HC asks police to file case against TN minister''s supporters

Chennai, Jan 18 (PTI) Madras High Court today directedSalem Police Commissioner to register a case and investigate"in a fair manner" a complaint by a BJP functionary allegingthat he was receiving threats from supporters of a Tamil NaduMinister after he organised a protest against him.

Passing orders on a petition by A B Manikandan, also anadvocate, Justice G M Akbar Ali said the Commissioner shouldinvestigate the matter "in a fair manner and register a caseagainst those whom the offences are made out, or if anycognizable offences are made out" and proceed in accordancewith law.

The petitioner, Salem District BJP Vice-President,sought a direction to police to register a case on the basisof his complaint against the supporters of AgricultureMinister Veerapandi Arumugam.

Manikandan submitted that in October 2010, in aninterview to a magazine, he had questioned the act of Arumugamin meeting his nephew, an accused in a murder case, in theSalem Central Prison arriving by a car belonging to SalemCorporation.

He alleged that the car, purchased for the use of Mayorin 2007, was now being used by the Minister without insurance,an offence under section 192 of Motor Vehicle Act.

The petitioner claimed after he conducted a rally inSalem against the Minister, he received threat calls from thesupporters of Arumugam.

He submitted that despite his repeated attempts, policerefused to register his complaint against the supporters ofthe Minister.

The petitioner said that on December 1 last, heforwarded a complaint to higher authorities seekingregistration of a case and also to provide adequate policeprotection to his life in view of "constant threats" hereceived.