CHENNAI: A chaotic incident unfolded at the residence of Naam Tamilar Katchi (NTK) chief Seeman, resulting in the arrest of his security guard and assistant following a confrontation with police over a summons related to serious allegations against him. Reports indicate Seeman's security guard, Amalraj, drew a gun on police officers who were attempting to deliver the summons associated with allegations of rape and cheating made against Seeman by a Tamil actress.
The confrontation began early last Thursday morning outside Seeman's home located in Neelankarai, Chennai. The police, acting on court orders, were serving the summons after the Madras High Court refused to quash the case against Seeman, stemming from complaints made by the actress. He was instructed to appear before the Valasaravakkam police for questioning related to accusations of sexual assault dating back to 2011.
According to details from the incident, Seeman's assistant, Subakaran, tore down the summons notice before the police could deliver it. The tearing of the summons prompted Neelankarai Inspector Pravin Rajesh and his team to respond to the scene. Upon arrival, they were met with resistance from Amalraj, who brandished his personally owned firearm during the altercation.
Police stated they managed to overpower Amalraj, confiscate the firearm, and place both him and Subakaran under arrest. The charges against Amalraj include attempted murder and other offenses under the Arms Act, as police confirmed the seizure of the weapon and ammunition found at the scene.
Seeman, who is also known for his outspoken political views and film career, failed to appear at the police station on the scheduled date, prompting authorities to paste the summons on his front gate. Even though his lawyers later communicated his absence was due to prior commitments, the dramatic escalation at his residence unfolded nevertheless.
“I was very much available at my house on Thursday when the police team from Valasaravakkam police station reached there. They could have handed it to me,” Kayalvizhi, Seeman's wife, asserted to reporters, framing the police's actions as premeditated harassment by the ruling Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) party.
Kayalvizhi stated she urged her husband’s supporters to gather outside the Valasaravakkam police station when Seeman finally planned to appear. “She dared the cops to apprehend her if they could,” indicating her defiance against the police action. This accusatory rhetoric pointed to perceived ulterior motives behind the police conduct, labeling it as politically motivated.
Adding to the controversy, Seeman accused the police of executing plans as per the directives of those high up within the government structure, alleging systematic targeting intended to damage his reputation. He described the public display of the summons as unlawful and intended to publicly humiliate him.
Commenting on the situation, Seeman emphasized his commitment to facing the allegations, asserting, “If I was just an ordinary director who isn’t important and hasn’t made many films, would you still be talking about this case?” His comments alluded to the continuing public scrutiny he faces as high-profile sexual abuse cases are often contentious and provoke intense media attention.
The origins of the case date back to 2011 when the actress accused Seeman of exploiting her under the pretense of marriage, which included claims he forced her to undergo abortions. Although she initially withdrew her complaint, it resurface at the beginning of 2023, pressing for renewed investigation.
Despite the actress's withdrawal of the complaint, the police maintained their obligation to investigate, as Chennai’s judicial system has laid down laws prioritizing the protection against harassment, particularly against women. Following the issuance of the summons, Seeman was expected to comply, yet instead, the incident turned violent.
Reports of additional unrest emerged as NTK party supporters arrived at the police precinct where Amalraj and Subakaran were being held, leading to heightened tensions; additional forces were needed to manage the crowds attempting to rally around Seeman, demanding justice or raising questions on the legitimacy of the police action against him. Photographs from the scene illustrated the chaos as lawyers protested outside the magistrate's court, limiting access for authorized personnel.
Through the past few years, Seeman has been embroiled in controversy, which adds to the volatile political climate within Tamil Nadu. His vocal criticisms of the DMK and the ruling government have escalated, prompting responses he interprets as political vendettas attempting to eliminate his influence.
Seeman confirmed his return to Chennai and reiterated his intent to present himself to the police, setting the stage for continued scrutiny and the potential fallout from this latest incident.
This incident signifies not only personal grievances and trips through the judicial system but reflects larger political dynamics within Tamil Nadu. The political atmosphere remains tense as parties strategically utilize accusations to undermine each other, keeping the public engaged amid controversy. Only time will tell how this latest episode will shape the narrative for Seeman and the NTK party moving forward.