Chennai: Madras high court has directed the Tamil Nadu DGP to provide adequate police protection to AIADMK MLA and former minister C Ve Shanmugam. The court passed order on the ground that the MLA was facing a continuous threat to his life.“The petitioner is facing continuous life threat, and he also lodged complaints. Further, the murder case of his family member is pending trial. Therefore, the petitioner made out a prima facie case to provide police protection to his life and limb,” Justice G K Ilanthiraiyan said.According to the petitioner, in 2006, a gang of criminal elements who are associated with his political rivals along with henchmen, came in a two-wheeler and attacked the petitioner, his two brothers and his brother-in-law with deadly weapons even in the presence of security at his residence. Fortunately, the petitioner had escaped and one of his brothers was murdered by the accused.Investigation has since been completed and a final report filed. It has also been taken on file by the trial court and is pending on the file of I additional district court, Tindivanam, he said. While so, in 2021, after the change in regime, the police protection provided to him was withdrawn. Though he made several representations, his request for police protection was not considered prompting the petitioner to approach the court.Opposing the plea, the police submitted that threat assessment reports received from all agencies revealed that the petitioner is not facing any threat to his life. Refusing to concur, the court passed the order and disposed of the plea.
