Thanjavur / Mayiladuthurai: In the aftermath of a controversial press conference held by M. Sundaresan, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), Prohibition Enforcement Wing (PEW), Mayiladuthurai district, a preliminary inquiry has concluded with a strong recommendation for his suspension, according to police sources.
The inquiry was conducted by Ziaul Haque, Deputy Inspector-General (DIG) of Police, Thanjavur Range, and the findings have now been submitted to the Inspector-General of Police, Central Zone for further action.
Press Meet Sparks Controversy
On July 17, DSP Sundaresan addressed the media in Mayiladuthurai, accusing senior officers of harassment and alleging that some were tarnishing the government’s image despite the Chief Minister’s good governance. His decision to go public triggered immediate disciplinary scrutiny.
The DIG’s inquiry found that the officer had violated Tamil Nadu Government Servants’ Conduct Rules, 1973, by conducting a press meet without prior authorization – a privilege restricted to District Superintendents of Police and Commissioners of Police.
Findings of the Inquiry
The DIG recorded statements from Mayiladuthurai SP G. Stalin and several police personnel in the district. In his statement, SP Stalin refuted Sundaresan’s claim of registering 1,120 cases and arresting over 700 prohibition offenders, stating that “he has not arrested a single person.”
Further, personnel attached to the PEW also gave statements containing allegations of misconduct and misrepresentation by Mr. Sundaresan.
The DIG concluded that the DSP’s actions–
- Displayed insubordination and disobedience toward superiors
- Violated multiple service conduct rules
- Damaged the morale and discipline of the police force
- Tarnished the image of Tamil Nadu Police
“The behaviour and conduct of the DSP betrayed his loyalty towards the organisation,” the DIG wrote in the report, recommending suitable departmental action, preferably suspension.
Violation of Redress Protocols
The report emphasized that instead of using the internal grievance redressal mechanisms, Mr. Sundaresan opted to air his grievances in the public domain, making “baseless allegations” that could damage the reputation of the force and the government.
Next Steps Await IGP Review
A senior officer at the State Police Headquarters confirmed that the DIG’s report has been received and that appropriate action will be taken based on the observations of the Inspector-General of Police (Central Zone).
Meanwhile, Mr. Sundaresan, in his press interaction, said he was prepared to face suspension and stood by his comments. He accused unnamed officers of “pushing the government into a corner” and causing a bad name to an otherwise well-governed administration.
