Court Rejects Bid by DMK Politician to Dismiss Desalination Plant Vandalism Charges
Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan refused to quash a criminal case against former MLA L. Idhayavarman involving damage to public infrastructure. The ruling follows the review of video evidence allegedly showing the politician destroying safety nets at the Nemmeli facility.
Key takeaways
- Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan ordered the police to finalize the investigation into L. Idhayavarman within four weeks after dismissing his quash petition.
- State prosecutors submitted video evidence allegedly showing the former MLA damaging CMWSSB safety nets at the Nemmeli desalination plant.
- The defense claims the incident involved a protest against officials covering an M.K. Stalin inauguration plaque before a visit by the current Chief Minister.
- The CMWSSB estimates the damage to the protective green netting around the repaired culvert at approximately 10,000 rupees.
Judicial Mandate for Swift Investigation
The Madras High Court has dismissed a petition from former DMK MLA and current Thiruporur Panchayat Union Chairman L. Idhayavarman seeking to void a First Information Report (FIR). On August 3, 2026, Justice G.K. Ilanthiraiyan ordered the Mamallapuram police to conclude their investigation into the July 2026 incident and submit a final report within a four-week deadline.
Evidence of Infrastructure Damage
State Public Prosecutor R. John Sathyan presented the court with video evidence reportedly sourced from the DMK’s own IT wing. The footage allegedly captures Idhayavarman exiting his vehicle and destroying green safety nets installed by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB). These nets protected a culvert under repair near the Nemmeli seawater desalination plant, which was vulnerable due to heavy vehicle vibrations.
The legal proceedings stem from a July 7, 2026, complaint filed by CMWSSB Assistant Engineer V. Malarselvam. The complaint asserts that:
- The incident occurred at approximately 9:30 p.m. on July 5, 2026.
- Idhayavarman and two associates allegedly ripped down the safety barriers.
- The resulting damage to public property totals an estimated ₹10,000.
Political Dispute Over Commemorative Plaques
The confrontation took place just hours before Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was scheduled to visit the site on July 6. In his defense, Idhayavarman argued the prosecution is politically motivated. He claimed his presence at the plant was a response to reports that officials had used the safety nets to hide an inauguration plaque bearing the name of former Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. The petitioner contended that the CMWSSB intended to obscure his party leader's legacy during the current Chief Minister's tour, a claim he says was widely reported in the media at the time.
Source: The Hindu — National
Related stories
India Launches 100-Week Youth Anti-Drug Campaign to Secure National Development Goals
Chief Minister Vijay Targets Industrial Growth with Sriperumbudur Facility Inspection
Tamil Nadu Governor Advocates for National Ethos in Higher Education Frameworks
