100 per cent arrests will be made in Nagercoil custodial death: TN Prisons Minister

Chennai, Jul 16 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Minister for Prisons R Nirmal Kumar on Thursday said the state government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy towards custodial deaths, promising swift and strict legal action against any wrongdoers. "Whosoever is involved, 100 per cent arrests will be made. This government does not tolerate or support any wrongdoing," the Minister said. Kumar was replying to questions regarding a recent custodial death in Nagercoil at a press conference here. The minister asserted that a completely independent investigation is underway by the police department. He added that the Chief Minister has issued clear instructions that there will be no excuses for deaths occurring in jails or police custody. "Severe legal action has already been initiated, with an FIR filed two days ago and the involved jailers and wardens arrested," he added. Highlighting the administration's anti-corruption measures within its first two months, the Minister for Electricity and Energy Resources and Law pointed out that systemic bribery in sectors like housing, registration, and solar power -- which existed under the previous regime -- has been completely halted. He noted that previously, Rs 25 lakh per megawatt was demanded for solar power applications. "To counter bribery, the government has set up a dedicated toll-free number and department-specific email IDs for the public to lodge complaints," he added. Furthermore, the government is actively revising older tenders to eliminate built-in commission buffers of 30 per cent to 20 per cent, Kumar said. The Minister explained that by reducing these inflated estimates, the saved capital will directly benefit the state exchequer rather than going towards bribes. High-value tenders found with irregularities or wrongful estimations are being cancelled to protect public funds. On the ongoing Mekedatu dam dispute with Karnataka, the Minister clarified that Karnataka was only granted permission to prepare a Detailed Project Report (DPR). He stated that since this is an issue between two states, it must be settled legally through the designated commission rather than through police force. The minister blamed historical lapses dating back to 1970 for the escalation of the issue but reaffirmed that the current government will maintain a strong legal stance. He assured that the state will not give an inch of space for the construction of the Mekedatu dam, leveraging environmental and forest violations to stop the project legally. Responding to queries on delays in appointing government lawyers, the Minister stated that over 80 per cent to 90 per cent of appointments at the district level (Public Prosecutors and Government Pleaders) have been completed. "For the first time in 45 years, profiles are being thoroughly evaluated with background checks conducted by district collectors," he added. He noted that the current appointments are temporary, and any inefficient personnel will be weeded out before the period ends. Regarding the second cabinet meeting held ahead of the assembly session, the Minister stated that discussions centered around the state's budget and financial status. Describing the financial situation left behind in all departments as "bleeding," he said the Chief Minister is continuously reviewing every department to ensure that public revenues are optimally utilised for the people in the upcoming years. PTI JR ROH