3 cops suspended for taking bribe from rowdy

Chennai: Three police personnel, including an armed reserve inspector, have been suspended for accepting bribes from a history-sheeter lodged in Puzhal central prison and providing him with undue privileges during court escorts.The accused, identified as Vellai Kali, a rowdy from Madurai, was given special treatment by Inspector Marimuthu and constables Thirumurugan and Chelladurai while being taken to courts. A departmental inquiry confirmed that the officers had received money from him. Following this, Greater Chennai police commissioner Abin Dinesh Modak, ordered the suspension of all three personnel.According to police, on Jan 24, while returning to prison from a court hearing, the police vehicle carrying Vellai Kali was passing through Thirumanthurai in Perambalur district. During a stop at a restaurant, a 15 member gang hurled country-made bombs at the vehicle and fled. In connection with the attack, one of the accused, Kottu Raja, was later killed in a police encounter. Officials further stated that prior to the incident, the suspended officers had repeatedly accepted money from the accused and extended favors to him during court appearances. TNN