Getting own death certificate delivered at doorstep while being alive could be a harrowing experience. Two prominent political leaders here have learned it the hard way.
Cooperative Minister Sellur K Raju, who represents Madurai West constituency, and Madurai South MLA R Annadurai (CPM) received the death certificates supposedly issued by Madurai Corporation on Saturday.
The certificate, issued dated August 2, 2013 says that the minister died on July 26, 2007. The other one dated August 23, 2013, claims that the MLA died on July 26, 2006.
Taken aback after collecting own death certificate a day earlier, Annadurai on Sunday lodged a complaint with City Police Commissioner Sanjay Mathur seeking to apprehend the culprits behind the fraud.
And, the police is not taking the case lightly. Considering the issue as a threat to the MLA’s life, police swiftly extended armed protection to Annadurai.
As per the Commissioner’s instructions, the police registered a case under Sections 65, 66 (C) IT Act 2008 and Section 466 (forgery of record of court or of public register).
Annadurai alleged that he was targeted for bringing the irregularities in the East Zone of Corporation to light. “The incident gives a clear picture of the irregularities in the Corporation,” he said.
Meanwhile, city health officer Yashoda Mani lodged a complaint with the Commissioner stating that her digital signature was forged to produce the certificates. According to Corporation sources, an unidentified person had given a representation to Sellur Raju during a grievance day meeting a month ago, saying that the former could get a death certificate issued in the minister’s name by bribing Corporation officials.
Sources close to the minister said that he suspected the role of a councillor who wanted corrupt Corporation officials to be transferred. The Cyber Cell has identified the computer on which the death certificates were produced and the operator was being questioned. The Commissioner has assured the MLA of action against the culprits.