DSP deputed to State Human Rights Commission transferred to Mayiladuthurai

CHENNAI: M Sundaresan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) who was deputed to State Human Rights Commission (SRHC) was transferred and posted to Prohibition and Enforcement wing (PEW), Mayiladuthurai on October 10.

The DSP was tasked with submitting reports in the alleged police excess on the suspects in a retired woman police inspector’s murder in Kancheepuram and in the three encounters by Chennai City Police in the last three months, sources said.

“The secretary, SHRC is requested to relieve the DSP after making necessary additional charge arrangements with instruction to assume charge of the new post forthwith,” the transfer orders from Police headquarters stated, adding, “If the transferee enters on leave on medical grounds, he maybe referred to medical board. The date of relief and joining of the DSP maybe intimated to this office early.”

In the retired cop’s murder case, State Human Rights Commission had initiated inquiries into the alleged torture on a MDMK functionary and an electrician by the Kancheepuram district police based on the kin’s complaint.

In the last week of August, the Kancheepuram police arrested MDMK district secretary E Valayapathi (65) and E Prabhu (52), an electrician, in connection with the murder of retired inspector P Kasthuri (63).

According to the Human Rights group, Joint Action Against Custodial Torture (JAACT), Valayapathi and Prabhu were detained at a dilapidated police quarters at Nathapettai and beaten up badly by personnel in civvies forcing them to confess to the murder.

Prabhu is still under treatment since August 28 at the Chengalpattu Government Hospital and several of his internal organs are damaged allegedly in the police assault.

Valayapathi who was lodged at Vellore prison fell unconscious after which he was moved to Vellore GH and on his release on bail, he has been undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Selaiyur.

Both of them were assaulted by policemen with their boots and using plastic pipes and lathis," alleged I Aseer, State coordinator of JAACT.

Police claimed that Kasthuri approached Valayapathi seeking help to sell her house in Kancheepuram. On August 18, as they were discussing the deal at her house, Valayapathi insisted that she should sell her house, worth Rs 2 crore, through him for half the price. It triggered an argument and Valayapathi allegedly assaulted and murdered her, according to police.

In connections with the encounters by Chennai City Police, Commissioner A Arun who was summoned to appear before the commission on Monday (Oct 14) did not turn up and a representative from Greater Chennai Police appeared before the commission seeking for the CoP’s appearance be postponed to a later date, sources said.