HC directs police to provide security to VCK leader

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Madras High Court today directed the DGP to provide a personal security officer to Thol. Thirumavalavan, leader of Viduthalai Chiruthaaigal Katchi, apart from security that is to be given to all political leaders till the completion of Lok Sabha polls.
Justice C T Selvam disposed of the the petition filed by Thirumavalavan seeking a direction to police to provide him security till the completion of the Lok Sabha polls.
In a counter affidavit, the DGP said police protection would be given to all political leaders including Thirumavalavan.
In its order, the court directed the DGP to provide the same security as it is given to all other political leaders and in doing so also to provide a PSO to Thirumavalavan till the completion of the election process.

Earlier when the petition came up, the Judge had directed police to submit their reply.
Thirumavalavan, VCK President, had submitted that he was an MP from the Chidambaram constituency and contesting from the same seat.

He alleged that criminal elements having affiliation with some caste and communal forces had attacked him in some places in the state recently. Though he sought security, there was no response from police, he said and in view of this it may not be possible to him to discharge his democratic and fundamental right and move freely for canvassing.
In his petition, he claimed there was imminent threat to his safety and security and prayed for a direction to police to provide security till the completion of the poll process.

Meanwhile, the First Bench, comprising acting Chief Justice Sathish K Agnihotri and Justice M M Sundresh, disposed of another plea filed by Thirumavalavan seeking a direction to the ECI to allot the VCK the symbol of 'STAR' for the candidates.
The bench recorded the submission of senior counsel for the Election Commission who stated that the representation made by the party was under consideration and it will decide on it before the announcement of election symbols.