Tamil Nadu cop says he was humiliated, transferred for custodial torture report

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) M Sundaresan revealed that he was harassed by senior officers, transferred, cornered, and humiliated after submitting a report to the state human rights body on the custodial torture of an ex-MDMK party worker and an electrician arrested in connection with the murder of a retired woman inspector, Kasturi Parthasarathy in Tamil Nadu's Kancheepuram.

Speaking exclusively to India Today TV, the 1996 batch IPS officer -- now posted at the Mayiladuthurai District Prohibition Department following his transfer -- said that his government vehicle was seized, compelling him to walk to his office. He believes that this was a punishment for his refusal to provide an escort vehicle for Minister Meyyanathan Siva V. He also cited refusal to accept bribes as another reason for the alleged mistreatment.

"I am being tortured to the core. They are not letting me take voluntary retirement and subsequently take a pension. They don't want me to get a pension. They want me to get suspended. The Superintendent of Police (SP) of Mayiladuthurai and Inspector are responsible for my position today. The Inspector is unworthy of his position. The Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) for Law and Order, Inspector General of Intelligence, and SP of Mayiladuthurai are hand in glove. I know the fact that I'm speaking now this way is against the code of conduct for a police officer. The world and our Chief Minister should know, and he must take action against these officers. These officers are provoking us," he told India Today TV.

Sundaresan, addressing the media, also alleged financial corruption within the department, stating, "The SP and Inspector are taking money under the guise of special teams. Higher officers must interrogate all who are there in this special team. I am ready for any investigation," he further said.

Since taking charge as Mayiladuthurai District Prohibition Department DSP in November last year, Sundaresan has shut down 23 illegal state-owned bars and has prosecuted over 1,200 people, resulting in 700 imprisonments. His actions have received public praise, further fuelling claims that his current treatment is a consequence of honest policing.

Sundaresan expressed emotional distress over his current situation, saying, "I was completely confused, blinded by mental agony and stress. Senior officers have been targeting me ever since I investigated a case that was under the cognisance of the State Human Rights Commission (SHRC). I was working with the SHRC on a case in Kancheepuram. I concluded that the police were guilty and that higher officers were complicit in the police torture. I submitted my report to the SHRC chairman. Soon after, I was transferred."

The BJP has suggested that the DMK government is retaliating against Sundaresan's honest actions by withdrawing his vehicle and transferring him to Mayiladuthurai.

The AIADMK has also criticised the DMK, with a tweet questioning the actions against Sundaresan and calling for the immediate return of his government vehicle. They have urged the Tamil Nadu Police Chief to protect the officer's dignity against political pressures.

These allegations have stirred a political row, with the BJP and AIADMK criticising the ruling DMK government. Taking to X, BJP leader Annamalai has alleged that the DMK government transferred him to Mayiladuthurai last year as retaliation against submitting a report to the human rights commission pointing out lapses in the police department under the DMK regime.

- Ends