This incident is a significant issue within the Tamil Nadu prison system. Sivakumar, a resident of Manickam Kottai in Krishnagiri district, was serving a life sentence at Vellore Central Prison for a murder conviction. However, instead of keeping him in prison, Vellore Range Prison DIG Rajalakshmi allegedly had him brought to her residence by prison wardens to perform household chores. This situation has raised several serious questions.
The controversy escalated when accusations were made that the prison wardens and guards had taken Sivakumar into a solitary room within the prison and tortured him, claiming he had stolen ₹4.25 lakh and silver items from Rajalakshmi’s residence. Sivakumar’s mother, Kalavathi, subsequently filed a petition in the Chennai High Court, which led the court to order a CB-CID (Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department) investigation.
During the investigation, evidence was found supporting the claims of torture, and cases were registered against 14 individuals, including DIG Rajalakshmi, Additional Superintendent of Police (ADSP) Abdul Rahman, and Jailor Arulkumaran under various sections. As a result of the investigation, Sivakumar was transferred to Salem Central Prison to ensure his safety. Furthermore, both DIG Rajalakshmi and ADSP Abdul Rahman were reassigned; Rajalakshmi was put on a waiting list, and Abdul Rahman was moved to Puzhal-2 Prison in Chennai.
The case was brought up again in the High Court on the 21st of last month, during which the judges questioned why no action had been taken against the senior officers involved. In response to the court’s observations, it was reported that DIG Rajalakshmi, ADSP Abdul Rahman, and Jailor Arulkumaran had been suspended from their duties.
This incident has not only highlighted flaws within the prison system but has also underscored the misuse of power by certain officials. The actions taken by the Tamil Nadu government, prompted by the High Court’s directive, show a commitment to accountability, but the case has raised broader concerns about how prisoners are treated, particularly those serving life sentences.
The case exemplifies how certain authorities can abuse their power within the prison system, leading to severe human rights violations. The fact that life convicts are treated in a way that violates their basic rights is alarming. The government and the judiciary must act swiftly and stringently against such misconduct to ensure that reforms are made within the prison administration.
This incident has exposed systemic issues and procedural lapses within the prison administration. It is crucial for the CB-CID officers to continue their investigation thoroughly and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The public’s expectation is that there will be a transparent investigation and that those guilty of wrongdoing will face appropriate legal consequences.
