In a Thursday lunch‑room rendezvous, CM M.K. Stalin personally welcomed MIDS economist Kalaiyarasan after the latter was hauled off by plain‑clothes officers at 5 a.m. yesterday. Kalaiyarasan, a two‑time recipient of the World Bank’s Distinguished Research Award, claims he was held for more than two hours, his phone seized and no written complaint presented. He says the officers returned him to his vehicle after questioning in a taxi, with his family left in the dark.
Police later issued a statement labeling the episode a case of mistaken identity, citing an Instagram post that allegedly criticized a TVK MLA from Pallavaram. The officers say they were following a tip that the post was linked to the professor, but Kalaiyarasan argues the account was likely fabricated. He has filed a formal complaint with the Director General of Police, demanding an investigation into the unlawful detention.
The incident has ignited a firestorm in the state assembly. CPM Tamil Nadu Secretary Shanmugam slammed the police action, asking whether the force had acted with 'excessive authority.' DMK Chief Minister MK Stalin demanded a full apology, accusing the police of targeting him for speaking out on rising commodity prices.
Law Minister Nirmal Kumar convened a meeting with the police chief and issued a public apology, calling the detention a 'mistake' and promising a review of procedures. The police chief has agreed to a probe under the State Police Reform Committee. Meanwhile, Kalaiyarasan’s wife, a schoolteacher from Coimbatore, insists the family was not notified and is demanding a public statement from the CM.
The next day, the police will hold a hearing to examine the complaint, and the assembly is slated to debate a motion calling for an independent inquiry. Stakeholders expect the CM to release a formal statement by Friday, while opposition leaders plan to table a resolution demanding police accountability.