Suspension order against ‘Encounter Specialist’ Velladurai lifted – News Today

In a sudden U-turn from its earlier decision, the Tamil Nadu government lifted the suspension of “encounter specialist” S. Velladurai just hours after the order was issued and allowed him to retire. However, the revised order imposes a hefty fine: based on the recommendations of the State Human Rights Commission, he will be deducted Rs 500,000 from his death and retirement gratuity.

Velladurai, who was last posted as Deputy Commissioner of Police at the District Crime Records Bureau in Tiruvannamalai, has been involved in numerous high-profile killings during his career, the most notable being the Special Branch killing of notorious forest bandit Veerappan in 2004, in which Velladurai played a crucial role.

The original suspension order, issued a day before Velladurai’s scheduled retirement, was in relation to a pending investigation into a custodial death case of 2013. The case involved the death of a suspect, Ramar alias Kokki Kumar, while Velladurai was serving as DSP in Sivaganga district. Kumar, who had allegedly stolen Rs 5 lakh, was reportedly injured when he fell into a pit while being arrested by police and later succumbed to his injuries. However, the incident was surrounded by suspicions and allegations of crime as Kumar had links with M. Prabhu and Bharathi, who are suspects in the murder case of Sub-Inspector Alwin Sudhan. Both Prabhu and Bharathi were killed in an encounter with police on November 30, 2012.

The death of Sub-Inspector Alwin Sudhan occurred in an attack on policemen at the Maruthupandiar Jayanthi event on October 27, 2012, further complicating the story of Kumar’s death in custody.

The decision of the Tamil Nadu Home Department to suspend Velladurai shortly before his retirement raised eyebrows, especially given his extensive involvement in run-ins with notorious criminals. The subsequent revocation of the suspension appears to be a concession to his years of service and notable contributions to the state’s law enforcement. However, the fine imposed shows that the government recognizes the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability.