Sub-inspector threatens passers-by with illegal detention

On Sunday evening, around 5-6 men who were walking on Vepery High road, were randomly picked up by K Selvi, Sub Inspector of police and another constable and told to provide ID as they were ‘suspects’. There was however, no explanation given to any of the men - ranging from hotel workers, to office goers and even journalists - about why they were singled out. 

According to eye-witnesses, the SI conducted this check on Sunday evening, right outside the city police commissioner’s office. One of the scribes who was detained said that they were called by a constable while walking into office, and told to report to Sub Inspector Selvi who was waiting nearby. The SI demanded to see ID cards. When the reporters said that they were not carrying the cards, she threatened them with detention. 

“We have orders to check IDs of anyone who looks like a suspect. You people looked like suspects and I will not let you go unless you provide an identity card,” Selvi said. 

Meanwhile, the SI called for a patrol vehicle informing the Control Room that she had secured some ‘suspects’ and that they had to be taken to the police station. Yet, none of the men was given an explanation for the SI’s action. 

When alerted about the incident, additional commissioner of police, Chennai South, M C Sarangan, clarified that there were no orders issued to detain people without ID cards. “There is no such order and police should not behave improperly even with suspects. 

We will conduct an inquiry in to the matter,” Sarangan told DTNext. He added the police can ask an identity from people who seem suspicious, but that could not be a reason to harass public. 

“If one does not have ID, the individual can leave the mobile number, house address or even refer someone known to them.  There is no question of detention,” Sarangan added.

“What the police did was in violation of a person’s fundamental right to movement. If they have made people wait without any reason given, it also amounts to wrongful confinement. A road is a public area and the freedom of movement to any citizen is assured,” Advocate P Wilson, former additional advocate general, said. “There is no law preventing people from having free movement on public roads. The SI’s action was in violation of people’s right to free movement,” he added.