The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) has taken up a probe into the alleged conversation between a police officer and an accused in which the former is heard demanding a ₹5 lakh bribe.
C.S.Muthalagu worked as assistant commissioner of police, Teynampet range, from July 7, 2017 to May 31, 2018. He is now designated as Assistant Commandant, Tamil Nadu Special Police, Avadi ‘V’ Battalion.
In 2017, Teynampet police were trying to arrest Prakash and Sundar, involved in kidnapping and extortion.
They managed to arrest Prakash, but his brother Sundar escaped and got anticipatory bail. Later, Prakash also got bail and appeared in the police station to sign regularly. It was then that Muthalagu started demanding a bribe, according to sources. During the last week of February 2018, he demanded ₹20 lakh from Prakash for not taking action against him and Sundar.
Muthalagu refused to accept Prakash’s offer of only ₹5 lakh. He continued to harass him, demanding the bribe, the police said.
Another case
In the meantime, Prakash, Sundar and Rocket Raja were arrested on May 7 in a hotel in connection with another offence.
An inquiry revealed that Muthalagu had already received up to ₹3.5 lakh from Sundar through his advocate. A recorded conversation between Muthalagu and Prakash was released on social media.
Now, following approval from the government, a case has been booked against Muthalagu under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018.
