TMJK Leader Claims He Was Locked in Room During Chief Minister Visit in Pudukottai

Tamizhaga Makkal Jananayaga Katchi state president K.M. Shariff has alleged that officials kept him locked inside a room at the Collector's Office during a government function on Monday.

What Happened

Mr. Shariff went to the Pudukottai Collectorate carrying a VIP pass before the arrival of Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay. He arrived along with three others, which included two Congress members. Officials told them their VIP passes were invalid and might have been issued by mistake. Mr. Shariff wanted to meet the Chief Minister to submit a petition asking for a government law college and a cashew nut factory in the Pudukottai constituency.

Detention Claim

Officials asked Mr. Shariff and his group to wait in a meeting room near the Collector's chamber where some Revenue Department officials were already present. Mr. Shariff stated that the doors were locked after they entered, trapping them inside for nearly three hours without access to a toilet or drinking water. He said they were allowed to leave only after the Chief Minister departed from the venue. Mr. Shariff mentioned that he received the VIP pass the previous night and would not have visited the Collectorate if officials had informed him earlier that the pass was invalid.

Context

Political leaders often attempt to submit direct petitions to high-ranking officials during official government visits to highlight local constituency demands. Security arrangements and protocol during chief ministerial visits frequently involve strict pass verification and controlled access at government offices.