It has been four days since 23-year old Chennai techie Subhasri Ravi lost her life in an accident on the Thuraipakkam-Pallavaram road. Flex boards put up by AIADMK former Councillor S Jayagopal fell on the young woman's bike, causing her to fall and get run over by a lorry. A case was filed both against the lorry driver and the AIADMK functionary.
And while the former was promptly arrested and questioned, the Chennai police have embarrassingly admitted that they have no idea about the latter's whereabouts.
"He has been absconding," admits an investigating officer to TNM. "We are yet to ascertain his location," he adds. The police however, seem to be in no hurry to find the former Councillor.
When asked if they had enquired with his family members, the officer defensively says, "No, we haven't questioned his family or friends yet. They may not disclose the location anyway. "
They further remain evasive when asked what steps have been taken to find the functionary.
Two cases have been filed against Jayagopal for putting up hoardings illegally without permission from the Chennai Corporation. One case has been filed against him in the Pallikaranai police station under Section 3 of The Tamil Nadu Open Places (Prevention of Disfigurement) Act, 1959 (for placing advertisements on the road illegally) and Section 326 of the Indian Penal Code (causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means).
Another case has been filed against Jayagopal by the St Thomas Mount traffic police under various sections including IPC Section 304A (causing death by negligence)
All the sections that he has been booked under are bailable and yet the AIADMK functionary has failed to appear before the police in connection to the case.
When TNM called on Jayagopal's phone on Saturday, a family member informed us that he was in hospital due to chest pain. A source told TNM that Jayagopal was in a private hospital. But police claim that they have already checked at the hospital in question and that he has not been admitted there.
Meanwhile, Manoj Yadav, the driver of the lorry, who was arrested by the police has been given bail, with the magistrate refusing to remand him. The driver who hails from Bihar was arrested under various sections of the Indian Penal Code including section 279 (rash driving), section 336 (Act endangering life or personal safety of others), and section 304A (causing death by negligence).
Subhasri’s parents have demanded that action be taken against all those responsible for her death. They further pointed out that no leaders from the AIADMK have visited the family or expressed their condolences for the young woman's death.