Madurai City Central Crime Branch police arresting AIADMK functionary and former deputy mayor P M Mannan on friday
Madurai: AIADMK functionary and former Madurai deputy mayor P M Mannan was arrested on Friday for allegedly offering Rs 30 crore to TVK MLA V M S Mustafa to vote against the govt in a proposed no-confidence motion. Police registered a case under Sections 8 and 12 of Prevention of Corruption Act, dealing with bribery of public servants and abetment, and Section 61(2) of BNS for criminal conspiracy. Separately, police questioned Mustafa’s aide Kani Raj for over five hours regarding his alleged communications with Mannan on Oct 31 and Nov 1. The judge asked why police arrested him on Friday when a notice under Section 35(3) of BNS had directed him to appear for questioning at 10am on Saturday, Nov 7.
“I will abide by the court’s order, continue to cooperate with the investigation and appear before CCB on Saturday as directed,” Mannan told reporters. Condemning the arrest, AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami said, “The govt has fabricated a story through Madurai Central MLA Mustafa, arrested our party functionary Mannan and staged yet another political drama. However, a Madurai court refused to remand him in judicial custody and ordered his release on a personal bond, questioning the circumstances of his arrest. Madurai city central crime branch (CCB) police arrested Mannan after hours of questioning over a complaint lodged by Mustafa, who represents Madurai Central. Investigators reportedly seized his mobile phone to examine call records and audio evidence. The inquiry sought to establish whether the alleged offer was communicated to Mustafa through his aide. The arrest, however, came under judicial scrutiny when Mannan was produced before district judge S Joseph Joy. Rejecting the police request for judicial remand, the court directed his release on a personal bond. This is shameful. He also alleged that the govt was attempting to divert attention from discontent among its own MLAs.
He accused TVK of previously engaging in horse-trading, including abducting an AMMK legislator to obtain his signature.