Manikandan, infamously known as ‘CD’ Mani, a former gangster who once dominated criminal operations in south Chennai, was arrested in Salem early Sunday morning by a special team from the Chennai police.According to sources, the 45-year-old Mani had been living a quiet life in Salem, reportedly reformed and no longer involved in illegal activities. Despite his past, where he faced over 15 cases related to extortion and organized crime, Mani had been attending court sessions regularly, and no fresh charges had been filed against him in recent years.
His lawyer expressed surprise over the arrest, stating that Mani was taken from a rented house in Salem without any formal charges being explained to his family. “Mani was leading a peaceful life and attending all his court proceedings without fail. He has not been involved in any illegal activities recently,” the lawyer added. He further stated that a special police team, led by sub-inspector Kanakaraj, apprehended Mani and transported him in a vehicle with the registration number TN 07 6070.
Meanwhile, Mani’s father, Parthasarathy, raised concerns about his son’s arrest. In a letter addressed to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s Office and the state police chief, he expressed fears over a potential threat to Mani’s life. “My son was arrested without any reason provided by the police. This has caused tremendous anxiety in our family, and we fear for his safety,” Parthasarathy wrote.
He further informed that the family had lodged a formal complaint with the State Human Rights Commission and urged authorities to disclose Mani’s location and the reasons behind his detention.
Mani, who once ruled the underworld in south Chennai, had earned notoriety for his involvement in various extortion crimes. However, recent years have seen him staying out of illegal activities, with no fresh cases reported against him. The circumstances behind his arrest remain unclear, and the Chennai police have yet to issue a statement on the case.
This arrest has reignited concerns about encounters and extrajudicial actions in the state, as Mani’s father, Parthasarathy, continues to seek assurance about his son’s well-being and transparency from the police force.