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‘Short Circuit’ or sabotage? Tamil Nadu police dismisses IPS officer’s allegations

Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu DGP Shankar Jiwal has dismissed ADGP Kalpana Nayak’s allegations that a fire in her office last year was an act of sabotage. A forensic investigation confirmed that the fire resulted from a short circuit, ruling out foul play.

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Edited By: Muskan Dhami
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Tamil Nadu DGP Shankar Jiwal has dismissed ADGP Kalpana Nayak’s allegations that a fire in her office last year was an act of sabotage (Pinterest)

Tamil Nadu: Tamil Nadu Director General of Police (DGP) Shankar Jiwal on Monday dismissed allegations made by senior IPS officer ADGP Kalpana Nayak regarding a fire incident in her office last year. Nayak had claimed that the fire, which broke out minutes before she entered her office in July 2023, was an act of sabotage intended to endanger her life after she exposed a police recruitment scam. However, DGP Jiwal, citing a detailed probe by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) and forensic analysis, confirmed that the fire was caused by a short circuit and that no arson materials like petrol or diesel were found. "There was no wilful act of arson, ruling out any planned threat to her life," he stated.

Investigation Findings & Forensic Report

Following Nayak’s complaint in August 2023, the case was transferred to the CCB, with forensic experts, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board officials, and independent specialists conducting a thorough investigation.

  • 31 witnesses were interviewed.
  • Forensic reports confirmed the presence of short-circuited copper wires.
  • Thin-layer chromatography & gas chromatography tests ruled out the presence of any inflammable substances.

TNUSRB Refutes Allegations on Recruitment Scam

Nayak, who is a member of the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board (TNUSRB), had also alleged irregularities in the police recruitment process. However, the TNUSRB clarified that her recommendations were duly considered and that the board had followed Madras High Court orders in rectifying errors in the recruitment process.

Opposition Slams DMK Government Over IPS Officer’s Allegations

The ruling DMK government came under sharp criticism from the AIADMK and BJP over the controversy. AIADMK leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) called the incident a “black mark” on the Tamil Nadu police under Chief Minister MK Stalin. He questioned whether murder was the only solution to silence officers who expose corruption. "The DMK government must take responsibility and provide security to the officer," he added. Tamil Nadu BJP president K. Annamalai also raised doubts about the short circuit theory, accusing the police of trying to cover up the truth. He pointed out that Kalpana Nayak was kept out of decision-making in the police recruitment scam and alleged that the fire incident was suspicious.

Police Recruitment Scam & High Court Orders

The TNUSRB published a notification in 2023 for recruiting 750 Sub-Inspectors (SI) and Station Officers for the Fire & Rescue Services. However, in 2024, five candidates challenged the recruitment process in the Madras High Court, questioning the community reservation criteria. The High Court directed TNUSRB to rectify errors and publish a revised selection list, which was released in October 2024. The TNUSRB maintained that Nayak’s recommendations were duly considered and dismissed her allegations.

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