance of the Police Establishment Board (“PEB”) to be solely manned 

by the DGP contravenes the SC’s requirement for four additional Senior Officers. Further, 

the Police Bill only grants the PEB recommendatory power regarding police personnel 

grievances, as opposed to the dispositive authority required by the SC. The PEB also 

lacks the wide discretion required by the SC in addressing transfers, appointments, and 

postings. 


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2007

• The Police Bill does not establish Police Complaints Authorities as required by the SC. 

The SC intended these bodies to investigate a whole host of public complaints against 

police officers, including but not limited to misconduct, custodial deaths, and rape. 

• The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative also made the following miscellaneous 

observations regarding the Police Bill: 

• The Police Bill contains three troubling clauses which must be removed or substantially 

altered. First, the Police Bill contains an extremely restrictive limitations clause of three 

months (i.e., no suit may be brought for a violation of the Police Bill if the event complained 

of occurred more than 3 months earlier). The clause leaves open the possibility for gross 

human rights abuses to escape unchecked. Second, the Police Bill contains a very broad 

exemption clause, which protects from liability any state government action taken in “good 

faith.” Such a clause is easily manipulated and might provide a cloak from accountability 

by allowing the state government to justify any improper action as having been carried out 

in “good faith.” Third, the Police Bill contains a broad opt-out provision, which exempts the 

state from complying with the legislation within the first two years of its passage if any 

“difficulty arises.” Again, such a clause can be easily manipulated by the state government 

to justify not implementing the Police Bill. 


321 

• The Police Bill does not require annual in-service training for police officers. 

• The Police Bill lacks any provisions outlining the duty of police officers upon arrest or 

detention of any individual, it does not prevent police officers from serving in their home 

police stations or districts, and it does not incorporate a formalized witness protection 

program. 

Further details on the Police Bill are available at www.pwtn.org/policeact2008.htm 

•• 


2007

Tamil Nadu - People's watch

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