Register criminal case against policeman who shot Thiruvengadam: Petition in Madras HC

CHENNAI: A petition has been filed in the Madras High Court (MHC) seeking direction to the state to initiate criminal proceedings against the police inspector who shot dead Thiruvengadam, the history-sheeter arrested in the murder case of BSP leader Armstrong, in an alleged encounter .

The petition was filed by Pugalenthi, a lawyer and director of the Prisoners Rights Forum, with the aim of filing a criminal complaint against the police officers responsible for the encounter.

The petitioner alleged that under Section 103 (1) of the BNS 2023, it is incumbent on the Puzhal Prison to initiate criminal proceedings against the Inspector of Tondiarpet Police Station, Mohammed Buhari, for shooting the accused.

Though a complaint has been filed with the state, city police commissioner and Puzhal jail to register the case against the inspector, no action has been taken yet, the petitioner alleged.

Referring to a Supreme Court judgment in the 2014 case of People’s Union for Civil Liberties vs. State of Maharashtra, he said that the court has held that when a complaint is lodged against a police officer for culpable homicide, an FIR should be filed under the corresponding procedures must be registered section.

The state’s failure to comply with the Supreme Court’s directions would amount to contempt of court, the petitioner said.

He also sought the court’s direction to transfer the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation to ensure an independent probe as the charges are filed against the state police.

The city police arrested notorious historian Thiruvangedam in the murder case of BSP leader Armstrong and he was produced before the Egmore Magistrate Court.

After the court granted remand, the police took the accused into custody for questioning. On July 14, the accused was taken to Madhavaram in the early hours of the morning to recover the weapon used in the murder.

Police alleged that while the accused was being taken to the hideout, he escaped from their clutches and tried to attack them. To protect the police team, Inspector Mohammed Buhari opened fire on the accused, resulting in his death, the police said.