A case of mistaken identity led to the arrest of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK) Secretary of Vandavasi, Mr. Ashok Kumar, sparking protests and allegations of police brutality.

Mr. Ashok Kumar mistakenly took a two-wheeler parked in front of Kilkodungalore police station, assuming it to be his friend’s. Upon realizing his error two hours later, he returned the vehicle and informed the police. However, the police filed a case of theft (FIR No. 9/2025) and arrested him.

Upon hearing about the arrest, VCK Zonal Committee member of Tiruvannamalai District, Mr. Metha Ramesh, along with other VCK members, rushed to Kilkodungalore police station to plead for Ashok Kumar’s release. Despite their explanations, Inspector S. Balu refused to grant station bail. An argument ensued, leading to the inspector allegedly punching Mr. Metha Ramesh in the chest. This provoked protests from the VCK members outside the station.

The police responded by forcibly detaining the protesters, including Mr. Ramesh, and transporting them to Vandavasi. Reports indicate that Mr. Ramesh suffered chest pain and requested to urinate during the journey, but his pleas were ignored. Upon arrival at Vandavasi Government Hospital, the medical officer initially failed to document his injuries in the accident register. It was only after intervention by the Joint Action Against Custodial Torture (JAACT) and an online complaint on the CCTNS portal that the injuries were officially recorded.

Subsequently, the police registered FIR No. 10/2025 against Mr. Ramesh and 15 others under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including wrongful restraint, unlawful assembly, public nuisance, assault on a public servant, and criminal intimidation. The detained protesters were presented before the Cheyyar Magistrate, who granted bail to six women while remanding 14 others to judicial custody at Vellore Prison.

The incident has drawn severe criticism from human rights organizations. The Human Rights Defenders Alert (HRDA) has condemned the arrests and alleged custodial torture as a misuse of police power, arguing that the right to peaceful protest is guaranteed under Article 19(b) of the Indian Constitution.

Appeal:

We urge the Hon’ble Commission to take cognisance of the above case and urgently:

• To direct the Director General of Investigation to initiate a transparent, independent inquiry in the illegal arrest and custodial torture of HRDs Mr. Metha Ramesh and others and submit the report to the Commission within four weeks.
• Based on the inquiry direct the Director General of police of Tamil Nadu to produce within 48 hours copies of all relevant documents pertaining to torture for an independent examination by the Hon’ble Commission.