‘Leaked audio’ lands ACP in trouble

Muthalagu under ‘vacancy reserve’ for allegedly demanding money to help accused

An Assistant Commissioner of Police was placed in the ‘vacancy reserve’ category following a leak of his alleged telephone conversation with an anti-social element demanding ₹5 lakh to let the latter’s brother go scot-free.

C.S. Muthalagu, Assistant Commissioner of Police, Teynampet, was assigned to handle the investigation of the kidnap of Karthik Sethupathi, the adopted heir of Vijaya Nachiar, elder daughter of Ramnad zamindar Shanmuga Sethupathi.

He was kidnapped to Tirunelveli by a gang and tortured there. The gang released Mr. Karthik after usurping properties worth ₹33 crore.

4 persons arrested

The Teynampet police arrested four persons, including ‘Rocket’ Raja last month, in connection with the case.

‘Same caste’

Mr. Muthalagu was allegedly speaking over phone to Prakash, the brother of prime accused Sundar, demanding a bribe. Even as the accused promised to pay ₹5 lakh, the officer was heard asking for more.

Mr. Muthalagu said he would try to help the accused because they all belonged to the same caste. The conversation went viral on social media on Monday morning. However, Mr. Muthalagu has denied that it was his voice.

Just before the leak of the audio, Mr. Muthalagu was transferred to the Central Crime Branch on Monday. On Tuesday, he reported for duty there. Later in the day, he was placed under the ‘Vacancy Reserve’ category in the police chief’s office.