HC asks police to complete probe before December 22

Madras High Court today directed the Coimbatore police to probe a criminal case filed against a college Professor for carrying 1.5 kg of ganja.
The direction was given by Justice S Nagamuthu on a plea by the professor T V Velliyangiri seeking to quash the case against him and to register criminal cases against police personnel responsible for filing the "false case" and his unlawful detention.
Velliyangiri, Professor in a Vellore district-based engineering college submitted that the trouble began after he and some other faculty members protested frequent visits by police in connection with investigation into the murder of the college founder's son.

He subimiited that he was taken into "illegal custody" on charges of possessing 1.5 kg ganja on September 5 under Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
His wife V Devi had earlier moved the court for a direction to register criminal cases against the inspector and his superiors who filed the case against her husband and entrust the cae with CBI.
Advocate General A L Somayaji said the government had objection for shifting the investigation officer but said it need not be made over to the CBI and suggested Superintendent of Police Sudhakar's name for an inquiry.

Justice Nagamuthu, concurring with the submissions of Somayaji said "for some excess allegedly committed by a few police officials and the indifferent attitude of a few higher police officials, the entire police force cannot be undermined. Tamil Nadu police is known for its investigating skills and its impartiality. I am also of the view that transferring this case to CBI would only add to the workload of the CBI."

He also criticised the then SP of Vellore district Vijayakumar, saying "it is shocking to hear the officer telling the court that he was not aware of any complaints and representations sent by the professor and his family members."
Stating the matter required a thorough investigation, the judge asked Sudhakar to complete the probe before December 22.