The Crime Branch-Criminal Investigation Department (CB-CID) picked up police constable Muraliraja for the second time on Thursday in connection with the Vengaivayal water contamination case, under the provisions of the Police Act 41 A. The case, involving the mixing of human feces in an overhead water tank serving a Dalit residential neighborhood, first came to light on December 26, 2023.Initial investigations by the Vellanur police failed to identify the perpetrators, leading to the case being handed over to the CB-CID on January 16, 2024. Under the direction of DSP Palpandi, the CB-CID team has conducted an extensive investigation, interrogating 221 witnesses, performing DNA tests on 31 individuals, and conducting voice analysis for five suspects.
Despite previous questioning and a voice analysis test, Muraliraja, a constable from Vengaivayal attached to the Manamelkudi police station, was re-summoned on Thursday amid suspicions of his involvement in the heinous act. Responding to the summons, Muraliraja appeared before the CB-CID officials in Pudukkottai.
The re-summoning of Muraliraja signifies the investigative team’s determination to leave no stone unturned as they near the final stages of the case. With heightened tensions and the investigation drawing to a close, security has been significantly increased around Vengaivayal to prevent any potential unrest.
The Vengaivayal incident has drawn widespread attention and condemnation, highlighting ongoing issues of caste-based discrimination and the urgent need for justice and accountability.