Ongoing trend of extra-judicial killings in TN: 'Blatant violation of rule of law'

By Thiagu*

In a statement issued on September 23, 2024, the Joint Action Against Custodial Torture – Tamil Nadu (JAACT) condemned the extra-judicial killing of notorious criminal ‘Seizing’ Raja in Chennai. The organization expressed deep concern over the ongoing trend of extra-judicial killings in Tamil Nadu, calling it a blatant violation of the rule of law.

Reports indicate that in the early hours of September 23, Greater Chennai Police shot ‘Seizing’ Raja in Neelankarai. Raja had been apprehended earlier in Kadappa, Andhra Pradesh, and brought to Chennai. According to the police, while attempting to recover a hidden weapon in a remote area near Neelankarai, Raja allegedly fired a concealed country-made gun at the officers, resulting in his death.

However, this account closely resembles the police's narrative following the extra-judicial killing of another criminal, Thiruvengadam, on July 14, 2024, raising serious questions and suspicions.

This incident marks the third extra-judicial killing by the Greater Chennai Police within just ten weeks since A. Arun took office as Commissioner on July 8, 2024, shortly after the murder of K. Armstrong, the former state president of the Bahujan Samaj Party.

Upon his appointment, Arun was quoted as stating, “We will speak in a language that rowdies will understand,” in response to inquiries about addressing rowdyism. Such a statement from the city's top police official appears reckless and irresponsible, undermining the responsibility to maintain law and order. While recognizing the sensitivity surrounding the investigation into Armstrong’s murder, JAACT asserts that employing extra-judicial measures, including encounters, will not deliver justice.

Although Raja was reportedly a person of interest in the Armstrong investigation, the police later clarified that his arrest was unrelated to the case. This contradiction raises further doubts and could erode public trust in the police investigation.

The recent incidents expose a concerning alliance between criminals and political figures, including those within the legal profession. It is now imperative for the government to carry out an impartial investigation to hold the true perpetrators accountable, thereby restoring public confidence in law enforcement.

Tragically, Raja is the 16th individual to fall victim to extra-judicial killings since the current DMK administration took office in May 2021. Such actions, along with custodial torture, have no place in a progressive society like Tamil Nadu, and the government must abandon its ‘encounter model’ of policing.

Arun was quoted as stating, We will speak in a language that rowdies will understand, in response to queries about the encounter

Relying on illegal and extra-judicial responses is a clear indication of the administration's lost faith in effective prosecution and its failure to conduct thorough and fair investigations.

JAACT strongly opposes the use of extra-judicial killings as a tactic against rowdyism, emphasizing that such actions mock the rule of law and violate constitutional morality. It urges the High Court of Madras to intervene immediately regarding the rampant instances of extra-judicial killings, calling for a suo-motu inquiry into both current and past incidents in Tamil Nadu.

JAACT recommends forming a commission of inquiry comprising former judges and distinguished former police officers to uncover the truth behind the recent three killings in Chennai. It appeals to the Tamil Nadu State Human Rights Commission to take urgent suo-motu action regarding today’s incident by setting up a fact-finding team to ensure an independent investigation that prevents any tampering with crucial evidence.

Additionally, it reminds the Tamil Nadu State Legal Services Authority (SLSA) of its mandate under the Legal Services Authority Act, 1987, which allows it to provide legal support to those in custody. The SLSA is also empowered to initiate public interest litigation to seek an independent inquiry into the recent extra-judicial killings in the state.

While JAACT trusts that these requests for action will be heeded, it implores the Government of Tamil Nadu to immediately suspend the police officers involved in Raja’s killing, including Commissioner Arun and Additional Director General of Police Davidson Devasirvatham, to reinforce responsibility and end the culture of impunity.

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*Convenor - Joint Action Against Custodial Torture (JAACT)

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