Tightening the noose on a controversial police officer whose conversation seeking a hefty bribe for going easy on two accused of kidnap had gone viral last year, sleuths from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption searched his house in Anna Nagar on Tuesday.
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Chennai:
Officials said they recovered a hard disk and a few electronic gadgets from DSP C S Muthalagu’s residence, and claimed to have seized some evidence as well. Sources added that the officer was in possession of a licenced gun. The agency had registered a case of corruption about 10 days ago.
The officer had hit the headlines when his telephone conversation in which he said Rs 5 lakh that was offered as bribe would not even meet his monthly tea expense, went viral. Muthalagu was serving as the Assistant Commissioner (Teynampet) when his conversation hit the social media. He is currently serving as the Assistant Commandant, TSP Avadi battalion.
Brothers Prakash and Sundar were wanted in connection with the abduction of Karthik Sethupathi, believed to be a legal heir of Ramanad Samasthanam (estate).
Initially, Prakash and a gangster named ‘Rocket’ Raja were arrested, while Sundar remained absconding. After Prakash came on bail, Muthalagu allegedly contacted him demanding Rs 20 lakh for not taking action against him and Sundar. Prakash replied that he would be able to give only Rs 5 lakh, to which the officer responded that the amount would only meet his monthly tea expense.
As Muthalagu threatened through WhatsApp calls and in person, Prakash recorded the call, which was later leaked to the media. After the audio clip went viral on social media, the State police headquarters decided to order a detailed probe.
In its FIR, the DVAC said inquiries revealed that Muthalagu had already received about Rs 3.5 lakh from Sundar – who was absconding – through his advocate in connection with the case. The crime had happened between the last week of February and first week of May, it said in the FIR.