TIRUPATHUR: A man was arrested by the Tirupattur police on Saturday for allegedly supplying tobacco to minors and recording a video of them smoking. A video of the incident, which recently went viral on social media, was found to be filmed nearly a year ago on June 7, 2024, stated an official press release. The incident had occurred within the Alangayam police station limits.
After the video started making rounds on social media, Tirupathur superintendent of police Shreya Gupta ordered a detailed inquiry into the incident. Probe revealed that the accused, identified as Athunan from Rettiyur village, had allegedly supplied tobacco to the minors and recorded the act. He was arrested on Saturday, and remanded to judicial custody.
Speaking to TNIE, SP Shreya Gupta said the accused, a college student, had supplied tobacco to the kids and recorded the video. It’s unclear if they were forced to smoke or not. A case has been registered under relevant sections of the Juvenile Justice Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
Furthermore, the probe also revealed that two police personnel from the Tirupathur District Armed Reserve had engaged in misconduct in connection with the case. Subsequently, both were suspended from duty with immediate effect. Further inquiry is underway to ascertain the exact role of the officers in the case.