The police on Sunday thwarted an attempt by Arappor Iyakkam to organise an event on its premises to highlight the ineffectiveness of the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption in the State.
Jayaram Venkatesan of Arappor Iyakkam said they had planned a symbolic kanneer anjali (tearful homage) for the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) on the NGOs premises at Egmore on Sunday.
The event was to show the extreme frustration and disappointment of the general public at the utter ineffectiveness of the DVAC in effectively fighting corruption in the State.
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It was also to highlight the inaction of the DVAC in investigating evidence submitted against a former Chief Secretary and top police officials in the gutkha bribe case.
The event was gaining traction among the people, understandable given the public anger against corruption, according to a release from the NGO.
On Saturday at 10 p.m., Arappor Iyakkam received a letter from Egmore Inspector Settu and Assistant Commissioner Subramani objecting to the event.
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“One of their objections was on the ground that people opposed to us may create a law and order situation,” the release said.
Pointing to the considerable police force stationed outside the office of Arappor Iyakkam, the organisers claimed that the police were harassing volunteers entering the premises.
Event rescheduled
The NGO decided to take up the issue legally and reschedule the event. This was conveyed to the Egmore Inspector.
“While the Inspector took the letter from us, he failed to give us any written acknowledgement of receipt,” said Mr. Jayaraman.
“Tamil Nadu is becoming a police state, denying the fundamental right of freedom of expression,” said Mr. Jayaraman, condemning the attempt of the police to stifle the right to freedom of speech and expression of dissent.