Chennai police encounters under scrutiny as SHRC orders inquiry

The Greater Chennai City Police find themselves at the center of controversy as the ghosts of three extra-judicial killings have resurfaced. The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) has initiated a suo motu inquiry into the three encounter cases, stirring significant concern within law enforcement. These encounters, involving the killings of alleged history-sheeters K Thiruvengadam, ‘Kakkathopu’ Balaji, and ‘Seizing’ Raja, have come under the scanner, raising questions about the use of force and the conduct of the city’s police.

The SHRC’s inquiry was ordered by retired Justice S Manikumar, chairman of the commission. The SHRC has instructed the Superintendent of Police (SP) of its investigation team to conduct a detailed probe into these incidents, which took place after Commissioner A Arun assumed his post. The SP is required to submit a comprehensive report to the commission at the earliest.

This development comes just days after the SHRC summoned city Police Commissioner A Arun to appear on Monday in relation to another case, where an Assistant Commissioner (ACP) allegedly issued an open warning of a potential encounter killing. The ACP, Ilangovan, had reportedly threatened the family of a known history-sheeter that their relative would be killed in an encounter if he continued to engage in criminal activities. This warning was caught on camera and went viral after being posted on YouTube, sparking public outrage. The SHRC took immediate note of the incident, raising concerns about whether the police were emboldened by Commissioner Arun’s earlier remarks.

In his first press briefing after assuming office on July 8, Arun had declared that the police would deal with criminals “in a language they understand.” The SHRC now seeks to determine whether this statement played a role in encouraging officers to take a more aggressive stance.

The timing of Arun’s appointment was also notable. He was posted as Commissioner just three days after BSP State unit president K Armstrong was brutally murdered by a gang. At the time, Arun had dismissed the idea of encounter killings, stating, “There is no such thing as an encounter.” However, with the SHRC’s inquiry now underway, the city’s law enforcement practices are under heavy scrutiny.